Poor Showing Made By Linwood

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31985, 12 May 1969, Page 20

Poor Showing Made By Linwood

LINWOOD 17: W F. McCormick two tries, a conversion, and a penalty goal: p. Jellyman a dropped kick and a pen alty goal. SYDENHAM 0.

The first half of this match was as lifeless as it was tryless. Sydenham understand ably, adopted spoiling tactics and as a result few back movements eventuated.

In the second spell, Linwood made better use of the advantage it enjoyed in possession and the standard improved slightly, though the pace never quickened much.

Linwood was hampered by a makeshift back-line—R. Wool house was not playing and K Gimb.ett left the field earlv with an injury—but even so it was not a display in keeping with its previous form. There was far too much aimless kicking, and almost a com-; plete lack of purpose. The rain-affected ground could not excuse all the bad handling and absence of penetration on attack.

In the latter respect. Svdenham was especially at fault.

The backs stood' flat-footed and the ball, on occasions, went along the line to a wing who had not advanced at a'.l.

Tn its credit, the Sydenham pack tried hard to scavenge as much ball as possible, but its backs made such poor use of it that the Sydenham forwards could be excused for wondering if the effort -was really worth while.

M. McArty, though he appeared dogged by soreness for most of the mate a. secured much ball for Linwood from the line-outs. I. Mallard was a fastbreaking loose forward, though often too fast.

B. Elder played a disappointing game though he had little In the way of protection from his forwards. His passes lacked accuracy, and were often too slow.

N Stokes was little more than steady, while Jellyman. except for his dropped goal, did little of note. R. Cocks showed an occasional burst of speed though he would be better to employ his pace to run around a man and not through him. McCormick took time off from his place at full-back to give his back-'ine a hand, and even, on occasions, his forwards. He showed his customary spirit and vigour at all times. R. Doell and A. Massie played good games in the Sydenham pack, aa also did 0. McKenzie,

who achieved much on defence. M. Pepper was a steady halfback though he seemed somewhat ambitious in attempting to drop goa'.s from near halfway.

?. Verdon was by far the best of the Sydenham backs. His handling and passing were crisp and he kicked with good judgment. On one wing, G. Hay looked as if he could be a danger if given the ball with room to use his speed. He had several chances to use his speed, but unfortunately never when he had the ball.

Referee: Mr A. F. Gurnsey.