Lincoln takes lead in Ellesmere rugby

Press, 15 July 1985, Page 24

Lincoln takes lead in Ellesmere rugby

In a game influenced by the cold, slippery conditions, Lincoln beat Southbridge 7-4 and thus became the outright leader of the Ellesmere senior A rugby competition on Saturday. - Throughout the season Lincoln’s defence has been very sound and so it had to be on this occasion. Southbridge had a predominance of ball from all phases of play and a definite territorial advantage. But as so often happens in such conditions too much possession can prove an embarrassment. Both teams tried moving the ball in the backs, with Southbridge being the more adventurous, probably too adventurous at times.

Especially adept at counter attacking from deep kicks by Lincoln were the Southbridge left wing, Jeff Baines, and the centre, Neville Carter. Baines ran hard and was never easy to bring down, while Carter was more subtle in mind and movement.

The try scored by Baines was indicative of his approach. He left three defenders sprawling in his wake on his way to scoring in the corner.

No matter how much other individuals stood out, the game’s outstanding player was the Lincoln full-back, Graham Jordan. His handling and positional play were impeccable and his covering of the ball on the ground was always certain. Jordan scored his team's only try. He took a miskick from a Southbridge player between the 22m and half-way, moved up the middle of the field, kicked ahead into open territory and then followed up fast and fell on the ball over the line.

For Southbridge, Albert Anderson and Bill Moore won good line-out ball, while in rucks and mauls all eight forwards made their presence felt, with Kevin Greenwood having a top game in both the tight and the loose. Behind the Southbridge pack, Gavin Marshall was very industrious and besides his own tasks he did a lot to aid the loose forwards’ play. Lincoln’s forwards were well led, until his retirement, by the captain, Phil Kortegast, with good support from John Mounce and Lindsay Norton. Laurie Meyers, at half-back, served the side well with some

judicious kicking, as also did the five-eighths, Brent Timms and Greg Newland. Lincoln 7 (G. Jordan try; G. Jones penalty goal), Southbridge 4 (G. Baines try). In other senior games Kirwee beat Burnham 8-6, Leeston beat Peninsula 22-6 and Prebbleton accounted for Darfield 6-0.

Results in lower grades.— Senior B: Burnham 3, Lincoln 0; Dunsandel 12, West Melton 0; Waihora 7, Irwell 0; Sheffield 21, Diamond Harbour 0.

Senior reserve: Kirwee 3, Prebbleton 0; Southbridge 6, Selwyn 0; United 10, Bumham 6; Leeston 10, Dunsandel 7.

Under 21: Waihora 14, Springston 7; Lincoln 14, Burnham 0; Prebbleton 4, Darfield

Under 18: Lincoln 9, West Melton 4; Waihora 15, Tinwald 12; Leeston 11, Technical 4. Under 16: Waihora 4, Southbridge 0; West Melton 4, Prebbleton 3; Dunsandel 19, Darfield 0. Under 14: West Melton 16, Waihora 4; Darfield beat Lin-coln-Springston by default; Prebbleton 47, Southbridge 12.