Shirley B.H.S. Beats Westlake, 9-5

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31761, 19 August 1968, Page 20

Shirley B.H.S. Beats Westlake, 9-5

Shirley Boys' High School defeated the Auckland team, Westlake Boys’ High School, 0-5, tn a Rugby match at the Shirley S round on Saturday. This was io second match between these schools of comparable age and size, the first match played in Auckland last year resulted In a 3-all draw.

Shirley Is the leedlng Rugby school in Christchurch this season and of the 10 games played in Auckland. Westlake had lost only four. The teams were:—

Shirley Boys’ High school.— B. Cochrane fvtce-captain): 3. Gallagher, p. Burrow, D. Steel; C. Bates. M. Williams: B. Rollo; I. Kirton: J. Cameron, W. Thorne. A. Trent, E. Kennedy: H. Anderson (captain), G. Sheath. R. Yates.

Westlake Boys’ High School.— B. Anderson: G. Legge, I. McLeod, D. Mills: N. Jackson. G, Dorreen (vice-captain): I. St Clare: R. Hitchings; G. Lowther. G. Butt. R. Gilmour. L. Abbott; P. Muriwal, G. Nicol (captain). W. Holland. In the first half In the Shirley team I. Kirton was replaced by M. Stringer and in the second half G. Anderson replaced J. Gallagher. For Westlake, G. Parfitt replaced G. Lowther. Although the match was decided on penalty goals there was little doubt as to the superiority of Shirley. The forwardp played with greater pur-

pose and the backs ran well and handled with precision. Alongside them the weetlake backs looked pedestrian.

Neither aide, however, resorted to defensive tactles and this outlook should have firoduced a fine game. Unforunately frequent errore prevented the game from moving well and the Impression gained was one of sporadic attack rather than well planned offensive.

The Shirley forwards dominated the Hne-oute in the first spell and throughout the game were quick to the loose ball. Trent did good work and showed fine control In palming the ball back and was given able support by Anderson. Cameron, as well as doing his share tn the tight, was promt nent In the open and Stringer was another who stood out.

The Shirley backs were given numerous opportunities but found It difficult to penetrate the defence. Rollo was a competent half who passed and kicked soundly, and it was hts break from a line-out which led to his team's try. The three-quarters. Gallagher. Burrow and Steel, all showed speed on attack. Burrow in particular showing an eye for a gap. Cochrane was an able fullback. The Westlake team took a long time to find its feet and not until late in the second spell did it function as a unit. A final assault on the Shirley line gained a try and could well have resulted in another but for determined defence. It was unfortunate that this cohesion was found so late for the greater part of the game Westlake was a group of individuals.

For Shirley Stringer scored a try and Gallagher kicked two penalties. Jackson scored a try for Westlake which was converted by Anderson. Referee: Mr M. p. Kearney.