Simple Error Decided Fate Of Game

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31084, 13 June 1966, Page 16

Simple Error Decided Fate Of Game

SHIRLEY t: B. Richards two penalty goals. NEW BRIGHTON 0. When two teams set out to plav Rugby by the safety-first method, victory usually goes to the side which makes the least number of errors in its own half. New Brighton played Its cards well In this respect, but in the sixtieth minute some of its forwards committed the simple error of failing to retire 10yds from a Japanese-style line-out

about 20yds from their own goal-line. It was a mistake which cost New Brighton the game, for Richards s penalty , goal brought the only points of the match, save for a second goal which he kicked in the last seconds.

The forwards on both sides showed plenty of ardour, but the backs took no chances. They chipped away constantly with line kicks to improve their positions for short-range attacks on the goal-line—onlv to discover, when the time was ripe for a thrust, that the solidity of the defence and their own shortcomings prevented success. The scrums and line-outs were not very tidy and both halfbacks were harrastsed through trying to deal with the ragged service from their forwards.

The Shirley full-back. Richards, gave a display full of courage and concentration, and I. H. Penrose and the Tanner brothers gave a good account of themselves in the New Brighton forwards. But the great territorial advantages won by Penrose and his men were thrown to the winds by the team's kickers. G. A. Stanley and D. Cutting, each of whom missed three kicks at goal.

Spectators evidently are now conditioned to the type of Rugby played in this match; there was some polite applause from the main stand at Rugby Park as the teams left the field.

The referee was Mr D. M Sampson.