Deans the key man in Glenmark’s win

Press, 23 August 1984, Page 38

Deans the key man in Glenmark’s win

By

BOB SCHUMACHER

Robbie Deans is back and his club, Glenmark, was thankful of that when the prolific-scoring Canterbury and All Black full-back kicked his team to victory against New Brighton in the club rugby final between the country and town champions at Denton Oval last evening. Deans had .five attempts at goal, a couple of them from reasonably awkward angles even for a kicker of his calibre, but he was unerring and his 100 per cent record was essential as Glenmark won, 18-16. The margin between the two teams was only two points at half-time, at which stage Glenmark was ahead, 15-13, but New Brighton hit the lead with a penalty goal 11 minutes into the second half. It stayed in front until six minutes from the finish, when Deans received his

only kicking chance of the spell. He made no mistake with a relatively simple kick, but three minutes later Ross Adler, the New Brighton goal-kicker, had an opportunity to regain the lead for the seasiders. His kick from near the left touch-line almost caressed the righthand upright, but passed by on the wrong side and Glenmark gave no further chances in the long period of injury time. Adler succeeded with only three of seven attempts and the difference in goal-kick-ing decided the Trusteebank Shield in favour of Glenmark. Adler, however, could not be blamed for New Brighton’s defeat. He gave a gutsy performance at halfback, although under pressure from Bruce Deans, and never shirked tackling duties.

New Brighton’s forward commitment was almost enough to bring an unexpected victory, but one which would have been deserved. Its forwards drove as a wedge and Glenmark’s pack was splintered and shoved backwards on many occasions. But for all its possession in the second half and the many varied and strong attacks made by the backs, New Brighton found no path through a water-tight Glenmark defence. Under constant pressure Glenmark refused to panic and the level-headed approach paid dividends at the end. New Brighton, too, had periods on desperate defence and it also thwarted the Glenmark advance. Glenmark might possibly have looked to using its.

back-line more. Although closely marked, the Glenmark backs were not short of attacking skills. They received few chances, but Craig Green took advantage of one opportunity to glide by his marker and set up Glenmark’s only try for Andrew Munro.