Mallard takes a beating

Press, 11 May 1979, Page 23

Mallard takes a beating

The Linwood senior rugby captain, lan Mallard, will remember his last season in the interclub competition — but for the wrong reasons.

Mallard’s head has been trampled on in each of his last two appraances at Lancaster Park oval. In the match against New Brighton, Mallard’s head was raked by an opposing forward, but the referee was not in position to see whether the act was accidental or deliberate. The Linwood captain was Jed from the field with the side of his head bloodied, and the gash required 12 stitces, Then, against Christchurch last Saturday, Mallard’s face again suffered as an opposing forward attempted to rake the ball. The offender was lectured by the referee and penal-

ised, and Mallard carried' on. Both incidents occurred after Mallard had driven forward with the ball and had gone to ground to set up a ruck. His arms were pinned with the ball against his chest on each occasion. But the Linwood coach (Mr P. Magrath) said yesterday that there was no vendetta gainst the 31-year-old flanker that he knew of. “I know he has a reputation of playing the game hard, but it is unfortunate that he has been getting the knocks,” he said. “He tries hard all the time, and is always in the thick of the play,” said Mr Magrath. “He is totally dedicated. He would throw himself in front of a train for the good of the team, if he had to.”