Rugby Park in the spotlight

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32957, 1 July 1972, Page 4

Rugby Park in the spotlight

The familiar argument that Rugby Park should become the headquarters ground for the 15-a-side game was revived by the bumper attendance of about 5000 spectators for two senior matches recently. The smallness ' of the stands, and their closeness to the playing field, produces a much better Rugby atmosphere than is the case at Lancaster Park oval. Watching a game at Rugby Park is stimulating for the spectators, because they are almost on top of the action. Lancaster Park spectators have to be blessed with long sight, or possess a pair of binoculars. The state of the oval’s surface gives cause for concern at least once every winter, but Rugby Park has a justifiable reputation as a ground for all weathers. However, even if the Canterbury Rugby Union favoured a switch to Rugby Park in principle, it could not possibly contemplate a withdrawal from the oval. The union is dependent on Lancaster Park to attract major games to Christchurch, and the massive investment represented by the big stands commits the union to a policy of continuance. Although the attendance at Rugby Park was five times as great as the biggest crowd at the oval for a club game this season, it must be remembered that the draw was possibly the most attractive

of the 10 rounds played so far. The game between Linwood and Lincoln College had obvious appeal, and the appearance of two such attractive sides as Christchurch and University A in the curtain-raiser provided an added lure. Before the next match of importance at Rugby Park, however, the union would be well advised to have a two-strand wire fence erected around the playing area. The referee of the big game (Mr A. R. Taylor) had to speak to over-enthusiastic spectators who were edging on to the field on the north-west side and others who were crowding into the in-goal area. As soon as the referee’s back was turned, the spectators were back again.