UNIVERSITY A TESTED

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31108, 11 July 1966, Page 16

UNIVERSITY A TESTED

UNIVERSITY A 11: M. Brown, a try: D. Leary, a conversion and two penalty goals. MARIST 8: B. McAllister, a try and a penalty goal; K. Miles, a conversion.

University A with its greater forward strength had a slight edge over Marist in the game at Ham but the young Marist backs lost little in comparison with their more experienced opponents. Leary, the University full-back, had a fine game; his line kicking was consistently good and goal kicking accurate. In the second spell twice the Marist backs managed to get the ball to their wing threequarters and by doing so gave the defence some testing moments.

Then the University A inside backs, B. Prestldge and B. McLean, combined in a wellexecuted scissors movement which nearly resulted in a try. However, the back play of both sides was disappointing. Handling lapses prevented the game from really flowing, although both sides showed an admirable desire to play open football. It must have been galling for the forwards. who strove mightily and honestly for possession to see their efforts so often wasted. For University A, the locks,

R. Field and G. Garlick, played well and for most of the game were in control of the lineouts. D. Wilson and L. M. O’Reilly were prominent in loose play. R. Hill and O. Stopforth were the best of the Marist forwards in the tight, while T. McKendry did good work in the open, both on attack and defence. Referee: Mr D. M. Sampson.

Duncan and G. Sinclair led the others into a series of rucks which were giving University a feast of ball with 15 minutes to go.

Sydenham’s defence was sound but the pressure could not be withstood and eight points came in this final period. A greasy ball effected the standard of kicking but the handling by both sides was excellent.

R. Somerville, L. Owens and F. Sevele were the best University backs. R. Howard and the three-quarters played well for Sydenham.

Apart from K. Tucker, Sydenham in the loose play was inferior to University. The Univerity pack played well with G. R. Hockley in fine form, but won little good ball from set play. Referee: Mr B. E. Powell.