OLD BOYS BACKS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22663, 14 June 1948, Page 3

OLD BOYS BACKS

PACE AND RESERVE

fitness in vanguard

H. 5.0.8. OUTPLAYED

Better trained condition in the forwards and pace and resource in the rear division enabled Old Boys to gain a convincing decision over H. 5.0.8. on the main ground on the Gisborne Oval, the scores being 13 points (two goals from tries and a try) to three (a try). H. 5.0.8., through the agency of the speedy and weighty pack led by I. Shaw, made an impressive showing in the early stages. Territorial honours rested with them in'the first spell, but Old Boys took charge in the second half and ruled the play decisively in the vital last quarter.

The teams were: Old Boys (White).—l. James; G. Harris, J. Richards, J. Barbour: A. McGregor, R. Clay: D. Graham: R. Humphreys; G. Elliott, P. Griffin, J. Ingram; B. Birrcll; N. Summersby (captain), G. Shanks, A. Gardiner. During the final 10 minutes, Clay retired and was replaced at first five-eighth by R. McGregor.

H. 5.0.8. (Maroon).—l. Bills: H. Crawford, W. Cookson, J. Grcig; P. Dods, A. Archibald: S- Lee: K. Bullivant; P. McGrannachan, I. Shaw (captain), C. McGrannachan. L. Gibson; J. Ferguson, N. Mills, C. Swan.

With this particular set of backs of the Old Boys’ club, the change of position of Richards to centre threequarter proved highly successful, the former rep. five-eighth playing an outstanding game, while A. McGregor also showed resource at second five-eighth. Graham gave an improved display behind the scrum, sending quick passes of a length to suit circumstances and varying his methods also by occasionally making ground. James gave another reliable full-back display. Barbour’s persistence resulted in the only try gained by a wing three-quarter. Scrum Rivalry In the first spell the Old Boys’ scrum failed, only three, Griffin, Summersby and Shanks, working consistently in the tight, but the several wing forwards showed an improvement after the interval. Old Boys were outpushed and outhooked in the first session, but turned the tables after the interval. They had the advantage in the line-out in both spells. The best of the H. 5.0.8. backs was again the half, S. Lee. who was an outstanding defensive unit, and was very fast in clashes from the scrum. On the left wing J. Greig’s speed and ability to tackle were alos strong factors in the H. 5.0.8. defence. A promoted junior, P. Dods, at second five-eighth, was impressive in good company in his first senior match.

Shaw Ferguson and C. McGrannachan earned credit in the H. 5.0.8. forwards, all of whom combined well, however, in the set scrums and in close rushes. Bullivant was prominent until a knock caused him to favour a painful leg. Mills was the successful hooker in the first spell, though his vis a vis. Shanks, claimed the greater share of possesion in the second half. Early 0.8. Score Old Boys collected three points in less than as many minutes from the start of play. Following the kick-oil exchange and a scrum, a Red clearance was smothered in the 25 by the White forwards wtio made ground in an exchange of short passes, ending in a transrer from Humphreys to Richards, who went on to score the opening try half-way between touch ana the goal. A good kick by James was not quite good enough. Shortly after James tried a long penalty kick wnich failed to reach the goal. Though unable to reach the objective, the Maroon forwards pressed repeatedly. The Old Boys’ backs were endeavouring to open the play and one smart attack sent the ball to Barbour, who seemed to be going in to score when Cookson and Dods cheeked him in the corner.

C. McGrannachan made a fine attempt with a penalty place kick from nearly half-way, the ball veering outside the upright. H. 5.0.8. were winning the scrums at this stage, but the bacKs were unable to exploit the advantage and it was left to the pack to cross the White line where James claimed a force-down. The fluctuations of play showed in favour of the Red forwards for another willing period just before half-time and results came when James was forced to run behind his goal line. As he was making his clearance kick two attackers dived for him and the ball rolled loose lor Rods to notch a try well out from the goal. C. McGrannachan's kick failed and the interval was signalled with the score at three-all, flattering Old Boys, who had had to cede the territorial advantage.

Speed in Second Spell The second spell opened with a swift Old Boys’ assault which was checked by a penalty for obstruction. Another attack looked promising for the Whites when they turned a Maroon sortie and possession went to Harris on the left wing. He used a side-step to get clear in a run from midfield to the 25 and seemed a certain scorer till Grcig raced across from the other wing to make a smothering tackle. Smart backing-up tactics were employed by the White backs, who were now receiving the greater share of the ball, both in scrums and iines-outs, but the spell was half-way through before points were realised. The success developed from a ruck, the ball going to Richards, who made an opening before passing to Barbour. The latter was tackled promptly, but Richards retrieved the ball to exchange _ further passes with Barbour and the wing went round to score between the uprights. Clay converted and Old Boys led, B—3.8 —3. The H. 5.0.8. forwards essayed a number of thrusts, but the Whites called the tune, both forward and back, in the concluding quarter. Grcig, Bills and Lee showed in spectacular defensive play for H. 5.0.8. and the line was held until a few minutes before no-side when R. McGregor, who had replaced Clay, made an opening and sent a pass infield to the White forwards who carried on for a try about 10 yards from touch, the scorer being Elliott. The goal points were added by R. McGregor and full time shortly after found the score: Old Boys 13, H. 5.0.8. 3. Mr. S. Ritchie was the referee.