LINWOOD v. SYDENHAM.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5862, 3 May 1897, Page 1

LINWOOD v. SYDENHAM.

Contrary to general expectation, the champion team of last year did not liavo matters all their own way with Sydenhani at Lancaster Park, the players' from the model borough playing quite a spirited game. After the kick-off, with the wind in their favour, somo excellent kicking by the brothers Halliday and Castle took the play to the Linwood quarters, and a lot of scrummaging' resulted. Then Price, F. O'Brien and Hobbs, by some combined play, relieved, and tho Green forwards, headed by Glennio and Evans, set up an attack, but off-side play spoilt a, good chance, and Sydecham were, shortly after, forced. Stringer nearly scored from a pass by HQbbs, but Kennedy, Meikleham and Ford, at the head of a Sydenham rush, took the play right down the field, and Castle obtaining possession, potted a fine goal. A lot of uninteresting play ensued, and then came a passing rush of the Linwood backs, in which Wilson, Hobbs, and Stringer took part, and Sydeuham were kept busy defending, and from a loose rush Hobbs obtained possession and potted a neat goal, and at half-time the scores wore even. Tho second spell was in Linwood's favour, and they kept up a strong attack, bnt so well did the, Sydenham backs tacklo that up to a quarter of an hour to " no-sido " no score was made. Glennie, who had been playing a fine game, dashed over from a pass from Price, but Hobbs only kicked a poster. A fine piece of foot work by Meikleham and Ford took tho play to midfield, but Stringer, with a lusty kick, undid their good work, and just on tho call of time Hobbs got over after a fine dodgy run, but the samo player missed the easy -place kick. Mr W. G-. Garrard was referee. Scores : — Linwood, one goal two tries (ten points) ; Sydenham, one goal (four points).