Easy win to Albion

Press, 4 May 1978, Page 36

Easy win to Albion

Merivale-Papanui made an effort 40 minutes later than its opponent at Denton Oval last evening and, as a result, Albion was given plenty of time to put enough points on the board to give it an easy win in club rugby. Albion’s forward pack, probably one of the liveliest and most aggressive in Christchurch, overwhelmed a seemingly defenceless opposition. Mike Gee won ball at will in the line-outs, while Mike Eagle. Richard Martin, and

Peter Sutherland were powerful and aggressive in the tight. Albion scored three tries before the turnaround, with fine goal kicking from Murray Straight giving it a 22-point lead. The second half saw a transformation in Merivale’s play. It fought gallantly to achieve parity and Avon enough ball to give its backs a role in the game. Denis Skipper worked hard up front, especially in the mauls, while the captain, lan Culpan. won clean ball in the line-outs as well as holding the scrum to-

gether. Many of the attacking movements that Merivale attempted, however, came to a halt by Albion’s centre, Dave Goslin. Albion capped its victory with a fine try in the corner, Lou Wynard scooping up the ball and diving in the one movement to give him his third try of the evening. Scorers: Albion 26 (L. Wynard 3. R. Robertson tries; M. Straight 2 penalties and 2 conversions). Merivale-Papanui 0. Referee: B. E. Powell.