Rugby tie possible

Press, 6 August 1977, Page 56

Rugby tie possible

The coaches* whips will be; cracking as the leading ■ rugby teams strive today for; places in the grand final of! the senior championship fori the C.S.B. Trophy. This afternoon’s games; mark the end of the round-; robin involving the four top l sides, one of which. New Brighton, has dropped out of contention after two straight losses.

But there is promise of a photo finish among the other three sides. Old Boys, Christchurch and University. At present Old Boys have a two-point lead over their rivals, but if University beats New Brighton, as is likely, and Christchurch topples Old Boys, which is a possibility, there would be a three-way tie.

The grand finalists will then be decided on a points for and against basis. Old Boys have a plus seven [score at present, Christi church is plus two and University is square. But these [positions could be altered [easily this afternoon. Old Boys will be without Richard Wixon and have called up Gary Cookson, an equally good goal-kicker, to play at second five-eighths.

When the teams met in the preliminary round for the C.S.B. Cup, Old Boys beat Christchurch by a point in a rousing match, while University swamped New Brighto.. Today the seasiders will will be without their regular captain, Jeff Wilkins, and will be led instead by Bruce Gibson.