Strong Albion Play Beats Christchurch

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31108, 11 July 1966, Page 16

Strong Albion Play Beats Christchurch

ALBION 12: J. Newlove, A. C. Old. Harrison and G. Baldwin scored tries; Harrison kicked a penalty. CHRISTCHURCH 9: R. Morris scored a try; G. Waterreus kicked two penalties.

A half-time lead of nine points when it had the advantage of a strong wind was not sufficient to allow Christchurch to hold out against spirited play by Albion. The vigorous Albion forwards •wept Christchurch on to defence almost immediately after half-time, and pressure imfiosed by the forwards and the ively Albion backs was too much for a strained Christchurch defence.

The winning try came a few minutes before full-time when the Albion first five-eighths J. R. Adams, who had been playing excellently, slipped out of a tackle and placed a perfect kick behind the Christchurch backs. G. Baldwin and R. J. Phelan raced after it and Baldwin •cored near the corner.

Christchurch had some good moments in the first half when the backs and forwards combined in some dangerous moves but lack of finish spoiled many promising situations. It was only two careless off-side penal-

ties by Albion that allowed Christchurch Its nine-point lead. Using the wind well in the second half A. Adams and W. Fiewellyn kicked to gain ground, Albion started many stirring foot rushes, Winning plenty of ball from the line-outs where Rowlatt was unchallenged by any Christchurch forward, the Albion backs took part in some delightful chain-passing movements.

When Albion drew level at 9-9, Christchurch desperately tried to launch attacks but the backs could not penetrate the stern defence of Barrett and Phelan, who tackled ruthlessly. Rowlatt, P. Sands and K. Baker stood out in a pack which hustled and bustled Christchurch throughout the match. Adams, given a good service by Fiewellyn, was the best of the backs: his astute kicking helped his forwards gain superiority and his thrustful running found gaps in the Christchurch defence.

Arnold made some good breaks; Watt was a composed first five-eighths, but the Christchurch back-line never moved well.

R. Tuhuru was an energetic lock and R. Wainohu tried har'd to rally with Ms flagging team. Referee: Mr H. P. Kearney.