St Andrew’s Wins, 23-12 Against Cranbrook

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

St Andrew’s Wins, 23-12 Against Cranbrook

Scoring five tries to one. St Andrew's College convincing* ly beat Cranbrook (Sydney) 23*12 in a lively inter*school fixture at St Andrew's College on Saturday.

With both sides intent on playing open Rugby, it was the superior speed with which St Andrew’s was able to obtain the i bail from the rucks, combined with crisp passing in the backs which enabled the team to find gaps in the Cranbrook defence. Cranbrook al no stage gave up its policy of passing the Dail at every opportunity, and had the handling been of a higher calibre, it might have capital ised un frequent chances to test the St Andrew's defence. After the initial settling down period and a fine opportunist try by the St Andrew's halfback. D. Alexander, Cranbrook looked as if it might break through, but the match steadily swung in St Andrew's favour. With its forwards playing with more purpose, St Andrew's appeared to have control at halftime, even though it held only a one-point advantage. Cranbrook’s left-wing, K. Landell-Jones showed he was a long and accurate goal-kicker with three fine penalties, including one from the 10yd mark. In the second half, St Andrew's maintained dominance, and but for stout defence by J. Thea dore, the Cranbrook flanker, who was playing as an extra full-back, St Andrew'S might have compiled more points. R. Wilson, at full-back for St Andrew's, gave his backline considerable punch when he came in as an extra man, and in doing so master-minded two tries As well as his running ability, he showed great heart on defence. He also converted four of the five tries, two from a very wide angle. The two half backs, A. Strathopoulos for Cranbrook, and D. Alexander, played fine controlling games. Alexander threw longer and more accurate passes, and gave R. Scott at first five-eighths more room to set his backline going, which he did with good effect.

In the forwards, J. Hibbard. G. Ussmer, and C. Murdoch were all anxious to snap up any loose ball offering, and were quick to pounce on any Cranbrook errors and turn them to St Andrew's advantage.

For St Andrew’s, D. Alexander, G. Marshal. R. Mottram, J Hibbard and B. Dudley scored tries and R. Wilson kicked four conversions.

For Cranbrook A. Strathopoulos scored a try and K. LandellJones kicked three penalty goals.

Referee: Mr A. R. Taylor