St Andrew’s plays well to beat St Kentigern

Press, 21 August 1989, Page 24

St Andrew’s plays well to beat St Kentigern

Better-drilled forwards, complemented by a fine display from the St Andrew’s College fullback, Danny Mcßreen, were the main ingredients in the host school's success over St Kentigern College, from Auckland, in the final game of a quadrangular rugby tournament which ended on Saturday. Mcßreen’s boot won the match for St Andrew's, but his success with four penalties and a dropped goal against the opposition’s two tries, one converted, was thanks to a forward pack which was territorially superior, stronger and better marshalled than its opponents. St Kentigern played a looser game, preferring to rely on its swift backline for attacking inspiration. Mcßreen’s skill was not restricted to his kicking; he was rarely caught out of position and was always a danger whenever he came into the line. The remainder of the St Andrew’s backs could do little

against strong tackling and rightly opted to keep the ball in front of its superior vanguard. The tight five, with the hooker, Rob Calder, playing an outstanding game, always seemed to be in control. Calder was rarely far from the ball, and the props, Michael Preston and Nick Anderson, were constantly at his shoulder. Richard Pratt stood out in the loose and his diligence almost brought him a try late in the game. The danger man in the St Kentigern line-up was the fullback, Marinus Hercus, who stood out with his straight running made at considerable pace. The best of St Kentigern’s forwards were Mark Richardson, the high-flying lineout exponent, a lock, Tim Nelson, and Paul Koloi at the back of the scrum. The curtain-raiser between Lindisfarne College, from Hastings; and Scots College, from Wellington, was won convincingly by Lindisfarne thanks to a skilful backline played with inspiration

and, at times, sheer brilliance. The fullback and captain, Vaughan Bidois, particularly, was far too masterful for his opponents. His competency would not disgrace contests of much higher calibre. Chris Horlock, Kristian Makirere and Jeremy Castles were three others to stand out in a polished line-up. Scots controlled much of the set play but much good work by its heavier and stronger forwards was often nullified by faulty handling, its backline lacking the finesse of its sleek opponents. Scores: St Andrew’s 15 (D. Mcßreen four penalty goals, dropped goal) beat St Kentigerns 10 (P. Loloi, M. Hercus stries; M. Donovan conversion). Half-time: 6-4. Lindisfarne 16 (V. Bidois, C. Horlock, J. Thompson tries; Horlock two conversions) beat Scots 6 (S. Sala try; H. Ritchie conversion). Half-time: 10-0.