Rugby rivalry was revived at Lincoln University after a 37-year gap when Massey University's aggie lads descended on the campus to challenge for two rugby trophies held by Lincoln since the universities last clashed in the 1960s, the Mog Shield and the LA Brooks Cup.
Organised by Lincoln graduate Nicola Martin, who is now Events Manager at Massey and Lincoln University's Scholarships Manager Jane Edwards, the resurrection of a rugby match between the two universities was judged by all to be a huge success.
"The tradition of an annual rugby match between Lincoln and Massey actually goes back to 1929," says Jane. The rivalry reached a peak of intensity in the 1950s then slowly ebbed in the 1960s, with the last match being played in 1968. But now there's a lot of interest in getting things going again.
Around 300 spectators - staff, students and old students - turned out for the match on Lincoln University's No.1 ground on Saturday 3 September. Among the crowd were Jim Stone who played in the Lincoln-Massey match of 1947 as halfback and Peter Fleming who played in the matches of 1954-56 as a wing. They enjoyed the game and the winning performance of the 2005 Lincoln team was a warm reward for them on a cold afternoon on the sideline.
The Lincoln lads won the match 24-7, opening the scoring with a penalty goal in the sixth minute and closing the scoring in the final minute with a converted try. But Lincoln's victory was no walkover. They had to defend vigorously against an always-threatening Massey backline and the visitors probably deserved more on the scoreboard than their single converted try. Nevertheless, all credit to Lincoln for their fine display against a team that has been playing together for over a season or more.
The match was refereed by Lincoln University Rugby Scholar Joe Eastgate.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Ian Collins, Journalist
Lincoln University, Canterbury
Tel: 64 3 325 2811 ext 8549
Email: Ian Collins