KNOCK-OUT GAMES

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29295, 29 August 1960, Page 16

KNOCK-OUT GAMES

Marist Beats Merivale

In beating Merivale easily by 21 points to 3 on Saturday, Marini maintained its position in the senior Rugby knock-out competition, and will meet Technical-Shirley in the final. Technical-Shirley and University met in a bright game, and the combined side deserved to win after scoring four tries. Results were:— Technical-Shirley 19, University 12. ; Marist 21, Merivale 3. BRIGHT GAME Technical-Shirley 19: tries, M. Tyrell (3), N. Hartland; A. McNabb two conversions. R. Quirk a field goal. University 12; J. W. Dalmer two penalties, B. M. J. Dineen a penalty and field goal. Both teams tried to play, open Rugby, with Technical-Shirley showing a little more determination and finish than University. Full use was made of the backs, though there was little combination shown, and individual efforts were the order of the day. In an even game, it was the combined team’s better finish and tackling that gave it a win. The forwards were not very lively in either side. In the combined pack, E. Veal and B. Arthur played hard for the full game, and T. Edgerton did his share of the tight work. For University, K. G. Doig was full of energy, as usual, and in the loose he was well supported by J. Grocott. Both sets of backs tried to keep the ball moving. In the TechnicalShirley team, M. Tyrell showed speed on the wing for his three tries and R. Quirk jinked and sidestepped to good effect.

A. C. Timpson was a very safe full-back for University, his safe handling and accurate kicking often getting his team out of trouble. When the mood took them, B. R. Smither and Dineen, at centre and second five-eigths, ran hard, but lack of support usually saw the movements break down. Mr F. B. Campbell was referee. ENTERTAINING RUGBY Marist 21: B. Coulter (2), E. Noonan, J. Walsh, M. Ogier, tries; B. Reilly, three conversions. Merivale 3: T. Toomey, a try. With its back line showing plenty of pace and penetration, Marist took control of the game early and maintained the pressure throughout. The Marist pack dominated the set play, and, with a feast of ball, the backs were given plenty of opportunities. B Coulter, playing on the flank for Marist. was the outstanding forward on the field, scoring two tries and always close to the ball. The Merivale backs could not match the pace of their opnonents, but a hard-working defence prevented Marist from breaking through at will. R. Watson tried hard at the base of the Merivale scrum, but the fastbreaking Marist forwards gave him little quarter. After Watson had started a very good movement, the Merivale wing, M. Kirk, was tackled only inches short of the Marist line. . Led by M. Boland and T. O’Shannessy, the Marist forwards were a formidable combination and showed good form until the final whistle. B. Reilly proved his worth as a kicker for Marist by converting three tries, one of them from a very difficult angle. E. Noonan scored a good try, after crashing through a tackle, and was always looking for work. The referee was Mr A. Gurnsey.