Canterbury Football Notes

Southland Times, Issue 19552, 5 May 1905, Page 4

Canterbury Football Notes

(By a Correspondent). The Canterbury Rugby Union’s competitions were commenced 'on Saturday last in flue weather. Albion gained a rather lucky victory over Linwood by 11 points (potted goal, a try and a goal from a mark) to 10 points (two converted tries). Sydenham defeated Merrivale after a very keen and closely contested game by 11 points (goal from try aud two tries) to 3 (a try). In the Christchurch v. High School Old Boys’ contest, which was chiefly noticeable for the lack of condition and combination among the players, the former proved victorious by 18 points to (i. Judging from Saturday’s contests there will bo keen competition for the Senior Cup this season and at this stage I would not hazard a guoss as to the ultimate result. Many of the clubs have been reinforced by players from other provinces and tho Canterbury rep. team should be very strong this year if the selector of tho N.Z. roam do not draw too much from it. A. Bishop (North Island rep.), wing three-quarter, and C. Tyno (Hawkes Bay), forward, are playing for .Linwood, as also are G. Templeton, G. Matthews and D. Fraser, each of whom has represented this province but was not playing last year. Albion has been greatly strengthened by tho inclusion of G. Gray, who during tho last two seasons has represented Wellington in the three-quarter line. He played a stei ling game oft Saturday. Merrivulo has acquired the services of S. Gillett (Auckland three-quarter) and H. Pritchard, an aggressive Rangitikei forward. Christchurch has lost the services of Harvey, who may appear later on, but there are several new players in the personnel of the team. Harper’s form on Saturday stood out from tho rest of tho Christchurch backs. R. G. Beaus (N.Z. liveeighth) is playing for Old Boys, but in Saturday’s game did not show to gieat advantage, and it is a pity he is not playing for a better team- For a man of his weight (14 st.) he musters great pace. Canterbury College aro an unknown quality as they had tho bye on Saturday. Ex-Southlanders supply the most of Sydenham’s backs : W. Black, centre three-quarter, J. W. Meadows (" Toby”) and F. Rout five-eighths, and J. Reynolds (‘‘Biddy”) half back. Reynolds sustained a nasty knock on tho head and had to retire at half time. His form was only fair. Meadows and Rout played very well and they ami Black, who scored the three tries, were mainly responsible for Sydenham’s victory. Black’s great pace was an eyeopener to Merrlvalc. His last two tries were beauties and tho easy manner in which ho ran round to receive tho ball a second time in each of the two passing rushes which resulted in a score gained for him much applause. Ho is looked upon here as likely to fill eno of the vacancies in the N.Z. -earn.