XAVIER COLLEGE AN IMPROVED SIDE

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31096, 27 June 1966, Page 16

XAVIER COLLEGE AN IMPROVED SIDE

Although it had the same members, the Xavier College first fifteen which beat Christ’s College by 5 points to 3 at Gambliins road on Saturday was much improved on the one which lost to Christchurch Boys’ High School a fortnight ago. A try just before time, converted, was just reward for consistent pressure and for gaining the control which it had not held in the first half. The teams were: Christ’s College.—C. C. Hartnell; D. D. C, Campbell, N. W. Piper, A. J. Cook; C. J. C. Wright, R. J. Wilkin; A. T. M Penny; H. D. Black; P. V. Anderson, J. H. C. Morris, A. L. Read. R. I. K. Hart; 1. T. Morten, D. M. Sheard, E. J. G. Harkness. Xavier College.—T. D. Emery; P. J. McGMnchy, S. J. Preston, P. H. Brown; P. N. Anticich, M. J. Campbell; B. M. Cox; W. P. Brown; P. J. Doody, N. L. Langenberg, B. O’Byrne, M. J. Durney; K. W. Moesbergen, R. G. Clough, P. J. O’Connall. T. G. Foley replaced Brown towards the end of the first half. Either team might have won. Christ's College had an initial advantage and it led, 3-0, for most of the game. Its backs looked much better than they did against St. Andrew’s College the previous week, its forwards looked bigger and stronger than the Xavier eight. But eventually it seemed to feel too secure in these advantages. The Xavier forwards, if they were outweighed, were not outrun and they began obtaining the ball time after time. The backs responded to this welcome possession with some thrilling chain passing and the Christ's College defence lapsed long enough for the match to go. First, the half, Cox, nearly scored, then Doody crashed over from an ensuing ruck and

Emery converted. From the start a close match appeared likely but after Christ’s College began so competently, few expected the tense and exciting finish that came. The Xavier forwards gave the basis for success. Never overshadowed, they still gave the impression that they would eventually bow to weight and experience. The reverse occurred. As the game pro gresised, they became better and better and towards the end they were getting the ball at wiM from all departments. Langenberg jumped well in the lineouts and O’Byrne and Doody were always prominent. O’Byrne was not the kicker this time because of an injured ligament but that did not affect the rest of hiis play. Until he retired injured for the second time this season. Brown, the captain was a fine example. The Christ’s College forwards began well enough and they made use of the considerable powers of big men like Morris, Morten and Read. Hart was quick off the side and Black made some forcing bursts. But they did not keep it up. In the first half, the Christ’s College backs looked a formidable line. Penny was, as usual, doling enough for two at half, Piper was trying to break down the middle and the wings. Campbell, who scored the side’s try, and Cook were a constant threat. Then, in the second half, especially towards the end, the Xavier backs who had been able to do little earlier, showed their true worth in some grand passing moves. Cox got them away at the right time, Anticich. who was prone to error before, tightened up, Preston. McGlinchy and Brown ran with determination, and the match ended with the Xavier backs a potent force. Mr L. S. Kirk was the referee.