EIGHT-YEAR LOSING RUN ENDED BY COLLEGE

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30802, 14 July 1965, Page 17

EIGHT-YEAR LOSING RUN ENDED BY COLLEGE

Christ’s College yesterday rose to the occasion magnificently to score its first Rugby win against Christchurch Boys’ High School in eight years, by 13 points (two converted tries and a penalty goal) to 9 (two tries and a penalty).

The teams were evenly matched and had their share of possession, but Christ’s College made more of its chances while the lack of a goal kicker proved costly for the School. In the second half, Schoo! was awarded four penalties within kicking distance of the posts, but its first fiveeighths and captain, L. G. Legge, missed three, including one from 30 yards out and right in front. The sticky ground at Christ's College did not prevent the backs of both sides attempting to play open Rugby and the crowd of several thousand, including members of the Springbok and Junior All Black sides, was treated to a brignt, enthusiastic display, generously

- sprinkled with splendid pass- : ing runs. Hill Two Tries ' Tries for Christ’s College 1 were scored by D. A. Picker- ’ ing and P. H. B. Hall. R. M Morten converted both and kicked a goal from a penalty. i The centre, N. H. Hill, scored both School’s tries while Legge kicked a penalty goal. Teams:— College.—R. M. Morten; P. H. I B. Hall, D. A. Pickering, D. D C. Campbell; N. R. Armstrong, D. J. Murchison (captain); W t J. Grey; H. D. Black; B. Johns. . J. A. T. Dawson (vice-captain), J H. C. Morris, D. J. B. Thomp- > son; E. J. G Harkness, D. M I Sheard. T J. Morris. Grey was r injured just before time and , replaced by J. F. Gresson. ' School.—W. J. Lewis; L. W. [ Jones, N H. Hill, A. W. Tweedie; . R. J. Queree, L. G. Legge (cap tain); D R. Phillipson: J. R Hunter; R. A. McKenzie, P. Arm strong. D McKenzie, P. F. Nich-

olson (vice-captain); A. A. Bou! ton, D. R. Smith, I. K. Hender son. C. Knowles replaced Lewis during the second half. The College’s win was a remarkable one in many respects When Hill scored a slashing try for the School in the opening minute, and with apparent ease, it seemed the College would be struggling to stay in the game at all. This blow would have demoralised any lesser team. For Christ’s Col lege it was the signal for greater effort.

Its forwards began to drive Into the rucks with unusual vigour, and it very quickly had School defending hard. From this point both teams had their moments. Christ’s College spent much of its time in School territory, but the School backs constantly probed the opposing defences, and on several dccasions were hauled down just short of the line.

The two forward packs were fairly evenly matched. In set play School appeared to have greater pushing power, which contributed to the fine showing of its hooker. Smith, who took six tight heads while conceding only two. In loose rucks, however, it was College that had a slight edge, T. J. Morris, Harkness and Dawson driving in hard.

The line-out play was not par tlcularly good, 34 of the 60 being indecisive. School, main ly through t e efforts of Its I4st lock, D. McKenzie, narrowly won the line-outs, 14-12 However, Johns and J. H. Mor ris did their share of jumping for Christ’s College. Both packs favoured the tap back, and this left the half-backs very vulnerable to the forwards, who con tinuously burst through.

The backs were a mixture of good and bad. Combination between the School inside backs was occasionally lacking, and in the early stages poor hand ling let the side down. But when the players reached an understanding they looked verydangerous. The centre, Hill, demonstrated ability to run hard and beat his opposite number, Pickering. The two tries he scored were just rewards.

The College’s Inside backs showed rather more ability and cohesion. The half-back. Grey, was very efficient with his dive passes. Outside him. Murchison demonstrated no lack of penetration or; good defensive qualities. The second five eighths, Armstrong, was also very competent. Referee: Mr R. O. McDowell