Linwood latches on loophole hi league

Press, 5 September 1988, Page 6

Linwood latches on loophole hi league

By JOHN COFFEY Linwood used a loophole in the Canterbury rugby league transfer regulations to help it beat Sydenham, 16-14, in a vital promotion-relegation match at the Addington Show Grounds last Saturday. It obtained the services of the Kiwi trialist centre, Mike Dorreen, and was rewarded when he scored two of its three tries and had a marked influence on the outcome of the match. The chairman of the Canterbury board of control, Mr lan Jenkins, said his emergency committee had no choice but to accept the transfer because it was made with the agreement of Dorreen’s club, Addington. Linwood, having lost its first game in the series to Kaiapoi the previous week, made strenuous efforts to strengthen its line-up. The club president, Mr Keith Brown, confirmed that Tony Kemp (Wellington), and Dean Lonergan (Auckland) — who spent most of this season as “rookies” with Sydney clubs — were among Linwood’s targets. But Dorreen was the only mercenary actually recruited, though Mr Brown did not rule out the possibility of other approaches being made before Linwood plays Woolston.

"It’s all about dollars these days, that’s what it has come down to,” said Mr Brown. Asked if Dorreen would be with Linwood or Addington

next season, he said: “He might go back to Addington if they offer him more than us. If we stay in premier football we’ll be spending $50,000 to get players.” Linwood also recalled Wally Wilson, aged 36, and Cliff Leney, aged 33, and brought back David Perkins. Other regular players were passed over because of promotions from the junior ranks. Perkins, aged 28, showed no sign of having suffered two broken legs in past years when he ranged up in support of Shaun McDonald for the try which clinched victory for Linwood. But the win might not be enough to save Linwood's premier status. Kaiapoi ran away from Woolston, 32-15, in the second half of their match on Saturday and is most favourably placed with two successes. However, if Sydenham beats Kaiapoi, and both Sydenham and Linwood beat Woolston, the three present premier clubs — Sydenham, Linwood and Kaiapoi — will be tied on four competition points and scoring percentages will apply. Although Sydenham might question its rival’s sense of sportsmanship, it must also ponder the defensive errors which frittered away a 12point half-time lead. Dorreen’s two tries, both converted by Perkins, cancelled out that advantage

within 19min of the resumption. Sydenham briefly got ahead again from a penalty goal before McDonald evaded several ineffective tackles and found Perkins in support after a 50m run. Linwood kept a couple of desperate Sydenham attacks at bay over the final lOmin. After Woolston had twice been in front during the first half-hour, Kaiapoi regained some of the touch seen during its defeat of Linwood. Raven Mann had plenty of dash from loose forward, claiming two tries and the "man of the match” award. Scorers. — Linwood 16 (Mike Dorreen two, David Perkins tries; Perkins two goals) beat Sydenham 14 (Sali Konefereisi, Rick Kara tries; Kelvin Williams three goals). Half-time, 0-12. Referee, Mr Michael Glover. Kaiapoi 32 (Raven Mann two, Ray Peehi, Steve Dickson, Paul Whakatihi, Dean Tiwaka tries; Bryce Dryden four goals) beat Woolston 15 (Joe Puru, Tasi Manu, Dave Toko tries; Manu goal, field goal). Half-time, 14-11. Referee, Mr Norm Taylor. Points table:

P W L F A Pt Kaiapoi 2 2 0 58 25 4 Linwood 1 0 1 26 40 2 Sydenham 2 1 I 14 16 0 Woolston 1 0 1 15 32 0