Boys9 High heats Shirley, 14-7

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33870, 16 June 1975, Page 19

Boys 9 High heats Shirley, 14-7

The first game of the 1975 secondary schools’ Rugby championship was played at Straven Road on Saturday when the Christchurch Boys’ High School first fifteen beat its Shirley Boys’ High School counterparts. 14-7. Ground conditions were atrocious and Shirley, whose forwards adapted better to wet weather football, were unlucky to be seven points down at the finish, M. Wheeler, the Christchurch fuli-back, was the rock on which Shirley foundered. His handling was safe and he was able to get length with his kicks despite the heavy ball. S. Kinley kicked two good goals and was on hand to score a try in the final minute of the game. D. Sprott gave good support in the five-eighths and was rewarded with a try. Shirley was well served by P. Halstein, at first five-eighths, and his handling was as good as that of the All Blacks in similar conditions at Auckland. G. Barry, the Shirley captain, played well and D. Campbell made the most of the few opportunities he received. It was Halstein’s kicking that gave Shirley a territorial advantage in the game. M. Nicholson kicked a penalty goal. GOOD SUPPORT B. Newfield led the Christchurch forwards in the tight and he was well supported by M. Broome and J. Holland. They shaded Shirley in scrums and rucks. J. Bartwick was effective In the loose.

The Shirley loose forwards were quick to the ball, with D. McLauchlan making some good runs and S. Eves saving well. A. Wilson was rewarded with a try from quick following up. J. Rathbun jumped well in the lineouts and showed that the two handed take is still effective.

It was disappointing in football of this class to see a few players displaying a childish petulance. The referee, Mr K. G. Orsbourne. had to speak severely to a couple of players.