Rugby trialists unimpressive

Press, 8 January 1980, Page 14

Rugby trialists unimpressive

NZPA-Rcuter London England scored three fine tries to beat an opposition fifteen 28-10 in a largely unimpressive rugby union trial match here on Saturday. ; Mike Slemen produced some powerful wing play and Tony Bond provided the vital passes for John Carleton to score the two tries which should assure him of his place in the England team to play Ireland at Twickenham on January 19. The general standard of play was poor. England’s weak back play, and ,bad kicking may be. more severely punished by stronger international opposition.

At the Irish trial in Dublin, the probable Irish team beat an opposition fifteen 30-19. Ollie Campbell starred for the probables, scoring 26

of their points including three tries. The Belfast University centre David Irwin was impressive for the opposition side and greatly improved his chances of a cap by scoring two of their three tries; There were few encouraging performances in the Scottish trial match in Edinburgh which ended in a 16-12 victory for the probable national side.

Andy Irvine kicked two penalties to give the probables the edge in a drab first half. The second half was hardly more inspiring apart from a good performance by front-row meh Jim Burnett, Ken Lawrie and Norie Rowan who dominated the scrums.

The Welsh squad also met on Saturday to prepare for their game against France in Cardiff on January 19.