Brief return of rugby stalwarts

Press, 26 May 1979, Page 56

Brief return of rugby stalwarts

Former Canterbury players, including several All Blacks, will attempt to recapture their sprightliness of earlife years when they play in a Canterbury centenary rugby match at Rugby Park, on June 3. The match will be the highlight of a gala day organised by the Canterbury Rugby Union’s promotion and publicity subcommittee in collaboration with Radio 3ZB. Provincial stalwarts such as Dick Hockley, Neil Cornelius, Mai Perkins, Robin Woolhouse and “Sam” Leary will be among the players, as well as such celebrated figures as Alister Hopkinson, Fergie McCormick, Lyn Davis, Kerry Tannar and Tane Norton.

Fourteen of the players are All Blacks, and the most interesting appearance will be that of Bruce Hunter, who forsook rugby far athletics in 1974. Curtain-raisers will be between two women’s teams, Bumside and Belfast, and a kindergarten grade game. Entertainment will be

provided by a brass band, lucky spots and competitions will be conducted far the crowd, and all proceeds will go to the St John Ambulance Association. Both teams have agreed to enter into the spirit of the occasion, and place emphasis on crowd appeal. The teams will be:— 3ZB Invitation XV, — Fergie McCormick, Robin Cocks, Peter Jellyman, Scott Cartwiright, Derek Arnold, Doug Bruce, Lyn Davis, Neil Cornelius, Kerry Tanner, Brian Hayes, Jerry Rowberry, Alistor Hopkinson, Tane Norton, Alan McLellan, Robin Woolhouse, Colin King. Canterbury centenary XV. —■“Sam” Leary, Torry Mitchell, Bruce McPhail, Dave McGuigan, Wayne Cottrell, Terry Mehrtens, Brent Elder, Alex Wyllie, Stewart Cron, Wayne Risman. Brian Arthur, Mai Perkins, Dick Hockley, John Creighton, Mike Ryan, Gary’ Waterreus, Bruce Hunter, Frank Whitta, Graham Hay, John Lindsay.