Cron Rugby’s choice

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33963, 2 October 1975, Page 26

Cron Rugby’s choice

Only the winning of All Black honours for the South African tour next year could possibly bring more joy to Stewart Cron than his selection as Canterbury’s “Rugby Player of the Year.” The auburn-haired flanker was acclaimed by a crowd of about 375 when he was named as the winner of the 1975 award at the Canterbury Rugby Supporters' Club’s sixth annual dinner at the Winter Garden last evening.

It was a measure of Cron’s excellence that a four-man panel headed by Mr B. F. Elder chose him ahead of eight All Blacks, among others. Last month Cron was one of the stars of the interisland match and, last Saturday in Wellington, he made his hundredth first-class appearance. The award was made, however, on performances for Canterbury on Lancaster Park during the season, and in these Cron could not be faulted.

Indeed, it is difficult to recall one mediocre performance by Stewart Cron in the last six seasons. His play has always been marked by enormous diligence, with a touch of brilliance here and there.

If there was one single act by which his play in 1975 will be remembered, it was his match-saving tackle of the Scottish left wing, Lewis Dick, in May.

Dick seemed certain to score, but Cron, whose anticipation has been one of his strong points, covered 30 metres at maximum speed on cover defence to halt the Scot in his tracks.

Cron’s tackling and support of the ball carrier have made him a top player, and he best demonstrated these skills in the North Auckland match this season.

A West Coaster by birth, Cron first played for Canterbury in 1967, and has now made 92 appearances for the province. He.has played in 55 of Canterbury’s last 60 games.

A quiet, modest man, an almost fanatical trainer and a footballer with a strong competitive streak, Cron has always been a popular figure in the Canterbury squad. His fellow players showed genuine pleasure when his name was read out last evening.

His selection completed a notable double for the Suburbs club. Lyn Davis, the Canterbury vice-captain and Suburbs captain, was the award winner last year.