Time for coaches to take stock

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32633, 15 June 1971, Page 18

Time for coaches to take stock

As the Canterbury Rugby Football Union’s Saturday morning competitions for under-weight grades progress, many teams are coming to, or have completed, the first round of their section of the competitions. This is the period when coaches should assess their achievements thus far in the season.

By now most teams have an appreciation of who their major opponents are, but those who are uncertain about their relative position in the competition should make efforts to find out.

At this first stock-taking, there should be a recognition that many players who suffered from inexperience at the start of the season are now improving rapidly and greater team success is near at hand.

It is frequently the case, especially in under sst and under sst 71b Rugby, that the second round matches include a large proportion of “upsets” because

of this improvement factor. It should be remembered that older players, those in the higher weight grades, have played a considerable amount of Rugby and their opinions may be useful when this stock-taking occurs. Coaches of winning teams have no reason for complacency; the edge that makes their team successful can very easily become over-confidence, which is normally a disastrous fault on a Rugby field. If this evaluation of progress takes place, players and coach alike may be agreeably surprised by its constructive consequences, for both team tactics and team spirit The under sst 71b D grade match between New Brighton and Cathedral Grammar was most exciting. The New Brighton team, which clung on for a 9-6 victory, retained its unbeaten record for the season; and yet Cathedral Grammar in defeat deserved great credit. The match was won in the first half when the yellow and black forwards put relentless pressure on the Grammar defence, as number eight Mark Bradshaw, a dynamic attacker, and the surprisingly mobile lock Graham Poskilt, lead many a determined foot rush. Also instrumental in the application of this pressure was halfback, Graham Tritt, who proved himself a strong and dangerous runner. The New Brighton backs did not show to advantage in Saturday’s slippery conditions, but another forward to impress was the young prop Greg Radcliffe, who is improving rapidly. This team's fine record becomes all the more impressive when it is realised that a considerable proportion of the team had never played before this season. The Cathedral Grammar team won praise for its fine play in the last quarter of the match when the ball was moved urgently between backs and forwards in an effort to pierce the New Brighton defence. In the final movement of the match captain Paul Wilkins capped a fine performance by outpacing the defence to score in the comer. For much of the match the Grammar forwards appeared to lose concentration, being swept back from a territorial superiority they had worked to achieve; but in this final stage, the pack, led by lock Oliver Davidson and number eight Richard Shannon played the driving game to perfection. The half-back/ first five-eighths combination of Ross Gunn and Hamish Dunn was admirable and full-back John Campbell played with courage and judgment. In the B section of the same sst 71b grade, the game between Christchurch A and Belfast A produced some excellent Rugby, with the Christchurch team’s superior all-round game finally deciding the result. The Belfast team which has enjoyed

several victories so far this season has some excellent backs who work best in combination. Half-back Calvin Ashby, besides possessing a knack of kicking dropped goals, is a smooth passer, while Grant Thyne outside him, ran and kicked sensibly, giving the lively outside backs many chances to show their paces. Chris Gordon at fullback, belied his slight build with some robust running. The Belfast pack lacks size and experience but it was pleasing to see the forwards actually heeling the ball in the rucks and not just kicking hopefully, as so many packs do. The Christchurch opposition played a pleasing type of Rugby, with backs and forwards running and passing well. The members of this team distinguished themselves further with some proficient tackling. The Christchurch backline attacked with efficiency, and zest; Richard Leggat played a bold running game from the halfback position and served his outsides well. Stephen Ardagh and James Rennell, at second five-eighths and centre, complemented each other on attack and defence, while Greg Farrant was a determined winger. The Christchurch forwards were a powerful unit especially in the loose where Chris Bates played a vital role in initiating many passing rushes. The Merivale - Papanui under sst 71b A team is a young side which is improv-

ing steadily as a result of a rather harsh baptism in the A section of the grade. In a smallish pack, which is at its best in the looser play, Wayne Higgs, a flanker,stands out, while Tony Te Amo is a quick-striking hooker. Among the backs, nobody is more industrious than Scott Todd, a tireless halfback. Fullback Hamish Graham played a very reliable game on Saturday, catching and kicking with aplomb. This team was gallant in defeat; overwhelmed by the strong and talented New Brighton side. The Albion under 6st A team deserves its considerable success this season because of the obvious discipline with which it approaches the game. Speed to the loose ball and quick passing among the backs are th -Wo facets of play which distinguish this team. In its match against Suburbs, first five-eighths Colin Carston dictated play with his clever kicking and ball-distribution, while as a result of the incisive running of the outside backs, winger Paul’ Macintosh was given many t chances to show his undoubted pace. In a powerful but controlled pack, Peter Dick at lock stood out for his driving play and flanker Richard Kennedy showed promise with his hard running. Albion’s opponents, the Suburbs side, is a young team with almost half the players enjoying their first season of competition Rugby. However, regular match play and enthusiastic practices are contributing to a noticeable improvement in their teamwork. The side’s greatest asset is its loose forwards Lyn Chandler, Geoff Bryce and Murray Howard all of whom handle and tackle with skill; their defensive play on Saturday was splendid. The backline is gaining confidence slowly and at the moment, Alan Breen at halfback is the most penetrative back with his bursting runs and accurate kicking.