Canterbury Wins Dour Forward Struggle, 11-6

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32053, 30 July 1969, Page 19

Canterbury Wins Dour Forward Struggle, 11-6

(By

J. K. BROOKS)

The central part of Lancaster Park oval looked like the surface of the moon from the stands yesterday afternoon and, coincidently, the players appeared to be running under one-sixth gravity when the Canterbury Rugby team beat the touring Bay of Plenty side, 11-6, after leading 8-0 at half-time. ’ ’

But, unlike Mr Neil Armstrong’s historic endeavours the previous week, the game did not represent a giant leap forward in the play of either team.

Bay of Plenty fielded forwards of unusual strength and made sure that these eight husky men earned their keep. Canterbury played a far more balanced game but a lack of liaison among the inside , backs in set play and the hard tackling of the Bay of Plenty rearguard invariably brought play back to the forwards.

It was a hard, bruising encounter, but most uninspiring. Bay of Plenty’s intention of playing the game in the forwards, and Canterbury's determination to stifle this form of advancement led to a stalemate. As many as 42 of the 73 line-outs were indecisive, and most of the rucks and mauls ended the same way with the ball tranped under a mass of players. Some of the scrums and rucks went on so long that by the time the ball emerged some players were pushing the wrong way. The ploy which allowed Canterbury to wrest victory from its dour opnonent was the driving bursts initiated behind the scrum bv. Davis, the half-back, and the loose forwards, Kirkpatrick and Wyliie. This produced both Canterbury’s first-half tries and was the only memorable feature of the match. McCormick. Davis and Kirkpatrick scored tries for Canterbury. and McCormick converted one of them. For Bay of Plentv, Jennings scored a try and Trask kicked a penalty goal. The presence of two New Zealand selectors, Messrs I M. H. Vodanovich and V. L. George, might have been expected to inspire some feats of individual brilliance. If any players had such intentions, however, they were doomed to disappointment.

Crowd Silent The ground, in spite of its appearance, provided the players with a reasonably firm footing and the prospects of an entertaining game attracted a crowd of about 7000 to the park. But, after the final whistle, the spectators left their seats without a cheer, a boo, or a clap. Their silence spoke volumes. Canterbury equalled Bay of Plenty in possession, but put the ball to far different use. The touring side, whet it released the ball to its backs, invariably looked to Rowlands, the first five-eighths, to produce an up-and-under—-and then the whole wearisome business of forwards struggling for the bail started again.

Canterbury at least tried to put the ball to good advantage and although the backs muffed scoring opportunities, their intention was unmistakeable. On the sole occasion the Bay of Plenty backs were given their head, Kaipara, the centre, showed considerable

footballing intelligence in a tricky situation and only good covering stopped a try. It was a wonder that this move did not persuade the Bay forwards to open the game.

Rugged Pack Jennings, the Maniapoto brothers, Mohi and Bennett formed the core of a rugged Bay pack, and their approach to tight play set the trend of the game. Jennings showed line-out form and eagerly pursued the ball in the loose, occasionally getting off-side. H. J. Maniapoto proved a skilful barger at No. 2 in the line-out but Hopkinson, his marker, brought home to him the extent of his illegalities. Bay of Plenty’s chief form of advancement was the high punting of Rowlands and the fast following-up of McNaughton, a lively flanker. McCormick was pushed round with scant respect by McNaughton but the All Black full-back’s steadfastness on defence saved Canterbury from some difficult situations.

McCormick was badly bruised in taking a mark in the shadow of the 17st M. Maniapoto, and it was some minutes before he could resume playing. Soon after. Rowlands tested him with another towering kick, and the groggy McCormick’s mark on this occasion was an act of sheer courage. Davis was another Canterbury player who felt the force of Bay’s forward might, but his collaboration with Wyliie and Kirkpatrick brought the home side to victory. The first thrust by this trio cracked Bay’s defence and, after Penrose had joined in, Davis had a clear run to the line.

The second scoring move, engineered by the same three players, was helped by Woolhouse and Burns and ended with Kirkpatrick scoring untouched by the posts. In this movement the alert Davis handled three times.

Twice Davis took advantage of the uncertain handling of the Bay half-back, Munro, by scooping up the ball under

his nose and feeding his supports. On these occasions, Sakata and Kirkpatrick missed tries by inches. Joseph made a fine break and put Arnold through a gap on another occasion but the capricious wind seemed to affect the vital pass. This, however, did not disguise the lack of affinity among the inside backs: three times in the second half the ball went to! the ground through a lack of; understanding between passer and receiver. The hard nature of the game took its toll of the players, and 10 required attention. Arnold retired at halftime with torn ligaments in a knee, but the worst casualty was Johnston, who suffered a broken collar-bone and a damaged leg muscle. A replacement will be sent for, but Johnston will be allowed to accompany the Bay team south. It is to be hoped that he sees some better football to ease his pain. Referee: Mr B. E. Powell.