Mid-Canty’s ‘tour form’ is problem for Country

Press, 2 June 1982, Page 46

Mid-Canty’s ‘tour form’ is problem for Country

Mid-Canterbury has had the better, of Canterbury Country in their annual rugby match for the last three years and it must be favoured to make it four on end when the two teams meet at Leeston this afternoon. Apart from the loss of an injured Bruce Parkin, MidCanterbury will be at full strength. Canterbury Country is not in such a fortunate position. Mid-Canterbury has re-

cently finished a tour of Queensland which involved the team playing four matches in eight days. All games were won and there is only one change in today's team from the one which outclassed Queensland Country, 28-9. in the final match. Peter Keenan returns to the side at second fiveeighths in the place of John Mudgway. The Mid-Canterbury pack, led by the former All Black hooker, Grant Perry, has height and weight and winning possession should be no problem. If there is a weakness it might be in the loose where Paul Ciinneen is the only player cast in the tearaway mould. There is no

specialist loose forward among the Mid-Canterbury reserves. However, the* Mid-Canter-bury forwards in recent years have played with total commitment, its well organised cover defence having allowed Canterbury Country only one try in the last three years. Experience abounds in the Mid-Canterbury back-line from the livewire half-back, Paul Williams, to the reliable full-back, Murray Holmes, whose accurate goal-kicking will be a danger to Country should it infringe inside its own half. After wins against Otago Sub-Unions and Canterbury Maoris, Country lost its third match to Nelson Bays last

week. One of its biggest problems against Nelson Bays was the untidy and untimely distribution of the ball after the forwards had worked hard to control possession. The Country forwards, led by the Canterbury captain, Don : Hayes, are certain to give a good account of themselves and it will be up to, an altered back-line to make sure of its tackles and to take advantage of attacking opportunities which are likely to be limited. There will be more than just honour and glory for the winning team. A trophy has been donated by N.Z. Farmers Co-op and it will be at stake for future contests.