Rugby youth

Press, 27 July 1976, Page 22

Rugby youth

by Nevin Topp Junior Advisory Board selectors were out in force during the under 18 years representative trials at Nunweek Park on Sunday. Seventy-seven players were named for the trials, from which a squad of 19 will be drawn to represent Canterbury at the South Island under 18 tournament to be held at Nelson from August 24 to 28. Players in both trials attempted to run the ball at. every opportunity, and the standard of play was excellent, in spite of most players having games the previous day, and in some cases, matches for school first XVs during the week. Burnside caused an upset in the tenth grade under 15 open A section when it beat the competition leader. St Andrew's College at Burnside Park on Saturday. The bustling tactics of the Burnside team paid off. although in the few

remaining minutes of the game St Andrew’s came back strongly and was unlucky not to score. All the Burnside forwards played exceptionally well against heavier opposition. lan Kennedy, a lock, had an inspired game, and was rewarded with his first try of the season. The backs also had a good game, particularly the full-back. Kerry Wilkinson. who was sound in defence, and always alert to the possibilities of counter-attack. Peter Huff, a wing, was formidable, when he got the ball, and Glen Wilkie, the first fiveeighths, played a tactical match.

The inability of St Andrew’s to wrest the control of the game from Bumside told in the frustration its players felt, and the referee said some sharp words to two players about swearing. It is to the team's credit that it overcame this negative aspect in its play, and it was unlucky not to score seconds from the end. A second tenth grade under 15 years open A section match between High Schoo! Old Boys and Christ’s College at the Christ’s College cricket grounds also provided a lot of interest. The H. 5.0.8. backs used the possession they got from the forwards to good advantage. The excellence of the back-line is illustrated by the centre. Gary Parker, who has scored 80 points so far this season. He got good support from the second five-

etghths. Reece Ritchie, who moved easily off both feet and had an uncanny ability to find and create gaps. The first fiveeighths. Lyndon Rouse, played ! >n i- -<»--• In the first half, the H. 5.0.8. forwards shared the honours in its clash with the Christ’s College forwards. The hcolier. Merk Luxton. had an excellent game in the tight, as did Greg Sparrow, a lock. The captain and flanker. Andrew Fowler, was equally effective in the tight and loose. The Christ’s College backs did not have e very good first half. Brian Moss, the half-back was not getting tidy ball from his forwards, and consequently. his passing suffered. However, his tactical kicking was ur: r uL Outside him, the first fiveeighths. Neil Webster, also had a trying time — his usually good hands let him down three times. The gain’d good possession from the lineouts, particularly from a fop. Hamish Thomas, in the front of the line-out. and a flanker, Chris Steel. The other flanker. Richard Wood, was always quick to the breakdowns in play. Kaiapoi has the distinction of bein'! the only rugby club north of the Waimakariri River, to field teams in the Junior Advisory Board’s com-

The number of teams is two, and they both play in the twenty fi rst grade ti-der nine years, under 32kg section. Both teams are allowed to play in the Christchurch competitions

because the North Canter bury J.A.B. has no gradt for these players. On Saturday Kaiapoi a met Orittctnirch A a South Haglev Park, hu' :r spite of some good for ward plav. the Christ '• side p’c.ed toe good for the boys frorr over the river. Kaiapoi has a very strong forward pack, bin the backs are weaker, anc me lack .if positional plsv often allowed Christchurci to gain r >•»)-. ritory or tries. The ex cent ion among the backs was the first five-eighths Matthew Chamberlain who ’'is score’ 7(5 poii'..so far this season. Histrong rii’”'ir... , nc j h,, cover defending were ' 'rb. In the ton w the loose-head prop Christopher Quinn, str u out for his all-round ability. The Chrir* church side had good strong-running backs. One of them. Stephen CotterelL scored two tries, and showed no signs of the influenza he had t- •'’'—ing from. The second five-eighths, Matthew Sheppard, had the speed and hands, and he also tackled well, while Robert Morrow, at fullback. is slowly grasping the game. The same applies to ’he half-back Haden Seott, who is play ing his third year in this grade. ' —o’ards, particularly the two loc’-c stephen Maginness and Stephen Osbourne, used their weight tn good advantage. .Andrew Lewis, a prop, s also gaining confidence with each game.