RUGBY IN THE MUD.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17575, 27 June 1925, Page 9

RUGBY IN THE MUD.

CHRISTCHURCH BEAT LINWOOD.

The ninth round of the Canterbury Rugby Union’s senior competition was played to-day under unfavourable weather conditions. .The grounds were heavy and the bell greasy. The principal attraction was the game between Christchurch and Linwood on the Lancaster Park Oval. When these two teams met earlier in the season, Linwood won by 15 points to 10. Before to-day’s match speculation was rife as to whether Linwood would be able to repeat this performance, though the weight of opinion seemed to be in favour of Christchurch. The game aroused a lot of interest, and there was a large attendance of spectators at the Park. Albion and Varsity met on the south ground at Lancaster Park, and the game between Old Boys "and North Canterbury was played at Rangiora. The teams in the Oval game lined out as follows:

| it. Once more play went back inside j Lin wood's twenty-rive and there was an j exciting forward struggle near the goal • line, Christchurch making desperate efforts to score. A free kick qt last relieved for Linwood, and from another penalty soon after O. Turpin found the line well down. For a time Linwood kept up the pressure, but once agam their efforts resulted in a force. A period of itffc-nnd-down play followed, each side taking a turn at attacking. Then At’Gregor broke away and after putting in a good run passed to Gibson. Gibson failed to take the ball when he had a clear run in. A minute later Lewis scored for Christchurch . Melvin started the movement, lie passed to MGregor, who, in turn, transferred to Lewis. Lewis had an easy passage at the corner. M Gregor failed to convert. Christchurch 19, Linwood 0. Another attack by Christchurch started by Robilliard, and in which Kirby and Melvin were prominent, resulted in Melvin scoring. Gibson’s shot at goal struck the upright. Christchurch ‘J2, Linwood 0. Christchurch made several attempts to add to their total, but there were no further scores and the game ended: CHRISTCHURCH . .22 LINWOOD .... 0

r LI X WOOD. Full-back—H. Poultom Three-quarters L. Cornaga, J. Davies. \V. Brittepden. Five-eighths T. Pavnc, 11. Ilarlev. Half-back A Millar. Forwards— 1. Turpin (wing). C. Greatbatch. S. Hooper. A. MDuff, W. Fraser, U. Turpin, C. Ile.arn, J. Xicholls. CHRISTCHURCH. Full-backG. A. Young. Three-quarters—A. J,. Lewis, A. C. Robillinrd, F. W. M. Cowlishaxv. Five-eighths— W. Finnegan, N. P. M Gregor. Half-back- T. V. Mullan. Forwards- G. Scrimshaw (wing), W Melvin, K. Foster. II B. Godfrey. G. Leahy. I». Kirby, T. F. 31. Gibson, C. The start of the game was delayed by an argument as to whether L. Cornaga was entitled to play for Lin wood, doubt being expressed as to whether he had the necessary qualifications. It was eventually decided that he find and he took his place in the team. Christ church kicked oft and for a while play settled at midfield. M’Gregor secured possession and after putting in a good jin k y run, had only the full-back tc pass when he sent the baU back tc Cowlishaw. Cowlisbaw was promptly collared. 31’Gregor may have scoret had he gone on. Linwootl attacked but a penalty to Christchurch sent them back. Christchurch carried play into .Linwood's territory and here front a penalty Mullan bad an unsuccessful shot at goal. Christchurch returned to the attack, but M’Dufi saved by marking. From a line out at half way, Mullan, the Christchurch half, secured possession. He passed to 31’Gregor, who, in turn, transferred to Lewis. After putting in a good run, Lewis passe 1 in to Bobiilinrd, who raced for the goal line and scored between the j)osts. Mullan converted. Christchurch o: Lin wood 0. Chr i s t church tried several passing rushes. The boll, however, was difficult to handle and the heavy state of | the ground made j it hard to get up speed or even keep their footing. Christchurch carried play well inside their opponents’ territory. There was a scramble at the corner, but a force resulted. Kirby and Bacon, two of Hie Christchurch forwards, were prominent in a dribbling rush, which gained a lot of ground. Their efforts were spoilt by a breach of the rules. The Lin wood forwards took a hand at attacking. They could not pierce the defence, and play was soon transferred to the other end of the field. Foster gained ground for Christchurch by a good run. From a scrum at half-way Miller set the Liu wood backs in motion. The ball travelled out to Homage, who put in a strong run. He was well collared by Robilliard at the twenty-five flag. Linwood kept play in their opponents’ territory. Their backs tried several passing rushes but without much success. Suddenly play came to the other end cf the field. Foster and Gibson gained ground by good dribbling. Robilliard was in attendance and gathered in ball, flung it out to Cowlishaw, who raced over the line. Mullan added the major points. Christchurch 10, Linwood 0. A minute later another try was secured for Christchurch by Lewis. The ball was cross-kicked and Lewis gathered it in. He beat Brittenden and scored near the corner flag. M Gregor missed with the kick.—Christchurch 13, missed with the kick. Christchurch 13, Linwood 0. Christchurch kept up the pressure. From a scrum near the goal line. Linwood hooked the ball, but the Christchurch forwards got round on it quickly and Leahy scored. M'Gregor failed' to convert. Christchurch 16 ; Linwood 0. Christchurch continued to have the better of the game. From one scramble J. Turpin just managed to force in time, beating Kirby for the ball. Linwood attacked and taking a penalty at a difficult angle J. Turpin had an unsuccessful shot at goal. Just before half-time Christchurch attacked and lvirhy crossed the line. The referee called him back for a forward pass. At half-time the score was Christchurch 16 : Linwood 0. Soon after the start of the second spell. Linwood were in the Christchurch territory, three free kicks in succes sion gaining ground for them. C hrist

church, however, drove their opponents l.nck, but their efforts resulted in a force'. Another attack by Linwood followed. Pavne being prominent. From ;i penaltv J. Turpin made a feeble effort at goal. Linwood kept up the pres- • ure and the ball was dribbled over the goal line. A Christchurch man forced