University Wins Bright Game

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31725, 8 July 1968, Page 14

University Wins Bright Game

UNIVERSITY A 29: L. V. North (3). J. Redward, R. Douglas and M. Beable tries, D. Papps four conversions and a dropped goal. SUBURBS 9.

After taking 30 minutes of the first half to settle down. University A gained dominance In the forwards and confidence In the backs, and easily defeated Suburbs in a bright, fast game at Sunnyside. Most of the first half was spent in covering mistakes made by University backs and countering strong forward rushes by the Suburbs pack, but after Redward picked up a poor pass and sprinted 30 yards to score the first points University seemed to regain its confidence, and played attractive Rugby for the remainder of the game. The success began in the forwards when M. Taylor, who played an outstanding game, G. Garlick and A. Wakelin won the line-outs cleanly and gave the ball to the half-back quickly. The University forwards were fast to the loose ball, and from tackle after tackle set up secondary play for the backs.

R. Somerville at half-back cleared the greasy ball quickly, and with Douglas he was

responsible for the fine back play. Douglas, fast off the mark, ran into his passes well and passed crisply, giving his outside backs plenty of room. His positional play from loose rucks and his speed frequently left the Suburbs loose forwards stranded.

M. Beable, a long-striding and deceptive runner, played strongly at centre, and apart from some early mistakes gave the wings, North and Redward, the overlap. Papps at full-back had an excellent day with his kicking. He missed only one conversion, and his dropped goal from 35 yards was a strong kick with the heavy ball.

Suburbs did well to contain University in the first 30 minutes. Their backs were hampered by close marking, and most of their passes were taken flat-footed. P. Carson and D. Moore, the five-eighths, tackled well, and Moore’s handling and kicking was excellent.

V. Baker in the forwards led most of the Suburbs attacks, but he lost his purpose in the second half and was often standing still at first fiveeighths when Suburbs attacked and the movements foundered with him.

Referee: Mr A. G. Duckmanton.