Strong Finish Saves University A

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32359, 27 July 1970, Page 15

Strong Finish Saves University A

UNIVERSITY A 10: H. Missen and L. Jones, tries; W. Lewis, two conversions. SHIRLEY 3: I. Griffith, a dropped goal. It was only in the final quarter that University found its true form and was able to wrest the initiative from the lively Shirley side. Shirley’s strength was an energetic forward pack dedicated to winning ground by powerful drives with the ball in hand. University never really countered the thrust of the Shirley eight and for the major part of the game its back-line looked unusually hamstrung in the face of some solid tackling by the Shirley backs and loose forwards.

With better possession, the Shirley backs possibly ran the ball more effectively, but try as they might, they could not quite finish off their moves. Griffith’s dropped goal was the only scoring in the first half and for the first 25 minutes of the second spell Shirley tightened its grip even further by denying University possession and allowing the students only rare chances to think of much else but defence.

However, after breaking out of its half. University for the first time in the game, caught the Shirley defence on the wrong foot and Missen’s try resulted.

The lead gave the students renewed spirit and for the final 15 minutes they played more in keeping with their reputation. The forwards sought out the loose ball with greater purpose and the backs handled and passed as though they meant business, Jones’s try rewarding their efforts.

The only member of the winning side to impress with an 80-minute display was the halfback, M. Brown. He serviced his backs with excellent judgment, but it was his defence and probes round the scrum which highlighted his game. The only other University back to make any worth-while contribution on attack was the right wing, L. North. He was given few opportunities but made the most of each.

A. Matheson and M. Hamilton played well in spasms for University, but in the loose forward department neither matched the energy or the enterprise of the Shirley flanker, C. Read. Both in going forward on attack and back on defence, Read was outstanding and at times he switched from one role to the other with remarkable swiftness. M. Toner might not have been as conspicuous as Read, but his output was no less. Of the tight forwards, G. Meredith (University) and L. Adam were tireless workers with C. Johnstone (Shirley) the only forward to make his presence felt in the line-outs.

W. Robinson had a splendid fame at first five-eighths for hirley. He endeavoured at every opportunity to set up those outside him and his tactical kicking was seldom off target. At centre, B. Moore was perhaps the most dangerous attacking back on the field. Referee: Mr A. R. Taylor.