Linwood caters for all ages

Press, 12 February 1986, Page 45

Linwood caters for all ages

The Linwood Rugby League Club will be entering a record number of teams in the Canterbury open, junior and schoolboy grades next season. In addition to its first XIII, Linwood is to defend the premier B championship and will have adult sides in the senior first, senior third and president’s divisions. Emphasis has been given to strengthening the club’s intermediate ranks, and for the first time it will have two entries in the 19-years competition. One team is to be coached by the former Canterbury forward, Alan McNaughtan, and the other by the 1981 Kiwi inside back, Wally Wilson, and Peter Hall, who played for Canterbury B. The Linwood 17-years squad has already fashioned a proud performance record. It graduates from schoolboy football with an unbeaten sequence

stretching back more than 50 matches. Youngsters are offered an introduction to the 13-a-side code in Linwood’s two elght-years teams, and the club will be represented in every grade between 10-years and 16-years. That the club is in good heart is also em-

phasised by its four netball sides, complementing its summer sports choice of cricket and softball for its members. In an effort to ensure all open grade players have the opportunity of pressing for premier status, Linwood is to have a selection panel this year so that all candidates can be canvassed on a regular basis. Linwood’s list of national representatives swelled last year when Brent Todd was sent to Britain and France as a replacement for the senior Kiwi team, and Esene Faimalo toured Australia with the Junior Kiwis.

Although Paul Truscott, in his first season as coach, does not Intend to play regularly,

Linwood will not be lacking in experienced men to guide the promoted youngsters. Lewis Hudson, who has the unique double of 100 tries and 1000 points in premier rugby league in Canterbury, is available again. So, too are the South Island representatives, David Campbell and David Perkins , and the Canterbury B hooker, Steve Blanchard. Ken O’Brien and Grant Todd are promising players who were in the provincial second XIII captained by Perkins last winter, and they are expected to further develop their talents in the months ahead.

The club’s premier trial will be at Warren Park next Sunday at 11 a.m. It is to precede a barbecue and picnic. Training is at present being held at Linwood Park on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings.