Lincoln demolish Chch
Lincoln University’s expansive gameplan trumped a grunty Christchurch forward pack in Canterbury Metro senior rugby on Saturday.
Lincoln were in devastating touch, winning 54-14, and got stuck in early by grabbing a bonus point before the first quarter of the match was over.
The Lincoln forwards were running like backs and showed skill and initiative out wide to grab four tries in the second half, dominating previously unbeaten Christchurch.
Although Christchurch did their best to pull Lincoln back in the second half, Lincoln’s defence was superb, with replacement No.8 John Borland putting his body on the line.
For the second time at home, the pick of the Lincoln forwards was lock Ben Morris. Morris was outstanding in all facets of his game, scoring a try, as well as playing a part in two others for Jack Stratton and winger Nick Lake on full-time.
For Christchurch, captain William Mills shone with his takes near the back of the lineout, and on the carry.
No.8 Kieran Coll seemed to get more aggressive on the charge as the game went on, and big Sam Cottam looked likely on the burst when he had chances. Other matches: The big interest of University’s 48-26 win over Marist Albion was All Black Israel Dagg’s reappearance into club rugby after being out for nine weeks from Super Rugby with his knee injury.
As expected, Dagg played the first half of the match and was eager for the ball, which helped in setting up his skipper Sam Godwin into space and over the line for a try in the 30th minute.
After being replaced at halftime, Dagg was content with how his strapped knee functioned and wants to be considered for the Crusaders’ game against the Chiefs in Suva on Friday.
‘‘I was pretty nervous,’’ Dagg said. ‘‘It was like going back to school again, but I was very excited when I got out there.
‘‘I will be good to go for next week. I was happy with how it all went. There is still room for improvement, but I am confident I am on the right track.’’
Also operating in the University backline was Crusaders utility back Marty McKenzie, who played the full 80 minutes at first five-eighth.
In the second half, he was joined in by Crusaders wing Jone Macilai and hooker Andrew Makalio.
Sydenham supporters claim Scott Kelly can do everything except walk on water and after his magnificent man of the match performance against New Brighton perhaps they are right.
The powerful No.8 was playing his 100th match, but he displayed the energy and enthusiasm of a player on debut.
Kelly helped Sydenham to the top of the table, winning 43-10. He set up the first try for veteran lock Kalave Auali’itia after eight minutes and scored one himself to give Sydenham a firm grip on the game. Then on the hour, he finished the game in style by kicking a sideline conversion.
New Brighton enjoyed its best period early in the third quarter, although it still continued to make some silly errors, many of them through poor skills and lack of patience.
When halfback and captain Rueben Spicer took a quick tap penalty 5m out and dived under the defensive wall to score after 56min his team was back in the game, trailing 17-10.
His good work was undone at the kick-off. Sydenham claimed the restart, worked into an attacking position and from a 5m scrum, Kelly used his strength to power across. That gave Sydenham renewed confidence to go on and win the match.
A dominant forward pack display and good defensive effort paved the way for Sumner’s second win of the season as they ran in seven tries against HSOB for a 52-15 win.
Burnside narrowly beat Shirley 31-24 in what was a battle of the forwards.
Belfast had their first win of the season against Linwood 27-25. Belfast played the better rugby, scoring five tries to three, but Linwood stayed right in the contest as a result of Jarel Hemahema’s 20 per cent ratio from the tee (one from five conversions).
- additional reporting Game Day reporters.