Fine Tries Save Match For Old Boys

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31043, 26 April 1966, Page 20

Fine Tries Save Match For Old Boys

Old Boys 20: R. Colombus (2). A. G. Steel and P. K. Hatchwell tries: M. J. Millar kicked two penalties and a conversion. University A 9: B. R. Prestidge, P. R. Black and B. McLean tries.

Convincingly disproving the theory that forward domination is necessary to win matches, Old Boys, seizing eagerly on what crumbs of possession came their way, scored some superb tries in the threequarters to win a match, which at half time seemed in University's safe keeping. In the first half Old Boys were a bothered and bemused side. The University forwards dominated line-outs and scrums: their rucking was fiercer and better controlled and the backs moved with purpose and precision. Three tries to University seemed ample reward for Its far more polished play and only two penalties by Miliar kept the margin to three points. In the second half Old Boys became more purposeful and confident. In 12 minutes they scored three superb tries in the three-quarters. From a quick ruck the backs flick-passed and Steel, given the overlap, scored near the corner. Minutes later Old Boys swiftly turned defence into attack when the full-back, G. McClatchy, ran on the blind side; some pretty Inter-passing with the wing beat the cover defence and Columbus completed an 80-yard movement by scoring near the corner. Sensing the game was going their way. Old Boys launched more back attacks. University A was now under pressure from the darting runs of Mehrtens, Steel and Colombus A swift thrust by HatchweL took him through the defence Faced by Leary and with Steel outside him. Hatchwell sold a dummy and raced away to score near the posts. The conversion by Mi-Mar took Old Boys to a 17-» lead.

University tried everything In the last 25 minutes. Three times forwards went over the line, but each time were called back for an infringement. Prestidge and McLean tried ail sorts of dodges, but the tenacious Old Boys’ defence never faltered and Colombus scored just on full-time after a quick switch of play.

Mehrtens, when not trying to kick, was a splendid first fiveeighths, handling well and passing quickly and smoothly, and Hatchwell made some incisive runs. The 20-year-old Colombus, however, was the outstanding back of the match. His speed, determination and football skills made him a formidable figure. Millar and Mclntosh were the core of a determined Old Boys

pack, which, If outplayed was never subdued.

The University forwards played well without generating quite enough fire to achieve dominance. D. Wilson, L. B. O’Reilly and R. Mahon were effective in the loose, and J. N. Creighton hooked skilfully. Prestidge and McLean combined well, but were inclined to over-do the “cut-out” pass. G. Wallis, a tall, strongly-built wing, made a good impression in his first senior match. Refe-ee: Mr L. S. Kirk.