Problems overcome

Press, 10 May 1979, Page 19

Problems overcome

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For many clubs, the under 13 grade presents more problems than most. Many boys leave established clubs when they go to high school, while high schools face the problem of getting a unified side from players from many different areas. Christchurch Boys’ High School, playing under the wing of H. 5.0.8., has had to put together a side from players unfamiliar ■with each other. As well as this, they face the problem of losing hostel boys in the holidays. So when they came up against Merivale-Papanui with three players short, the prospects were not good. By half time they were eight points down and struggling. At that stage, however, Alex Wyllie gave a rousing half-time team talk, and the boys never looked back. The forwards in particular, although playing with a pack numbering a mere six, all played superbly. The Loe brothers, Andrew "and Stewart in particular played outstandingly. while among the backs, Andrew Henderson at

half-back was a key player. Brent Fleming, at first fiveeighths, was a cool and mature player. Old Boys’ second-half rally brought them an exciting 12-8 victory and the prospect of being the side to beat in the A section.

Although Merivale-Papanui has been together for three seasons, it has not really got into top gear so far. It has had the problem of two hard games so far, each producing narrow losses.

Aaron Dyre appears to be an extremely strong and mobile No. 8 while the second five-eighths. Siu Salavale set up two tries beautifully with strong and intelligent running. Brent Vivian at centre complemented his inside player well, and his two tries came with speed and swerve. The Marist Under 13 side has been together now for three seasons, and has been a successful combination. This year it again looks a strong side, with an impressive 18-0 win against Hornby on Saturday. The captain, Michael Fleming at lock was a strong and willing attacker, while in the backs Kelwyn Hansen, in the first fiveeighths position, proved to be a sound and reliable tackler. Further along the line Martin Davidson shone as a mature and intelligent runner. For Hornby it was a most disappointing day all round. Half the side was away on holiday, while others thought the rain meant cancellation. The result was that only five of the regular side arrived, and the under 12 team had to be drawn on to fill up the numbers. The side has been together now for three years and its previous biggest loss in all that time was a mere 9-nil.

The Suburbs side in the B section of the competition has been together now for two seasons. Although it is a light

side, it seems nevertheless to be a talented one. The forwards are developing well as a unit, while in the backs there are some skilful players. In the game against St Thomas’s on Saturday Richard Churchill was a second five-eighths who handled and ran extremely well while Paul Le Beau gave a fine display of hooking. Another in the Suburbs side who gave everything he had was the lock Michael McKessor, whose size was of great attacking benefit. Although St Thomas’s narrowly lost on Saturday, it appears to be a promising side. The forwards still have much to learn but certainly seem to have the willingness and energy to do so. Gerard Neave was a fine example of this, giving 100 per cent effort all the time. Another willing toiler was a flanker, Tony MacDonald, whose play was industrious and thoughtful. In the backs Robert Meechan gave a sound display at first five-eighths.