AVAILABLE FOR LEAGUE FINAL

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31763, 21 August 1968, Page 15

AVAILABLE FOR LEAGUE FINAL

The Kiwi half-back, J. G. Clarke, and the Southern Zone second-row forward, A. W. Thompson, will return to the Papanui Rugby league team for the grand final against Linwood at the Show Grounds on Saturday.

Thompson was forced to withdraw from the Canterbury team that travelled to Dunedin for the southern zone quadrangular tournament on August 3 and 4 because of a rib injury. The following vzeek, when Papanui played Addington in the major semi-final, Thompson was replaced at half-time to avoid aggravating the injury. The leading forward tryscorer in club football this

season, Thompson should Increase Papanui’s penetration with his strong running and noted speed. Another player to withdraw from the Canterbury tournament team. Clarke has been troubled with a groin injury and was forced to miss the game against Addington. He trained last evening and may be at stand-off half outside B. Allen, who played splendidly in the semi-final.

Should Clarke play at standoff the loose forward, R. S. Walker, could return to the pack. Ironically, Papanui will be without its young inside back, R. F. Schwass, in the grand final because of the club’s earlier series of injuries. Schwass was called into the Canterbury team when his brother and Papanui captain, C. R. Schwass, and a club-mate, M. R. Napier, withdrew. He suffered concussion against Otago and will not play again this season.