SHIRLEY HAS 20-0 WIN

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31728, 11 July 1968, Page 19

SHIRLEY HAS 20-0 WIN

Shirley Boys' High School had far more mobility in the forwards and used tactics suited to the heavy ground when they scored six tries to beat Xavier College 20-0 at Gamblins Road yesterday. After sharing the early line-outs with Xavier, Shirley began to lose many, but found it was to its advantage when the Xavier backs were unable to handle cleanly. The Shirley forwards pounced on every mistake and there were many stirring forward rushes. Tries for Shirley were scored by I. Kirton (2). H. Anderson, B. Rollo, B. Cochrane and D. Steel. M. Williams kicked one conversion. The teams were: Xavier.—N. Rogers: P. MeGllnchey. B. Cox, R. Trowland: C. Christoffeson. T. Emery: R Foote: K. O’Rourke (captain): B. Bateman. I. Kennedy, B Doherty. B. Wallace: M. Hoskin, E. Boyles. J. O'Donnell. Shirley.—Cochrane: Steel. P

Burrow. J. Gallayher: C. Bates, Williams; Rollo; Kirton: E. Kennedy. J. Cameron. W. Boyd. W Thorne; R. Yates, G. Seath Anderson. Shirley’a forwards had re markable control in the scrums and rucks. They often pushed back the Xavier pack 10 yards in the scrums, and both tries by Kirton were from “pushover’’ movements. However, both teams played well in the loose. Shirley had more luck with the bounce of the ball and had better control. Where there were three Xavier players near a ball in the loose, there was often the whole Shirley pack sweeping in to take control. Play began brightly in the muddy conditions, and the lighter Xavier forwards won many early line-outs. R. Foote gave his first five-eighths good passes, but the possession was thrown away with misdirected kicking. Also, the Xavier backs too often stood flat-footed and were easy prey for the Shirley tacklers. Both teams attempt ed to pass the ball before it became too heavy. In one movement, Christoffeson picked up a dropped Shirley pass and sent it to hl?

outside backs, and Trowland was brought down five yards from the Shirley line. Then the Shirley forwards gradually gained control. Kirton. who dominated the loose play, and Kennedy frequently beginning Shirley attacks from mistakes in the Xavier back-line. At half-back, Rollo controlled play well, scored a good try himself, and sent Cochrane away for one in the second half. Outside him, Williams displayed excellent handling, and his speed helped his backs , to gain an overlap in several ! moves. Steel, on the wing, out , paced his opposite number to ! score in the second half when the ball had been flung along , the Shirley back-line in dis- . -ppard to the muddy condi- , tions. ■ O’Rourke guided the forwards I well and covered the Shirley • back-line competently. The I full-back, Rogers, had difficulty standing up at first, but once I he found his footing he made ’ many courageous saves in the mud. The major fault in the i Xavier team in the second half was a distaste to drop on to the - ball in the mud when Shirley ■ was driving through. Referee: Mr L. S. Kirk.