BRIGHT RUGBY

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31167, 17 September 1966, Page 11

BRIGHT RUGBY

For a team to score 294 of its 376 points from tries does show that the spirit of Rugby adventure, at least in young players, is not dead. This year’s University under-19 team won its grade, which includes the leading schools’first fifteens, and won it in a very handsome fashion. It scored 376 points for and had only 52 against but it was in try scoring that it created a fine record 98 tries were scored and five against. Comprising players who are in their first year at university, the team placed an emphasis on back play and played some brilliant Rugby during the season.

The coach (Mr G. Howard), who has had continued success with University teams, set his team the task of playing open Rugby and they responded well. In a year when there has been criticism of rough Rugby it was heartening to know that he instructed his team at the beginning of the season that any dubious play would result in the player concerned immediately being dropped.

The outstanding forward was the No. 8, M. Hamilton, from Auckland Grammar School, who scored 16 tries. L. Jones, a wing, scored 18 tries and added another 78 points to that with his kicking.