LINWOOD v. BEST OF THE PROVINCE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5322, 29 July 1895, Page 1

LINWOOD v. BEST OF THE PROVINCE.

This match was played at Lancaster Park on Saturday iv the preeence of a fairly large gathering of spectators, although the Southern v. Linwood President's Cup match on the other side oi the ground proved a strong counter attraction. An interesting and even game resulted in a win for Linwood by twenty-one pointß to fourteen. Linwood defended the southern end, and after the kick-off an interchange of kicks between Stringer and Pearce fixed play at the centre. Some Linwood passing, which almost ended in J. O'Brien scoring-, threatened the Canterbury line, bnt Oram, who was very prominent throughout, relieved with a good dribble. Irvine picked up near the centre flag, und after a dodgy run passed to J. O'Brien, who scored. Ward failed with the kick. Nothing of importance followed the kick out until, from a penalty kick near the Linwood line, Wilson placed a beautiful goal. With the scores even Christchurch continued to attack, and Cook ran to the Linwood line, where he pasaed to Johnstone, who scored. Appleby failed to convert from a difficult angle. Linwood then had the upper hand, and passing between Price, the two O'Briens and Irvine kept Canterbury on the defensive. F. O'Brien at last found an opening and scored. No goal waß kicked, and the Boores were again even. Soon afterwards Sttinger was collaTe*! by Lorimer when looking dangerous, but Linwood were not to be denied, and Hobbs ran over. His attempt to convert his try was a failure, and the teams crossed over with the score Linwood nine, Canterbury six. On resuming, a pretty piece of play by White enabled him to make a clever paea to Lorimer, who threw to Pearce, and the last-named went over in the embrace of Orchard. The kick at goal again failed. A lot of uninteresting play followed, but Stringer at last broke away, and passing between himself, M'Nainara, Irvine and the two O'Brienß enabled J. O'Brien to score at the corner. Twelve to nine, and ' Linwood leading. Canterbury came again, and a fine run by Cowlishaw enabled him to pass to White, who easily Bcored. Wilson converted, and Canterbury were two points to the good. They did not remain so long, however, as some Linwood passing enabled Hobbs to score, and Stringer easily converted. Jußt on the call of time a successful pot by J. O'Brien made the score twenty-one to fourteen in favonr of the crack Senior Club. Mr F. Evans was referee.