New Brighton might not reach rugby final

Press, 16 July 1980, Page 32

New Brighton might not reach rugby final

Despite its undoubted efficiency, team spirit and determination, the new winner of the C.S.B. Cup, New Brighton, might not be one of the finalists for the senior rugby championship next month. • The side came through its demanding assignment of a 15-gate round-robin contest with only one loss , and one -draw to sully its record. But the odds are against any side winning the - “double” — the cup and the C. S. B. Trophy — in the same season. Last season Linwood carried off the cup, but failed, to reach the final of the ‘ championship; Old Boys beat Christchurch in that game. It has been the same story since this type of-competition format was introduced in 1969, with the exception of 1970, when University A won the first round series and drew with Christchurch in the championship final. Some teams excel in play-offs; Christchurch springs readily to mind, and its six titles or shared titles in the 1970 s proved that it. was a team for the big occasion. Linwood, on the other hand, often appeared to fold under psychological pressure after showing winning consistency in the round robin. But it is not just his-

torical trends that suggest New Brighton might not take the trophy. The team did not look as well equipped all round as its principal rivals, Marist and Linwood, -when . the* top foiif: displayed . their . wares at Lancaster Park oval last Saturday, and University A, when it returns to top strength, will be a formidable contender as well. . At first sight, ' New Brighton, does not look a strong team. Its pack is not well endowed with weight - and height, and the backs are reliable rather than brilliant. Behind them all is Dave Bowick," an accurate left-footed kicker who produced almost half the side’s points in its C.S.B. Cup games. . - But there is no denying that New Brighton is extremely resourceful. It does not attempt too much, and what is accomplished is done without any frills. Mistakes are uncommon, the'defence is sound, and any faltering on the. part of the opposing team is exploited methodically. But does the side have

the resources, to win the championship in the stern cut. and thrust of top section play? This is where New * Brighton’s shortcomings could be exposed by a team with greater pack power and more pace ift the backs.

New Brighton beat all three of its section rivals in the round-robin competition, although not by much. It headed off Marist, 12-10, Shirley, 8-3, and Christchurch, 18-12. : Undoubtedly, Marist looms as the big danger to New Brighton’s grand final aspirations. The green and whites are having one of the best seasons for many years, with the attractive attacking by the backs being based on a vigorous and sustained forward effort.

Paul Molloy has emerged as a match winner of high quality, and Bernie Stewart’s goal-kick-ing and canny play at first five-eighths has given the side plenty of confidence. There is a youthful look about the pack, but the forwards have shown a spirit that will

take.a good deal of containing. Christchurch’s form appears tq have tailed off after its promising start. The team drew with Marist and beat Linwood in the first four weeks, and later downed three other qualifiers, Old Boys, Belfast and Shirley. Since it lost Richard Wilson to the All Blacks, however, the

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team has not been particularly convincing and does not shape up as a potential finalist at this stage. Shirley has improved greatly this season, but despite its line-out ability and competitive approach it does not appeal as a strong contender. The second section will probably be dominated by Linwood and University A, with the former having slight favouritism through the excellence of its pack. This was demonstrated forcibly in a rousing match against Marist last Saturday, and there is no doubt that the power and precision which lan Mallard and his men combine so capably will be the rock on which the other side’s hopes are dashed. Linwood’s back play has gradually become much sounder, and although Rod Latham does not get the back-line away at dazzling speed, his big kicking probably fits the Linwood style better. His placekicking, so strong and assured, is a major reason why Linwood should

JOHN BROOKS

flourish in the play-offs, and his seven dropped goals so far also sounds a warning to rival teams. But while Linwood can feel secure with , a kicker such as Latham in its ranks, University A ' has very real problems now that Doug Heffernan has gone. Last Saturday Gary Barkle, the captain, was almost calling for volunteers at one stage- after John Edmondson had declined to kick for goal. But a University side at full strength and in full cry is a sight to behold, as it was against Linwood

earlier in the round robin competition. University was unstoppable that day, but it cannot produce displays like that every Saturday. However, the backline is crammed with attacking talent, and a willing pack will not want for possession. The team’s effort in drawing with New Brighton in spite of a big turn-around in personnel was significant. Neither Old Boys nor Belfast appear likely to upset Linwood or University, although Old Boys, stopped University in the first round. Belfast’s chances would be improved immensely by the return of their captain, Wayne Smith, who is on the mend after damaging a hamstring on the All Black tour.

Section play will consist of three rounds of games, and the top team from each group will play off for the championship. After assessing the relative strengths of the contenders, those teams might well be Linwood and Marist.

Victory here for Clayton Yaxley, and the veteran of the top class of South Island cash cycling is looking for more of the same thing on other shores next month. Yaxley, pictured winning the first stage of the recent Lion tour, not realising he was to "succumb to an imminent illness in the second and decisive stage, is to make a lightning trip to Australia at the end of the month. The objects of Yaxley’s attentions are. the Mount Gambier 160 km classic and the 100 km Mount Gambier to Portland event on August 2 and 3, and it is a sentimental return for the wiry Yaxley.

Ten years ago, he had a season of racing at Mount Gambier, and his last assignment was the 160 km classic. “I liked the course and should have done better.” said Yaxley this

week, “but my mind was not on the race as I was virtually on the way home.” Also, Yaxley revealed that this may well be his , last season of serious racing, after 15 years near - the top, “and I wotiild like to do well in a -100’, more particularly / that one. ' There is actually a climb r to the finish, and that should suit me.” - . .. . Yaxley said he was very happy with his. form this season, until laid low by illness. “I would think I’ve been going as strong as I ever have. I’m certainly stronger than in the last couple of years and I’ve a lot more clues now.”

Although Yaxley will only be away for 10 days on this trip, he is hopeful of a return visit “I believe there is a hill race round Sydney, to which they may be inviting riders, so I’ve got this in the back of my mind.”