DRAB MATCH TO CHRISTCHURCH

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31737, 22 July 1968, Page 14

DRAB MATCH TO CHRISTCHURCH

CHRISTCHURCH *: P. B. Eyles try; B. A. Watt field goal. UNIVERSITY A 3: D. Papps penalty goal. Possession seemed to be an embarrassment to both sides, so frequently and so fruitlessly did the rival backs kick the ball. The running game was scarcely given a fair trial. There were countless opportunities when the situation called for a pass, but an uninspiring kick was substituted. It was a wonder the forwards played so well, for they had to spend a good deal of time chasing the ball hither and thither. The trouble began in set play, where flankers and five-eighths moved up quickly on defence, giving the opposing inside backs a complex which remained with them for the rest of the game. D. A. Arnold (Christchurch) was an exception; his kicking generally had some purpose and his diligent backing-up deserved some reward. Christchurch scored all its points against the wind in the first half. During the first 30 minutes of play it appeared to be gaining the upper hand gradually, but faced by the tenacious University forwards it was unable to develop its advan-

tage. Christchurch appeared to reach a point in the second half where it was unable to do anything more to advance its score —but University was no better. A flash of initiative was needed, but University semed to have no plan of attack in the backs, so the ball was kicked hopefully ahead. W. Risman had some success in the line-outs for Christchurch, but he did not have matters all his own way, for M. Taylor jumped well for University, and G. Garlick gave him strong support. University’s best work was accomplished in the rucks and mauls, and in these encounters no player surpassed G. Loveridge. P. N. Duncan displayed good all-round form for University, while R. Mahan and C. Cochrane were valuable forwards for Christchurch. Watt did not have a convincing partnership with his halfback, G. Barnes, and the backline suffered as a result. But Watt’s efficiency at least denied University a chance of capitalising on his team’s occasional uncertainty. R. Sommerville, the University half-back, gave a creditable performance while H. J. Joseph soundly marked the unpredictable Arnold in set movements. Referee: Mr J. R. Milnes.