FORWARD DRIVE LACKING

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31060, 16 May 1966, Page 15

FORWARD DRIVE LACKING

University B 12: p. Gaffikin. four penalty goals. High School Old Boys 9: R. Columbus and A. Sttel tries; M. Millar a penalty goal. Two evently matched teams played an interesting game at Straven road. The slight edge University B gained in the forwards was sufficient for the team to win. and, although the side was unable to score anv tries, play was held in the Old Boys" half for much of the game.

The University B forwards lacked the concerted drive shown in recent games but were still able to hold Old Boys in the tight play and were superior in the loose. C. R. Hockley was as hardworking as ever and J. Caldwell, M. Papps and P. Duncan showed up when play was broken.

The half-back, R. Sommerville, who fills the role of loose forward as capably as any other, was a key figure. His harrassing of the opposing half-back, aggreslve running and welldirected kicking kept the control of the game with his team. Individually, the University B backs were sound; G. Nottage. at first five-eighths, defended ably and ran well but the backline never really functioned smoothly. D. Papps was a safe and courageous full-back. Although his sense of position is somewhat vague, he kicked well and his tackling, particularly of the flying Old Boys’ wings, was above reproach. Had the Old Boys' forwards gained an even share of possession, the team must have won. The team’s great strength Mes tn the speed of wing threequarters. Steel and Columbus, but lack of posession and handling lapses inside gave them too few chances. The first five-eighths. T. Merhtens. -laved soundly but outside him the line was brittle. The Old Boys’ forwards were ne ver subdued with Millar. L.

Mclntosh and R. Doell working hard but they were unable to win the ball at vital times. The game was marred by some bad tempered exchanges in the forwards, for which both sides were equally to blame. One or two of the Old Boys’ forwards in particular should realise that they would serve their side better if they concentrated on winning the ball. Referee; Mr K. G. Orsbourne.