FORWARD POWER

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30740, 3 May 1965, Page 16

FORWARD POWER

Shirley In Command SHIRLEY 20: W. D. Flavell. B. Nunan, F. Follwer, J. Rudd tries: B. Richards kicked two penalty goals. MERIVALE 0. Completely in command for most of the match, Shirley gave a very promising performance in convincingly beating Merivale at Lancaster Park South. If B. Richards had shown reasonable kicking form Shirley’s total might have been into the forties for he missed nine of his 11 attempts at penalties. The first half was rather scrappy. Both packs were inclined to be too loose and the handling and passing of both teams left much to be desired.

But in the second half, Shirley looked a most accomplished side. Its powerful forwards knit into a compact unit and its backs ran hard and eagerly sought the many gaps that appeared in the Merivale defence.

E. Veal was a grand pack leader for Shirley and his driving play, was faithfully followed by M. Taylor and R Simpson, who also took four tight heads off the Canterbury hooker, D. S. Pirie. Quick On Ball

In the loose J. Toki and W. D. Flavell were dangerous runners and B. Nunan, a.s usual, was quick to seize on the loose ball.

It was just as well for Merivale that the Shirley half back, D Frampton, elected to kick so often in the second half. For the Shirley backs, and in particular F. Follwer and J. Rudd were most Impressive. Merivale did not play well. The forwards were unable to contain the solid Shirley pack and some of the tackling by the backs was too tentative td stop the Shirley backs. Referee: Mr A. G. Duckmanton.