Notable Rugby victory

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33005, 26 August 1972, Page 4

Notable Rugby victory

(By

J. K. BROOKS)

Few will begrudge the Christchurch senior Rugby team its victory in the Harewood Trophy competition this season, after the frustrating experience of tying six times for the championship since 1955. The look of rapture on the face of the popular Christchurch secretary (Mr T. P. George) after the grand final vividly captured the feelings of all members of the club. It was 42 years since the red-and-blacks had last won the title outright. Christchurch was well served by a competent set of forwards, shrewdly led by J. W. Rowberry, a small but effective flanker. P. Dalzell had many good days at No. 8, and M. R. Powley made a big impression, both as a specialist hooker, and as an all-round forward.

The experienced men, R. F. Mahan, F. Townsend, and R. Hearn, made significant contributions to their side’s showing in the tight, and Mahan was also of good value in linking with his backs for second phase attacks. D. Pyatt and P. Coleman, the youthful locks, developed steadily, but the side’s line-out success was chiefly attributable to the return of W. J. Risman, a former Canterbury lock. Risman started the season as a “spare part,” but his ballwinning capabilities led to his return as a first string player. R. J. Knight, the right wing, played excellent Rugby throughout the season, and he had solid support from the men inside him. A. T. Penny was a workmanlike half-back, who revelled in the hard going, and M. R. McEwan dis-

played speed and elusiveness at second five-eighths. J. Hanna played some good football at centre towards the end of the competition, and B. C. Cochrane. E. D. Clayton, and B. M. Teen were all capable wings. At full-back. R. Wilson fielded and kicked impeccably. But perhaps the most improved player was the first five-eighths, R. McGlashin, whose steadiness under pressure and whose calm direction of the attack meant much to Christchurch, especially in the crucial Harewood Trophy games. The coaches, Messrs G. Wilson and G. Waterreus, deserve credit not only for preparing the side so ably but for helping to engender a fine spirit of co-operation and comradeship among the players. It was this spirit, as much as playing ability, which took Christchurch to the top.