Linwood 'sevens'

Press, 9 August 1980, Page 21

Linwood 'sevens'

With.the holidays fast approaching, the rugby scene for boys often fades away. This season, however, the Linwood club has decided to end the season in fine style by organising a seven-a-side tournament for August 17. The tournament will run on a knockout-basis and will include from the under-18 grade downwards. The organisers expect, about 150 teams- to take' part, with each game lasting 10 minutes. A winning team would probably play about five to six games during the da y- ’ The difference between this sort of rugby and normal Saturday competition games is, according to the organisers, the atmosphere. The event is very much a social one, and between games the teams mix freely — something that does not happen on Saturdays. Last Saturday the Park lands under-10 side worked hard to beat the Marist team, 10-0.

Mark Woodward passed well from half-back, while Troy Nicholson is a talented hooker. Kickie Hewinson ran hard at first five-eighths and Kristian Grealish is a prop with a determined attitude. The twelfth grade Suburbs side had a convincing 28point win over Belfast on Saturday. Richie Churchill had another great game, and has now scored 104 points for season. Three players in the side that have shown vast improvement as the season has progressed are Shaun Buckley, at lock, Eddy Peseta, No. 8 and Richie Burnett at first five-eighths. All three have shown a real willingness to apply themselves and contribute to the team effort. In the Belfast sjde Simon Stewart, although the smallest in the team, displayed great tackling abilities. Coming from second fiveeighths to flank:r, Dean

Brown has adapted extremely well. The other flanker, Ryan Westmoreland has developed fine ball hunting senses. Up in the front . row, Trevor Vershore won plenty of ball at hooker. The Christchurch under-9 C team had a comfortable victory, winning with only seven boys. Simon Irving was a hard working forward, while Antony Wells handled the ball well in the backs. Nicholas Cullen showed plenty of determina-

tion, while two brothers, Stephen and Michael Nichols, showed maturity beyond their years. The Parklands club had a very successful Saturday, with virtually every team winning. Another to do well was the under-9 A side, which beat Linwood, 22-6. James Lamb was a prop never far from the action, while Kerry Wells made the most of things at half back. 1 At. hooker Garry Askew ini variably struck successfully.