Underdogs to meet in rugby’s grand final

Press, 26 August 1978, Page 10

Underdogs to meet in rugby’s grand final

by

BOB SCHUMACHER

Speculating on the outcome of club rugby matches has become a hazardous occupation for followers of the code recently. Form throughout the season pointed to University A and Christchurch being the protagonists In the final for the Canterbury Savings Bank Trophy. But both the favoured candidates fell at the last

hurdle and instead of the two teams wnich have held a mortgage on tne trophy since its inception three years go, the grand finalists at Lancaster Park tomorrow will be New Brighton and Linwood. In the crucial matches last Saturday, University, the defending champion, could not compete witn the invigorating display by Linwood, and Christchurch, the title-holder in 1975 and 1976, played incompetently against a rejuvenated New Brighton. The pattern of play in both teams is predictable. Neither is noted for its ability to produce the unexpected; both sides have their shortcomings but both play to their strengths exceptionally well. Linwood has . two very accomplished attacking

backs in the Canterbury Shane Gibbons and Terry Mitchell. Both possess the admirable quality of being able to initiate scoring movements and finish them off with the same' polish. Mitchell, with 11 tries, is the top try-scorer in the senior competition. New Brighton does not have the same attacking sources in its back-line, but it has the ability to capitalise on controlled

ball won by the forwards. Graeme Ellis, Wayne Burleigh and Derek Davidson have become drop-kick specialists — all three have scored five times by that method. Neither team is likely to assert forward dominance. Both packs are diligent, in their duties without relying on an individual to any degree. John Phillips is a key force in the Linwood pack, being extremely efficient on offence and defence. New Brighton has- its. own answer in its captain, John Te Amo, a mobile No. 8 whose work-rate against Christchurch last Saturday was remarkable. Although New Brighton has a very sharp and alert attacker in its centre, Ross Gibson, a New Zealand Colts representative this year, the team, recog-

nising its deficiencies among the inside backs, seldom attempts to use its three-quarters. The central man in New Brighton’s method of play is the half-back, Ellis. He is nick-named “Mouse” but there is no timidity in his play. Ellis 'is very much in charge of the situation and his uncanny line-kicking and sensible use of the ball has saved New Brighton from many embarrassing situations. Linwood has had some difficulties in the halfback position and Gary Overend, who played halfback for New Brighton before changing his club allegiances and vacating his position to Ellis, can expect a torrid time from his former club-mate. Both teams will. strive hard to avoid conceding penalties. The tall lock, Robert Joihns, has proved a useful goal-kicker for Linwood and Dave Bowick has been most reliable for New Brighton. He has kicked 35 penalty goals for his team and with 137 points is the leading scorer in the senior championship.