Elder was architect of splendid victory

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32626, 7 June 1971, Page 14

Elder was architect of splendid victory

LINWOOD 24: K. Glmblett, T. Norton, W. f; McCormick, R. J. Woolhouse and B. Elder tries. McCormick a penalty goal, two conversions, P. Jellyman a conversion. CHRISTCHURCH 5: P. Coleman a try J. Hanna conversion. If it was disappointing that the day’s main match should be onesided, there was more than compensation in the display given by Linwood, which was utterly convincing. There were times when its performance neared perfection. The driving of the forwards was a particularly telling factor. They were quick to the rucks, vigorous at them; but they were especially impressive when such robust players as G. Cron had the ball In hand and the rest of the pack In close support. The forwards, fit and well-drilled, were also able to deploy to assist back movements most

effectively. The whole Linwood pack played splendidly, with Cron in Impressive form, but the backs also deserved credit for this sweeping victory. They looked very dangerous, very often, as Elder sent them off with long.

accurate passes. Elder’s switches of play were most effective and with I. Perry, the first fiveeighths, showing sharpness on attack, Christchurch was harried persistently. Time and again Linwood contrived to have an overlap, and the side scored several magnificent tries after a frustrating first-spell period when the Christchurch line was crossed several times, without positive reward. Glmblett*s try came from an in-pass from woolhouse after a sharp back attack; Norton’s from a splendid movement which began on the right, with R. F. Cocks making ground, and swinging in-field for at least five players to handle before Norton went over.

McCormick’s try. if a little more fortuitous, was just as spectacular. He put a long kick up-field, chased It hard, and when the bounce beat two defenders he gathered the ball In and ran another 30 yards to the tine. Late In the game Woolhouse scored a fine try after Jellyman had made the most of a quick switch by Elder, and Elder himself scored a very good try after the defence had been reduced to ruin. Christchurch had one period, early in the second spell. In which It looked capable of extending Linwood, and Coleman’s try was a fine one after the wing, M. Loveridge, had gone down the left and put a shrewd kick in-field. In general, however, Christchurch was thoroughly outplayed, and a defence which was thoroughly stretched was not Improved by some poor tackling. Christchurch made many more mistakes than Linwood, It lacked Linwood’s drive from the line-outs and In the loose play, and its backs, players of considerable ability, were denied attackins; chances. Referee: Mr K. G. Orsbourn.