LATE TRY CLINCHES RUGBY FINAL Chch waited 42 years to be sole champion

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32994, 14 August 1972, Page 24

LATE TRY CLINCHES RUGBY FINAL Chch waited 42 years to be sole champion

(By

J. K. BROOKS)

Ross McGlashin was mobbed by his wildly-excited team-mates after he had scored a try in the final minute of yesterday’s Harewood Trophy grand final to clinch Christchurch’s victory against High School Old Boys.

The 10-3 win by Christchurch in the rain-spoilt match gave the club its first outright Rugby championship for 42 years. It had been joint winner in each of the two previous seasons.

A tenacious Old Boys side proved to be a worthy finalist, but it! did not have enough ball at its command to force ■ Christchurch to the brink. I The taller, heavier Christchurch forwards won three times as much possession as their rivals, and this enabled McGlashin and his half-back, A. T. P r nny, to dictate the trend of tne game. Change of tactics A crowd of about 5000 assembled in bright sunshine at Lancaster Park for the game, but rain started to fall after about 12min play, and the glimmerings of bright back play in the early stages quickly gave way to the more realistic kick-and-chase methods. Both sides mounted some stirring foot rushes, but neither handled the conditions convincingly, and counter-attacks and clearances became commonplace. Christchurch deserved its victory, although it gave its supporters some agonising moments before McGlashin scored his try. Old Boys knuckled down to their defensive role with commendable diligence, and although the prize eluded them, they produced the man of the match in S. I. Purdon, an energetic No. 8. Strong defence Purdon was a constant thorn in McGlashin’s flesh and led most of Old Boys’ impromptu attacks. But his best work was accomplished when he dropped back on defence; his reliable tackling and fielding saved his side in many perilous situations. His example was faithfully followed by his fellow players. At one stage in the second half, Christchurch won six successive scrums i within syd of the Old Boys’ I goal-line. The defence

creaked and groaned—but it

Christchurch started with a flourish, and R. J. Knight, the right wing, was within a hair’s breadth of two tries in the first two minutes. R. Wilson scored a try on the blind side in the seventh minute and kicked a fine conversion from the sideline—and then the rain came. Purposeful play J. W. Rowberry, the Christchurch captain, chased and harried with a fine sense of purpose, and R. F. Mahan and P. Dalzell followed him faithfully. W. J. Risman, in the line-outs, and M. R. Powley, in the scrums, were providers of plenty for Christchurch, although Risman, by tapping the greasy ball constantly, obviously had great faith in Penny’s catching ability. Wilson performed splendidly at full-back for the winning side, and his saves under pressure and his long line-kicking meant much to his forwards in the wet. McGlashin’s sound handling and kicking kept Christchurch on the front foot, and Penny distinguished himself by setting up both his side’s tries.

Old Boys were well served by G. R. W. Harrison and R. H. Doell in the tight, and R. Stanbury played intelligently at half-back and produced some excellent punts and sharp breaks. J. G. Matthews was prominent for his spec-

tacular aerial catches and his copybook tackling of Knight, but his four missed penalty kicks in the first half proved costly.

A penchant for off-side play by the Christchurch players took a little of the gloss from their victory. Christchurch was penalised 14 times by the referee (Mr B. E. Powell) to Old Boys’ six.

For Christchurch, Wilson and McGlashin scored tries, and Wilson converted one. Matthews kicked a penalty goal for Old Boys.

In the curtain-raiser, Canterbury B beat Canterbury Maoris, 28-15, in a lively game.