Sydenham’s First Win

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31363, 8 May 1967, Page 18

Sydenham’s First Win

SYDENHAM U: T. Tongatule two tries, A. Reward two penalty goals and a conversion. BELFAST U: C. Cameron and B. McFadden, tries; B. Inwood penalty goal and conversion. If there were many errors in tackling and handling, both Belfast and Sydenham made persistent and cheerful attempts to run the ball, and notwithstanding the Umttattens of these teams, it was an entertaining match. For nearly half an hour, Belfast looked distinctly the batter side, but then its tackling lapsed to Sydenham'e level, and at the end of the first spell Sydenham looked like a winning team.

Halfway through the first spell, Belfast led by eight points, alter T. Morris had beaten the defence and sent Cameron in. Belfast still held a lead of six points halt-way through the second spelt, but two penalties put Sydenham on terms and Its second try gave Sydenham a success it deserved. Tongatule had more thrust than any of the other backs and his tries were fine efforts. At full-back, A. Dunlop bandied well, and ran strongly to begin some promising movements. Although rather lacking pace, D. McKensle was one of Sydenham's most earnest forwards and in the second spell, the lineout successes of B. Higgs allowed the Sydenham backs to maintain a pressure they had not looked like applying earlier. A very useful fall-back who has played some good games this year. A. Shapland- made bls final appearance for Belfast before going to Auckland, and he gave a sound display. McFadden, a very small player, often showed great dash and In the forwards, J. Greengrass stood out for all-round ability. Referee: Mr J. M. Wood.