Suburbs untroubled to beat Sydenham

Press, 17 April 1980, Page 6

Suburbs untroubled to beat Sydenham

Suburbs, winning more comfortably than the final score might suggest, was the only team to take maximum points from. the two senior rugby matches under lights at Denton Oval last evening. After leading 16-0 at half-time, Suburbs lost much of its ascendancy against Sydenham in the second half, but it was never in danger of defeat and won,

In the second match, a robust, vigorous affair between two evenly-matched teams - from Albion and Lincoln College the result was a draw, six-all. ’ Sydenham played with spirit but lacked finesse, and Suburbs looked set for an overwhelming win when it scored two tries in the space of three minutes in the first quarter of the match.

However. Sydenham, although mainly on the defensive, martialled its defence well and managed the only other try of the match.

Suburbs did the basic things just a little better than Sydenham and deserved its victory. It had a very capable young fullback in Neil McKay and an astute first five-eighths in John Neilson. Dennis Thompson was a dominant figure in the lineouts and Jim Bennie was quick to disrupt the Sydenham inside combination.

The outstanding Svdenham player was the No. 8, Lyn Chandler. His try was a just reward for a sterling aggressive display, but he lacked support too often. Tile Sydenham backs failed to display much attacking flair and the most dangerous runner, Brett Oetgen, was starved of opportunities on the wing. He

I has to create his own chances and looked sharp and swift when the ball bounced his way. Albion and Lincoln College maintained a fast tempo and it was not surprising that most of the forwards were gasping deeply ; in the final minutes. Albion, had a considerable territorial advantage in the second half, but ironically, the only points in the spell went to Lincoln College with a ' penalty goal. That successful Jack levelled the scores at six-all and it remained that way for the last 36 minutes.

Albion had a royal chance to take the match near the finish, but a relatively easy penalty attempt was missed by Ainsley Quested.

Ralph Robertson had a grand game behind the Albion pack and he was certainly the little general. Albion packed a strong scrum with Murray Straight, lan Bull, and Steve Cronshaw alj prominent figures. Lincoln College, still in ths process of adjusting with the introduction of many new faces, fought sternly and emerged with credit for its unyeildihg defence. Paul Cunneen was a driving force, especially in the second half, and Dave White and Rich Riddell made significant contributions in the line-outs, Ross Polson impressed in the back-line with his forceful run* ning. Scores were:—

Suburbs 19 (N. McKay, G, Howard tries; J. Neilson a conversion and three penalty goals) beat Sydenham 10 IL. Chandler a try; B. Nicoll two penalty goals*. Albion 6 (N. Dierck two dropped goals) drew with Lin. coin College 6 (J. Holmes two penalty goals).