Country Impressive In 27-0 Victory

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32015, 16 June 1969, Page 15

Country Impressive In 27-0 Victory

Canterbury Country Subunions Impressively beat the touring Horowhenua Rugby team, 27-9, at Kalapoi Park on Saturday. For Horowhenua it was their seventh match in 13 days, but that could hardly be adopted as an excuse tor its poor tackling throughout the match. Its weak defence was an open invitation to Country, which readily responded. Country kept Horowhenua under pressure from the start, and had a lead of 16 points by half-time. Points came from seven tries, three of which were converted. The Country forwards were responsible for the success. They gained nine-tenths of possession from set play, and their rucking was impeccable. A. Wylie, the country captain, was the star of the match. He kept his forwards up with play, and ploughed through opposition without Intimidation. At the back of the line, he Invariably gained possession. Near the end of the match he

snatched the ball from a lineout near half-way. and crashed through meek opposition to score. Other tries were scored by M. Boyce, M. Pulley (two), G. Henderson, P. Kinninmoth and F. Fowler. S. Dykes converted two and P. Sheehan one. Henderson at No. 8 was always up with play and had a sound game. H. McDonald gained numerous tight heads for Country and also played well in line-outs. The Country back-line played magnificently, and outstripped Horowhenua with precise passing and speed. The two wingers, P. Kinninmoth and F. Fowler, were sound and fast Both were unfortunate not tr score several times when they were nudged into touch near the line. N. Dykes, full-baek for Country did not play up to his pre vious form, but he st least bet tered his opposite number whr was continually flustered wher under attack. The referee waa Mr 8. C Wlilaw