Green scores two tries in Shirley win

Press, 28 August 1986, Page 8

Green scores two tries in Shirley win

Craig Green duly earned the title of rugby’s iron man at Denton Oval last night when he turned out for his fourth big match in five days, helping Shirley to a 23-6 win over Glenmark in the TownCountry club play-off. After a shaky start, Shirley produced some brilliant attacking rugby and Green scored two classic tries as part of a compelling display at centre.

With Andy Earl to the fore, Glenmark’s hard driving forward play kept Shirley pinned in its own territory for almost all of the opening 25min. Two penalty goals by Robbie Deans had Glenmark to a 6-3 lead at the end of the first quarter, Shirley’s points coming when a rare excursion into Glenmark’s territory allowed Colin Williamson a dropped goal. But as the Shirley pack settled down and began to win some quality possession, it became apparent that the lively Shirley backs had the legs on their counterparts. Williamson made a couple of searing breaks and Green’s try after 28min was a typical effort, pace taking him through a gap and strength to the goal-line, carrying several defenders with him.

Green was almost in again shortly after, then Brad Stringer burst just as strongly to score on half-time, helping

Shirley to a 13-6 lead at the break.

Shirley’s fortunes seemed to have plummeted when the side lost Grant Mickell and Williamson, through injuries in the space of a few minutes either side of half-time. Mickell had aggravated an old knee injury and his season might have come to an end. Shirley, however, was not unduly affected by the losses, and Green continued to weave his magic, working a neat switch with Eric McAuley to score under the bar at the end of the third quarter. . ;

If Green was more than a handful for Glenmark, so, too, was Stringer, and the rest of the backs, including replacements, were almost as skilled and inventive. Paul Trask and Mark Young had top games in the pack. For Glenmark, Bruce and Robbie Deans played tidily enough without setting their side alight. Andy Earl was a most prominent forward, and Tony Jennings made several strong runs in midfield. For Shirley, Green (two), Stringer and Ken Wells scored tries. Williamson'’ kicked a conversion and a dropped goal and Stringer a conversion. Robbie Deans scored Glenmark’s points with two penalty goals.

In the curtain-raiser, Marist beat Sheffield, 29-3.