Low-level league upset

Press, 2 July 1979, Page 3

Low-level league upset

Halswell and Hornby, the teams sharing the bottom rung of the Canterbury rugby league premiership ladder both upset far more favoured rivals during the tenth round at the Show Grounds yesterday. Relishing the roost wintry afternoon of the competition, Halswell came from behind to beat Addington, 10-3, and Hornby raced away from Linwood for a stunning 22-11 victory. One of the co-leadera, Papanui, was also in dire trouble for much of Its game with Sydenham. However, a try by its fullback, Michael Williams, nudged Papanui to an 11-10 advantage midway through the second half and it managed to survive Sydenham’s later attacks.

The only predictably clear-cut result was the 28-0 win of Eastern Suburbs-Hertz over Kaiapoi. Barry Edkins, the outstanding Eastern loose forward, earned

hls second '‘man et the match” award having been similarly recognised after South Island’s success against Auckland on Saturday. The other individual awards went to Peter Sturgeon (Sydenham), Phil Prescott (Halswell), and Steve Bazeley (HOrnby). It was not a day for prolific scoring, but Edkins managed 13 points from a try and five goals. Results: Papanui 11, Sydenham 10. Halswell 10, Addington 3. Hornby 22, Linwood 11, Eastern Suburbs-Hertz 20, Kaiapoi 0. Marlst-Western Suburbs bye. PREMIERSHIP POINTS

That Hornby should beat Linwood was all the more surprising when it was considered that Merv Manson and Wayne Wallace were not available because of injuries and Robin Alfeld had tobe replaced during the match. Linwood was ahead twice in the opening spell and seemed poised to make a winning break when Wally Wilson’s try reduced Hornby’s margin to 13-11 with 34 minutes remaining. But Hornby, to a man. bolstered its determination and defences and it was Linwood which eventually bowed, conceding three tries in the last five minutes.

P W D L F A Pts Papanui 9 7 1 1 208 104 15 Eastern 9 7 1 1 223 119 15 Marist 8 6 0 2 227 100 12 Linwood 9 6 0 3 169 121 12 Addington 9 3 1 5 139 158 ■ 7 Kaiapoi 9 2 1 6 119 220 5

Sydenham 9 3 0 « 138 169 6 Hornby 9 2 0 7 114 171 4 Halswell 9 2 0 7 82 253 4