Canterbury strikes back

Press, 1 June 1981, Page 24

Canterbury strikes back

Special correspondent made amends fforSits 1-2 loss' to Manawatu on Saturday, with a -vengeance yesterday, beating Otago, 7-0 on Karori Park. No doubt stirred by a team talk from their coach, Barry Maister, the Canterbury forwards moved forward with pace and skill in a. first half in which it scored four goals. The first goal was scored by Mark Burtt when he converted a poster with a crisp shot. Burtt was also on the spot for a fine centre from George Carnoutsos to make 2-0. The 4-0 lead at half-time was established by a stroke from Balvant Bhana and a , corner from Ross-Ambler. The goal of the match was

scored in the second half by Burtt when he picked tip a well-judged pass from Robin Wilson. Wilson burst through the forward line and finessed his way along the back line before passing back across the goal-mouth. The Canterbury forward line was well served by Warwick Shillito, at right wing, whose trapping and stickwork left his markers bemused on many occasions. The speed of George Carnoutsos off the ball was also handy, although he probably was too often caught upfield when his insides were in possession. Ross Fowler was a dominant figure- at ; centre-half; unflappable and with close control his main problem was the occasional under-hit

pass. The right-half, Robin Wilson,- was Canterbury’s outstanding, player. His upfield forays were followed by •very rapid retreats to his right area.of the field and his feeding of Balvant Bhana in particular was exemplary. On Saturday Canterbury was imbued with the square pass, rarely penetrating Manawatn’s tight defence. The main shortcoming was back of the close stickwork required to create space from which to shoot and an immaturity demonstrated by the number of attacks which foundered by simply losing control of a forward moving ?■ ball. A former Canterbury / goalie, Graham Sligo, was in marvellous' form -- for--

Manawatu, blocking and clearing most fastidiously, while the centre-half, Graham Hall also played well. In other games Wellington beat Otago, 6-0, on Saturday, and beat Manawatu, 1-0, yesterday. Alan Mclntyre, at inside right for Wellington, was in really fine touch against Manawatu and his stickwork in the tight was the best on display at the tournament. Results:— . Saturday: Manawatu 2 (S. Hiha 2), Canterbury 1 (R. Ambler); Wellington 6 (A. Mclntyre 2, P. Benfield 2, B. Holmes 1, P. Miskimmin 1), Otago 0. Sunday: Canterbury 7 (M. Burtt 4,” B. Bhana 1, R. Ambler ; 2), Otago 0; Wellington 1 (P. i Benfield 1),.. Manawatu 0. t