Golden rugby run continues

Press, 9 May 1984, Page 40

Golden rugby run continues

The Canterbury rugby team made a habit of breaking records last winter. Another is now beckoning. It is the longest run by the province without a loss. The record is 20 games and this has been achieved twice in recent times.

The first occasion was in 1973-74 and the trot began straight after Canterbury lost the Ranfurly Shield to Marlborough. It won its remaining 11 games in 1973 and nine more in 1974 before it was beaten by Hawke’s Bay at Hastings. The second occasion was

in 1977-78. There were 11 successive wins after the 1413 loss to the British Lions in 1977 and the next year, nine games were won before Counties lowered Canterbury’s colours at Lancaster Park. At present Canterbury has gone through 19 games without a loss. The last

defeat was at the hands of Queensland in Brisbane 12 months ago. Canterbury won its remaining 17 games last winter and has been successful in both its firstclass outings this year, against Wasps and Queensland. The side will equal the record if it can beat

Wellington at Athletic Park at Queen’s Birthday week-end and if it should win here, a new mark would very likely be set when Canterbury meets South Canterbury at Timaru on June 12.

KEVIN McMENAMIN