Penalty Kicks Failed

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31120, 25 July 1966, Page 3

Penalty Kicks Failed

The Lions, aided by three quick penalties, went on to attack quickly. The forwards showed admirable purpose as they crunched up the sideline and Weston’s long kicking kept Canterbury on the defensive.

Wilson missed three penalties in seven minutes and it seemed that the Lions might have missed their opportunity when Canterbury swept back. The first excitement came when McCormick kicked a 40-yard penalty. Then it was dull Rugby as line-out followed line-out. The fighting gave the crowd something to shout about but otherwise play went along its anonymous way until McCormick kicked another penalty after 35 minutes, to make the score 6-3. A confidence trick by Young who fooled Watt into getting off-side by pretending that he had passed the ball, allowed Wilson to kick an easy penalty after 38 minutes. When half-time came, to end a bitter, bruising first half, already there had been 51 line-outs. And the crowd, particularly those sitting in the sun, was in a somnolent state. There had been some slight cheering but that wasi

all—everyone was most apathetic. Canterbury’s pack moved quickly on to attack as Banks and Francis began winning the line-outs and the Lions’ defence was tested by some crashing forward rushes; but then the line-kicking started again. McCormick made some incursions into the back-line and one strong run was stopped only a yard from the corner. The pressure was relieved by penalties and the game hovered between the twentyfives as it resolved itself into a forward battle with neither team prepared to take the initiative. With five minutes left Canterbury seemed safe but then came Birtwistle’s blunder. Some of the Lions in the stand hid their eyes as Wilson moved in to take the conversion. Two of the Lions' players seemed to be praying and, if so, their prayers were answered for the ball went over high above the bar.

Back came Canterbury, but all too late. As the seconds ticked away schoolboys moved near the side-line. The police marched out; white-coated attendants held hands around the ground like a gigantic daisy-chain to keep back the boys. The whistle went for

full time and only a few enthusiasts rushed on to the field. The majority trudged away, disappointed. As the Lions left the field the pipe band began to play, “Scotland the Brave.” Probably it was in Telfer’s honour but a lament would have been more appropriate for the whole game. As the crowd slowly dispersed one thought of the inscription at Rugby School which commemorates William Webb Ellis who “picked up the ball and ran with it thereby creating the distinctive feature of Rugby football.” That inscription should be typed out, given to all Rugby players who should read it, absorb it and, if at all possible, apply it.