Toiling against impossible odds . . .

Press, 27 September 1982, Page 36

Toiling against impossible odds . . .

By

L. LAMB,

a Canterbury fanatic

In spite of the odd period in which Canterbury let its over-confidence get the upper hand, the red-and-blacks never really looked like losing The Log to Counties on Saturday. To their credit, the. visitors toiled hard against impossible odds. In several ways, they were the authors of their own defeat.

If future challengers intend seriously threatening the present holders, they will have to accept the futility of hoisting a testing high ball to Robbie Deans as if he was some sort of Hewson dr Farrell.

The treasurer of the Canterbury Rugby Union was no doubt pleased with the 37,000 turn-out at Lancaster Park.

Had The Log not been at stake, the crowd would probably have numbered nearer 3700. It is amazing how popular Support for the red-and-blacks — which had waned noticeably since the team’s fortunes turned sour about 1978 — is transformed by the possession of a piece of wood.

Unfortunately, Saturday’s game was not all beer and skittles for the many spectators .who went along to see a decent game of rugby — with both eyes open. A pre-match plea for Can-

terbury supporters to give the opposition a fair go met with its usual response. The actions of a few boorish spectators, who booed rudely and hurled cans and beer bottles whenever Counties attempted a penalty, did nothing for the good name of the province.

The lack of distinctive red-and-black garments worn by Canterbury supporters was cause for concern. It is hoped that some commerci-ally-minded patriot will make good use of the summer break to produce an appropriate form of adornment to dress the throngs for the many shield defences shcdd The union’s 1983 and 1984

shield defence subcommittees, whose budgets must have been boosted by Saturday’s gate-takings, could well consider some form of subsidy to enable wider distribution of the much-needed red-and-black rosettes, boaters, flags and badges. Rain failed to dampen the spirits of those who took part in or watched the morning’s shield procession through the central city streets. The performance was worthwhile, even though it showed the odd sign of hasty, last-minute preparation. The organisers will have numerous opportunities to sharpen their act during Canterbury’s inevitably long tenure of The Log.

Wednesday’s defence against lowly-rated Wairarapa-Bush seems a fine opportunity for Canterbury to unleash some of the experimental manoeuvres which a coach as innovative as Griz Wyllie must surely have up his sleeve. That is if Mr Wyllie does not give in to the rumoured pleas from his players, who are thought to have asked for a few changes in the lineup for the game.

John Ashworth is believed to have his eyes on the fullback position, Wayne Smith has been egging all season for a game at hooker, and Griz himself has expressed interest in one last appearance behind the scrum.