CHRIST’S COLLEGE WINS

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28927, 22 June 1959, Page 14

CHRIST’S COLLEGE WINS

10-6 Score Against St. Andrew’s

With a versatile line of backs and taster, but lighter, forwards. Christ's College had the better of the loose play to win its match against St. Andrew's College 10-6 at St. Andrew's on Saturday. Christ’s College scored two tries, both converted. St. Andrew's College scored a try and a penalty goal. The play was even from the start, with neither set of backs able to make headway against the copybook tackling which is usually a feature of inter-school games. Sound defence and cover defence by both teams restricted the scoring movements, and most of the attractive bleaks were made from loose play after the failure of a back movement. The teams were:—

Christ’s College.—J. I. Armstrong; P. E. Bulfin, D. S. Banks (captain), D. W. Mackenzie; I. C. H. Dick. R. J. K. Collins, J. R. Greenslade: J. St. .1. Parson, 3. J. D. Holderness. G. L. C. Dunster, R. W. House. J. S. Band. A. A. Henderson. A. P. R. Ludbrook, R. S. Ferguson. St. Andrew's College.—J. A. Mills; T. A. Hart, W. .1. Thompson (captain), M. I. Baxter; D. G. Spence, G. L. Baldwin; W. T. H. Flewellyn; R. S. Jones. G. B. Robertson, H. B. Millard. D. J. O’Brien, A. R. Turner. D. W. G. Scott, D. S. Pirie, N. C. Morrison. The architect of the Christ's College victory was the captain and eentie three-quarters. Banks. Apart from scoring seven of his side's 10 points with a try and two conversions. he was the outstanding player on defence, and shone in the passing movements from the loose. His tiy. which came from a passing movement by the Christ’s College backs, was gained by sure movement and speed. His first conversion was a splendid effort from tile sidelim . The Christ’s College full-back. Armstrong, was safe and made two particularly good saves, although he (iid not have as much to do as did Ills opposite number. The two Chri.-t s College wings, Maekenzu and Hullin, had too much speed for the opi'ositics, although sure tackling ensured that no tries were seoied from S' t play. Mackenzie made one particularly good run when he came in on the open side as an extra live-eighths, and cut straight through tile opposing backline. Buliin made one excellent run and P. G. Morris, who came on tale in tile second half to replace Mackenzie, also made a good run from the live-eighths position. The Christ's College live-eighths were unsure in their handling at the start of the match, but both brightened up their play later. Greenslade passed well I’roin behind the scrum. Faster Forwards The Christ's College forwards were faster than their heavier opponents, and made several good dribbling rushes. More would have come from these rushes if the Christ's College forwards had not over-run the bail. Parson took most of the ball in the line-outs, and Baird was the best in tlic 1 mse. Dunster. the Christ's College vicecaptain and lock forward, played an inspired game. He gave a perfect demonstration of how to tackle a much heavier man who was running straight at him with the ball. Ludbrook had the better of the hooking duel, taking four tight heads and conceding two. Mills, at full-back for St. Andrew’s, was bis side’s outstanding back. Throughout the match he made only one error, and this was insignificant

:in comparison with the very many ‘ things he did well. Mills fielded the ball with a-suranee and gained much ground with his line-kicks. When Jhe entered the backline he in- ’ , variably added thrust. ' The St. Andrew’s wings were ‘overshadowed by their opposites although Baxter came close to seor1 ' ing on occasions. The half-back. I Flewellyn. sent out a great variety |of passes, but his loose play was i l excellent. He made good runs, and , the Chiist's College forwards seemed /unable to tackle this tiny figure as ihe darted among them with the • .ball. . i The St. Andrew’s forwards applied | their weight wall in the rucks, hut . were not as fast to the ball as a pack. Jones numned well in the lineouts, and Morrison and O’Brien were best in the tight play. Robertson and Turner both did their share Jin the loose. For Christ’s College Mackenzie and [Banks scored tries, and Banks con- ■ verted both. Flewellyn scored a try . | for St. Andrew’s when he wriggled I through the arms of four Christ's I College players who were trying to ihold h:m up on the line, and Mills ; kicked a penalty. j Mr R. E. Empson was referee.