Papanui on top of league table

Press, 7 May 1987, Page 56

Papanui on top of league table

By JOHN COFFEY Papanui took a clear lead in the Canterbury rugby league premiership and welcomed, -Mark Broadhurst back into its playing ranks when It beat Halswell, 26-18, at the Addington Show Grounds last night Broadhurst, having enjoyed a couple of romps with Papanui’s president’s grade side since his return from Hull, probably gave his club-mates as much a psychological as a physical lift when he entered the match 30 minutes from the finish. At that stage Halswell was in front for the second time, thanks to a quite amazing try to Phil Bancroft, who corkscrewed his way out of the clutches of three defenders. , However, Papanui had been the more impressive side over all, with its tenacious forward play and the ability of its inside backs, especially Andrew Vincent, to clear possession quickly to the flanks. A dazzling solo try by

Peta Milner brought Halswell back to 18-20 late in the second spell, only for Darryl Feutz to finally give the forwards a small part in the scoring. His brother, Craig Feutz, was chosen as “man of the match” ahead of Vincent, Shane Everest, Steve Campbell and Kevin Hapi, who all promise Papanui’s supporters plenty of attractive back play this winter. Bancroft was at his brilliant best for Halswell. Linwood led Addington by 22-6 early in the second half of the curtainraiser before succumbing to a 30-24 defeat Although much improved, and displaying far more verve with the football, Linwood’s defences gradually collapsed from the battering of the Addington pack. John Green, Adam Fisher and the loose forward, Pomare Connell, shared between them the five tries which extinguished Linwood’s hopes of a first win. Earlier, Linwood had attained a high standard as Moko

Rangiaho and ?Tert’\ Keepa, among the forwards, and the elusive Steve Manuel and Tony Fonotia had severely troubled Addington. t. Linwood also greeted the return of an old Internationa], Lewis Hudson, and he contributed 12 points. But his comeback was not to be as satisfy*, ing, results-wise, as that of Broadhurst !- I . Details.— Papanui 26 (S. Everest, Kt T. Hapi, S. K. Campbell, D. R,' Feutz, C. A-Feutz tries; M. PL Taylor three goals) beat Halswell 18 (P. W. Bancroft, P ? Milner tries; Bancroft five goals). Half-time, 10-6. Referee, Mr Roger Brott. , ■ Addington 30 (P. A. Connell two, A. Fisher two, D. Fisher,' J. J. Green tries; G. McCann three goals) beat Linwood 24 (S. P. Manuel, L. E. Hudson;' M. Leßreton, T. Fonotia tries; Hudson four goals). Half; time, 6-12. Referee, Mr Ken McFarlane. u Points (matches ini parentheses): Papanui (4) 8, Sydenham (4) 6, Addington (3) 4, Hornby (3) 4, MaristWestern (4) 4, Kaiapoi (4) 4, Halswell (3) 2, Eastern (3) 0; Linwood (4) 0.