Linwood shines in league final

Press, 6 April 1981, Page 3

Linwood shines in league final

By

JOHN COFFEY

All pre-season rugby league predictions in Canterbury have been shattered by an ebullient Linwood team, which yesterday routed Mar-ist-Western Suburbs. 36-7, in the final of the Qantas-Radio Avon knock-out tournament at the Show Grounds. Linwood has been the enigma of the code for some seasons, frequently promising much but seldom realising that potential. Now its supporters must be hoping that it has not reached its peak too soon. In the last few weeks Linwood has disposed of the championship holder, Eastern Suburbs, and two of the other 1980 semi-finalists, Papanui and Marist. Each performance has been more positive than its predecessor and Linwood has good reason to start the premiership with confidence against Hornby on Wednesday evening. The new Linwood playercoach, Wally Wilson, is'unlikely to forget his first final at the helm. Wilson was the outstanding back in the match, his superb contribution being overshadowed only by his front-row forwards. Paul Truscott and Rex Dalzell.

Truscott, the recipient of the Jim Beam “'player of the match” award, and Dalzell, with Wilson ever nipping along beside them, showed Linwood the path to victory. So lax was Marist’s tackling around the play-the-balls that the defenders'might instead have been employed laying- a carpet along 'the corridor to the Marist tryline.

Truscott scored three tries in the first 29 minutes and Dalzell scored one. Both men have had extensive premier careers but never before have they moved with such effectiveness. The summery conditions and lush playing area were of the best cricketing quality. Linwood did not declare at half-time, though. and seemed to be heading for a half-century when it was ahead, 36-2, with 15 minutes left.

However. Marist’s collapse was not quite total. It staged something comparable to a last-wicket stand when Wayne O’Donnell touched down after Ray Baxendale had pierced the first line of the Linwood defence. Marist had previously muffed all of its other scoring opportunities.

„ Linwood's mobile pack continued to be dominant during the second spell but its back-line was given more rein. The forceful centre, David Perkins, again displayed his finishing skills and the right wing. David Campbell, gave a spectacular effort.

Although Truscott. Dalzell, and Wilson held centre stage they had the support of a well drilled cast. Many of Marist’s errors were the product of Linwood's formidable tackling. All in all Wilson must be wondering what more he can ask of his men.

A big 21-7 scrummaging advantage by its hooker, John McCue, ensured Eastern of its 18-9 win against Sydenham in the play-off for third and fourth. However, it was a bumbling affair throughout.

Neither side was at full strength but Eastern held its pattern together for three minutes in the opening half to grasp two quick tries and a comfortable points lead. Kevin Steel, given his chance in the centre, injected some excitement with a

memorable solo try and Barry Edkins attained a high standard with his goal-kick-ing. Scores: Final: Linwood 36 (P. W. Truscott 3, D. A. Perkins 3, R. W. Dalzell, D. A. Campbell tries; L. E. Hudson 6 goals) beat Marist 7 (P. W. O'Donnell try; M. W. J. O'Donnell 2

goals‘>. Half-time: 20-2. Serums: Marist. 10-7. Penalties: Linwood, 108. Referee: Mr J. Menzies. Third and fourth: Eastern 18 i'K. Placid, K. G. Steel tries: B. It. Edkins 6 goals) beat Sydenham 9 (P. Vili try: B. Corkran 3 goals). Half-time: 16-7. Scrums: Eastern, 21-7. Penalties: Sydenham, 10-5. Referee: Mr K. R. Blackler.