Country win likely

Press, 2 June 1986, Page 24

Country win likely

By KEVIN McMENAMIN

The Town coach, lan Burdon, is hoping for a fine day and a firm ground for today’s Craw Shield rugby match at Lancaster Park. Burdon’s Country counterpart, Geoff Henderson, says he is unworried about the weather.

“After four games together (all of which have been won) I would be very disappointed if we cannot play well in any sort of conditions. We have a big and mobile pack and the best backline we have taken to town for a long time,” said Mr Henderson last evening.

Mr Burdon sees Town’s best chance of victory, and a repeat of its win last year, lying in its young backs. “It is going to be tough in the forwards, but the side has trained well and if we can get the ball out among the backs I think we have a good show,” he said.

Both teams have lost players through injuries suffered yesterday. In Town’s case it is the two flankers, Stephen Dods and Grant Mickell, and they have been replaced by Phil Cropper and John McCaw.

The big Burnham loose forward, John Cook, has

taken Ross Loffhagen’s place on the side of the Country scrum. The team will also be without Kelvin Eder, and possibly, his midfield partner, Doug Flynn. Robbie McGregor has been named in Eder’s place and if Flynn is not able to play because of his knee injury John Earl will come in at centre. Results have been evenly shared in the last 12 years, with big wins to each side in the last two years. However, with the better build-up and the likelihood of wet weather Country would have to start the favourite this time.