TO-MORROW’S FOOTBALL – PROSPECTS OF THE TEAMS

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19119, 11 July 1930, Page 15

TO-MORROW’S FOOTBALL - PROSPECTS OF THE TEAMS

Inter-Club Rugby Matches Will Re Resumed To-morrow.

CHRISTCHURCH AND VARSITY TO MEET IN WHAT SHOULD BE HARD STRUGGLE

WITH THE BRITISH now departed to enliven or to darken things in the North Island, Canterbury may now revert with satisfaction to the even tenor of its -way. To-morrow the inter-club competitions will he resumed, and, with Christchurch and Varsity starred as the principal attraction, there is promise that the game on the oval should be bright and interesting. On the face of things it looks like victory for Christchurch, but it does not pay to be over-confident, for the students have more than once produced a winning trump when it was least expected. Whether they can do it again to-morrow remains to he seen, hut in any case the game should be an improvement over recent club battles. Merivale and Sydenham meet on the "west ground, and Old Boys and Linwood at Rugby Park. Technical and Albion will occupy the No. 1 ground at the Show Grounds.

Providing form works out, the matches should not result in any change in the position of the leading teams, but the day will take the competition one stage nearer the vital clash between Old Boys and Christchurch. To-morrow Christchurch will take the field without Stewart, who is suffering

from the effects of a poisoned ear. He will be missed in the pack, but even

without him Christchurch should be able to deal with the Varsity van, who will have a hard row to hoe. Varsity cannot hope to hold their heavier opponents in the tight, but by open play they have a chance of running the Christchurch men very close. Scrimshaw and King are the two best wingforwards in Canterbury, and the difference between them is only a shade of experience on the side of the former. Both men have strong claims for selection to play against the British, with youth and dash in their favour. They should stage a duel of wits that will be by no means a minor feature of the game. If the Christchurch backs are given all the scope they want Varsity will be the defending side. Mullan, M’Gregor and Marshall are a dangerous trio, who know all the tricks of the trade when penetratioi is wanted, and sound tackling will b' required if they are to be kept out

It will be part of King’s job to see that Mullan is kept quiet. It will not be easy. Marshall, who was indisposed during the earlier part of the season, will be making his second appearance, and is expected to greatly strengthen the Christchurch attack. Hart, who is now a famous All Black, should be in lively form on the right wing. Calder may turn out for Varsity. He is well again, but has not been able to train. It is doubtful whether Alley will take his place as lock in the Varsity pack, as he has expressed a desire to be relieved. All things considered it should be a good tussle, with Christchurch winning.

Merivale, for the sake of the club’s great reputation, must produce better football to-morrow than they have in recent matches. * Once was the time when Merivale drew the largest crowds, but it is not so now. Their form in their last few matches has fallen away sadly against weak teams, and only by producing straight running among the backs and handling that can live by comparison with the best can they regain confidence. Sydenham can put up a good battle, but they should not beat Merivale if Merivale remembers tradition. Linwood upset Christchurch at the very beginning of the season, but have gone to pieces since. Old Boys should have matters very much their own way mless something unusual happens. Alion will find the spoiling Technical forwards troublesome, but should be more ban able to deal with them.