POSSESSION HAZARDOUS

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30479, 29 June 1964, Page 16

POSSESSION HAZARDOUS

Loose Play In Drawn Game NEW BRIGHTON 12: G. Stanley three penalty goals; C. 'Smith a field goal. SUBURBS 12: V. Sykes and A. Hammill tries; G. Coombs and A. White penalty goals.

Although Suburbs won most line-outs, possession often proved too hazardous to be useful. New Brighton, which concentrated on breaking up play into a series of loose skirmishes, managed to hold its own territorially. As a result of these tactics play was lively but deficient in opportunities for the three-quarters. Suburbs responded to an early penalty reverse by setting-up L. Cottrell for what should have been a certain try in the corner. Unfortunately he dropped a good pass and W. Cottrell, while continuing to dominate play, never again presented his outside backs with such an opportunity. Sykes proved as fast and elusive as ever by beating several defenders tp score after having intercepted a pass near the half-way line. A promising wing three-quarters, K. Simpson, looked capable of similar achievements had he been given the opportunity. Decisive tackling by W. Cottrell and M. Chapman kept the Ne-w Brighton backs in check and prevented much use being made of the right wing threequarter, R. Dalton, who looked as hard to stop as anyone. Stanley, of course, was always busy and Smith kicked well. Of the New Brighton forwards only E. Leask made a really positive contribution to the game, managing some clean takes in the line-outs even though opposed to the formidable Suburbs’ locks, M. Moran and E. Mullaney. Referee: Mr B. E. Powell.