1000 expected for seven-a-side

Press, 4 August 1981, Page 21

1000 expected for seven-a-side

Perhaps a thousand junior rugby players, from the sixth grade (under-18) to the eighteenth grade (under-9), will be on display at South Hagley Park next Sunday morning, in the Green and Black underweight seven-a-side tournament organised by the Linwood club. Play will begin at 9 a.m. sharp.

The tournament was started in 1969 and in past years as many as 170 teams have entered. Only once has the tournament been cancelled — because of poor weather. This year, an alternative date has been arranged, in September. Many of the people involved in the inauguration of the tournament are still active in its promotion. One such person is a stalwart custodian, Mr Ron Johnson, who is described as “a marvel” by the organisers. Other referees for the tournament are drawn from Linwood senior, senior reserve, second grade and president’s players. Meanwhile, competition play for juniors continues on Saturday mornings. Last Saturday. Linwood met Christchurch in section B of the fourteenth grade (under-12 open). Linwood has dropped down from the A section and has found its niche, with the team improving steadily. Key players are Blair Stewart, a flanker, Stuart Kaa, a prop and the captain. John Gallagher at halfback, and John Norton at second five-eighths. Tom Norton and Michael Morton always give their best. For Christchurch. Guy Mortlock is improving on the wing and Duncan McLean had two tries on Saturday. James Halliwell, the centre, seemed to relish the muddy conditions as did the half-back, Andrew Batie. John Davis turned in a good performance at first five-eighths. John Harrison and Richard

Graham are playing well in the forwards.

There were many other teams on display on Saturday at Hagley Park, where Belfast and Marist clashed in • the under-11 open grade. In the Belfast team, David Allan, in his first year of rugby, is developing well as a lock. Nicholas Clarke, with more than 50 points for the season, and Andrew Newman are performing creditably. The half-back. Richard Wallace. has improved immensely this season, as has Aaron Smith.’

For Marist, Kynan McGregor, a prop, and Michael Field are coming along nicely. James Abbot, a loose forward, and Ben Cowan, the halfback, are playing well. Scott Mayer is a talented first five-eighths while Pat McGovern works hard in the tight.

In section 2 of the under-14 open grade. Xavier College met Christchurch. Both teams had been struggling during the season and were expected to be evenly matched. Xavier has a good half-back in Mark Dolan and a sturdy prop. Dean Bennett. Richard Staveley is a key figure while Emmett Aranga shows touches of class at centre.

The Christchurch team is coached by a current Canterbury hooker, Mick Powlev.

He rates Gary Williams a great trier in the front- row and Ash Hales a steady performer at fullback. Then there are two boys, small for this open grade, Michael James ano Michael Thompson. In spite of their lack of size, they give their all. Brendan Glubb is a good utility player, equally at home forward or back.

So to the seventeenth grade, where Burnside B played LytteL ton in section 2 and Christchurch

E came up against Bumside E in section 4.

In the Burnside B team, Jason Wong has played well on the wing throughout the season. Richard Bowe is an improved player and Gareth Auld is putting in sterling work in the forwards. Simon Lipscomb, the hooker, is a very fast forward. For Lyttelton. Damien Olsen is playing well in the forwards along with Dean Davey. The halfback. Travis Lester, had scored 96 points to Saturday. Dwayne Tozer, a small player, has improved markedly in the backs. Christchurch E has had a mediocre season but the team is now showing a heartening improvement.

Andrew Kitson scored 12 points on Saturday to bring his side back into contention from a 4-20 deficit. Reuben Stanley and Cameron Anderson are playing well.

The Burnside E team is going well considering that none of the boys have played rugby before this season.

The players are keen and have all put in a good effort, notably Justin Smith, Matthew Montgomery and John Fuller in the forwards, and Matthew Hewitson and Mark Leitch in the backs. Suburbs, in section A of the eighteenth grade, is having a good season. The No. 8. Carl Malock, leads the forwards strongly and he is well supported in the loose by Justin Keremete, Paul Kinley and Glen Burgess. Nigel Tait, at hooker, Scott Frew and Darryl Coad are beginning to use their weight effectively. Tim Forman has shifted from the backs to the front row and has strengthened the scrum. Players performing well in the backline are Andrew Mather, Kent Prussas, Paul Haycock. Lance White and Kelvin Cox.