IRVINE IN FORM FOR MARIST

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31985, 12 May 1969, Page 16

IRVINE IN FORM FOR MARIST

A magnlficsnt try after a ran of more than TO yards by R. S. J. Irvine was the highlight of Marlot-Woftern Suburbs'* IM Win over Papanul In ths preliminary lan Barr Memorial Cup Rugby league match at Papanul Domain yesterday.

Irvine ran from the scrum base deep inside his own territory and beat two defenders with a dummy pass to B. F. Dobbs. Irvine, the IMS-O7 Kiwi scrum-half, was making a rd turn to club football after a period on the side-line because of a recurring knee injury. Although he only played in the first half, Irvine said after the game hie injury had not troubled him end ho would be

available for bi* elub against Chrlttchurch-Eartern Suburb* on Saturday. Papanul dominated the latter half of the flrat spell and much of the early aocond-half play but it was not able to score a try until seconds before fulltime. R. J. A. McKenzie had won nine of the 17 first-half scrums for Marlst-Westorn Suburb* but X. R. Blackler dominated the scrum* after.the interval. 8-2. Outstanding defence by J. J. M. Worter* and fine attacking by B. G. Thomas and G. A. COwan was evident in. th* Marlst-Western Suburbs pack, while J. A. Rothwell. D. K. Menzies and W. D. Beri were the most penetrative backs. Papanul’* backs lacked cohesion, although R. F. Schwass made one or two initial openings. K. G. Walker was a most constructive forward and J. R. Vivian -played consistently tn his first game since transferring from Addington. For Marlst-Weitern Suburbs. Irvine, Dobbs and Bert scored trie*. Beri kicked two goal* and P. v. B. Smith kicked a field goal. R, Venus scored Papanul’* tries and P. C. Napier (two) and Schwass kicked goals. The refree (Mr T. Drake) awarded is penalties to Papanul and 13 to Marist-Weatern Suburb*.

In tbs third grads curtainraiser. Mariit-Wsstsrn Suburb* beat Papanul, 18-14.