Eastern wins league contest

Press, 12 April 1979, Page 34

Eastern wins league contest

Bv

JOHN COFFEY

Eastern Suburbs-Hertz won its second rugby league competition within four days when it beat Linwood, 13-10, in the final of the $lOOO Radio Avon knock-out tournament at the Show Grounds last evening. The $5OO first-prize money earned by Eastern can now be placed alongside the travel subsidy and Joshua McDonald Shield which the club gained from its success in the provincial seven-a-side series on Saturday. Although there was little between the finalists, East- ] ern deserved victory as a re- | ward for its positive openi ing, its ability to recover from a two-point half-time deficit, and its finishing power during a most impressive display in the second spell. Barry Edkins once again proved that he is a man of many rugby league talents, scoring a fine try soon after the start and deftly passing

from a tackle to send his scrum-half, Murray French, across for the try which placed Eastern back in front 19min from the end. His selection as the McWilliam’s Wines “player of the match” was fully deserved. But there were many other outstanding performances in Eastern's fine allround display. Alan Teague was cool and safe under the pressure of many soaring up-and-unders and the Murphy brothers, Bruce and Kevin, probed profitably for gaps in the centre field and made maximum use of any laxness by Linwood’s cover defence.

Among the forwards, Alan Rushton proved with his telling tackles and forceful bursts that his pending retirement will be a serious blow to Eastern, Derek McLaughlan somehow found the time and energy to deviate from his diligent back-ling-up to amass an ex-

ceptionally prolific tackle count, while Grant Findlay distributed the ball with skill and purpose. The match had all of the excitement and pace expected of cup-tie football. It was noticeable, though, that Eastern was responsible for a clear majority of the clean breaks achieved at the expense of the dedicated defences mounted by both teams.

Linwood had its chances, however. Mike Smith touched down in the first half, only to be recalled and penalised for incorrectly playing the ball, and Gary Morrell stepped into touch before diving across the tryline shortly after the resumption. There was the hint of a dramatic eleventh-hour recovery when Charlie Black contributed his try to Linwood’s cause 2min from full-time but Eastern kept its composure, smothered a

high kick, and wrested possession from the final scrum to stay ahead. Marist-Western Suburbs threatened to run riot against Sydenham in the curtainraiser, which decided third and fourth positions. Marist was in front, 23-2, within 40min before it conceded five tries to its opponent and had its eventual winning margin reduced to 31-23. Peter Nash, the Marist right wing, was a worthy recipient of the Jim Beam

“man of the match’’ award with three fine tries and Michael O’Donnell. Graeme Frew, and John McGougan were other backs to stand out. Chris Charlton showed that he is quickly aadapting to the loose forward’s duties and young Ted Tierney had the distinction of hooking the ball from the first eight scrums in which he packed at premier level. After a disastrous first half Sydenham settled down

and improved as the game advanced. Many of its manoeuvres were "too individual in nature but Bob Grant, Charlie Smith, and Blair Corkran could be well satisfied with their efforts. Eastern Surbs-Hertz 13 (B. R. Edkins, M. R. French, W. Jeffs tries; Edkins two goals) beat Linwood 10 (W. A. Wilson, C. Black tries; C. R. Leney two goals). Halftime: Linwood, 7-5. Scrums: Eastern, 17-15. Penalties: Linwood, 7-5. Referee: D. Wilson.

Marist-Western Suburbs 31 (P. C. Nash three, G. S. Frew two, G. Borrie, C. E. W. Charlton, M. P. Brereton, J. MacGougan tries; M. W. J. O’Donnell, Frew goals) beat Sydenham 23 (R. Grant, M. D. Vincent, P. Vili, P. Griffiths, T. Mene tries; B. Corkran four goals). Halftime: Marist 20-2. Scrums: Marist, 15-13. Penalties: Sydenham, 13-5. Referee: K. R. Blackler.