Back To 10-man Rugby

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31985, 12 May 1969, Page 20

Back To 10-man Rugby

I NEW BRIGHTON 14: R. Pierce. | K. Tanner tries: C. Hender-1 son. two penalty goals and, a conversion. UNIVERSITY A S: Y. Sakata a try; L. Papps a conversion. New Brighton allowed itself to drift back into the bad old style of 10-man Rugby and its win in the main match at Rugby Park could in no way be taken as a commendation of this type of play The robust New Brighton forwards controlled the ball ablv. but the bright young backs. L. Dickson and L. Legge, unhappily squandred much good possession, leaving their threequarters high and dry. University showed a greater: appreciation of the needs of the • situation, but it failed to de velop its attacks to the best of its ability. The team's sole try was the result of Sakata's quick thinking. The Japanese wing chopped off a grubber kick with his feet, snapped up the ball, and danced round the opposing full-back to score. With I. H. Penrose again taking a leading part in all activities, the New Brighton forwards dominated the battle for the ball, particularly in the rucks and mauls. Their shortpassing thrusts were well executed arid provided some relief from the match’s general run of handling errors. The referee s strict interpretation of knock ons however, dampened efforts to run the ball. For the most part, Dickson played solidly at half-back for New Brighton, but at times hel placed his side at a disadvantage with some badly-directed passes. Legge kicked far too much, with the result that T., Bracefleld. a splendid centre did not get a run in the match Legge made some atonement with a fine solo run to send Tanner in for a try. The best back in the match was S. Bowater, the University first five-eighths, whose assured catching and passing, acceleration, and ability to beat a man made him a thorn in New Brighton’s side. Bowater showed a flair for constructive play, but insufficient use was made of his good groundwork.

. I Deprived of their leader. P Duncan, after 12min. the University forwards struggled courageously against a heavier pack. New Brighton’s advantages in weight and experience told in the last quarter but the University forwards earned full marks for application. G. Meredith and M. Taylor led the team’s effort in the tight and B. Paul, the hooker, held the Canterbury representative, G. Bacon to three tight heads each at one stage in the match Later, however. Bacon won four further heels against the head to cap a good game in which he showed plenty of dash and determination in the forward ’ thrusts. , Referee: Mr S. C. Millar.