Marist retains lead

Press, 8 May 1980, Page 6

Marist retains lead

Marist-Western Suburbs incurred what must have been one of the most lop-sided penalty counts in rugby league history, yet survived its indiscretions to beat Papanui, 14-10, in a Canterbury N.Z.I.G. premiership match at the Show Grounds last evening.

The referee (Mr T. Drake) saw fit to give Papanui 16 of the 17 second-half penalties, most of them for alleged off-side and scrummaging infringements. Papanui was apparently perfect in these spheres, its sole penalty being for an incorrect play-the-ball.

That Marist held out to retain it« competition lead — for 10 minutes with 12 men while Michael Mclntyre was deservedly in the sin-bin for punching — was’ to the credit of a magnificent forward defence. Mark Broadhurst (the Grenadier Res-

taurant “man of the match”), Terry Gillman, Kevin Franklin, Carl Wild and Warren Park worked with great determination around the play-the-balls. . Kaiapoi. in the curtain-raiser, also had to contend with a large penalty disadvantage (21-6) before it came' from behind to beat Halswell, 17-16. Halswell was eight points clear entering the final quarter, before Kaiapoi rallied. Scorers.—

Marist-Western Suburbs 14 (T. J. Gillman. M. W. J. O’Donnell tries; O’Donnell four goals) beat Papanui 10 iR. S. Walker, G. R. Cooper tries; G. Cox two goals). Half-time. 11-3. Kaiapoi 17 (J. Clarke, S. Drxon, R. Peoere tries; Dixon four goals) beat Halswell 16 (M. Yule, L. M. Wilson tries; Yule five goals. Half-time, Halswell, 9-5.