University Backs Outran Belfast

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30752, 17 May 1965, Page 16

University Backs Outran Belfast

UNIVERSITY A 33: M. Dunne (2), P. Carter (2), R. Vivian. B.

Prestidge, L. O’Reilly tries: D. Leary, six conversions. BELFAST 14: R. Inwood a try: E. Williams three penalties and a conversion.

The sheer power and skill of University A were far too much for Belfast at Denton Oval. University did some things badly—erratic and ragged line-out play and some bad handling lapses—but many things superbly. The ball came from scrums and from rucks neatly and precisely, the service from the base of the scrum to the backs was fast and accurate, and the consummate skill of the backs in orthodox movements was a delight. Belfast bustled resolutely, tackled well, ran with the ball whenever possible and gave little away in line-outs and set scrums. But the total effect was of a terrier harrassing a mastiff.

Had University shown greater enthusiasm in line-out play and had fewer penalties been conceded for line-out and scrummage infringements the scoring margin could well have been greater. ' The University players had little need of guile. The speed of the backs was such that

’with L. Taiaroa’s service from half-back, orthodox back movements could be counted on to put the wings in scoring positions. No Belfast back could touch the speed of R. Vivian or P. Carter, the University wings, and both men made some magnificent touch-line runs. Thev were well served by p. Hutchinson. at centre, who feinted well, and by the five-eighths, R. Moreton and B. Prestidge. D. Leary, the full-back. kicked with power and accuracy both at goal and in play. The University forwards, although less cohesive than usual, dominated loose play and rucks. If any man stood above the rest it was the lock. M. Dunne. He was at the heart °* t4 s ht P la y. gained more ®‘ lhe bail in line-outs than did any other player, and scored two tries because he was up with the backs to take vital passes.

E. Williams, playing on the wing, was the most successful of the Belfast backs mainly because of his first-class goalkicking. J. Simpkin, the first five-eighths, did some neat tactical kicking although Belfast could not capitalise on it. J. Wells, the number 8, and R. Inwood, were loose forwards who played sound defensive games. Referee: Mr F. B. Campbell, I