Page 44 - 1966

With nine capped players returning this year the
future for the team looked very bright. Injuries through­
out the season spoilt what might have been an outstand­
ing season's rugby. Practising without the full team
through most of the season was a big handicap. KEITH: A hard, t, fast forward who was required
In club rugby the team performed with mixed success: to _play a fair portion of the season at inside centre. As Played 16, Lost I. Drew I. a anker, he was as good as the School has had for a The total points for: 321 while; his play only being marred by frequent failure The total points against: 45 to put the player caught directly on the ground. His
Our congratulations go to Star who defeated us 5-3. catching at No. 2 was rst class.
James Hargest drew with us 6-all in our second match ERSKINE: Began in his usual position of half-back,
against them in a very dull, scrappy game which didn't but with the d arture of Sharp, had to ll the outside
do School any credit.
The inter-school record:
half position. There he was sound, if rather languid, but happily turned on an excellent exhibition of tactical kicking in the game against Timaru, which contributed greatly to the team's success.
v. Hargest-won 20-3 v. Otago-lost 8-17 v. Waitaki-lost 3-16 v. King's-lost 8-9
POUTU: After being given careful consideration early in the season, he was suddenly tted into the back line, and overall proved more than useful. His rst inter-school game against Waitaki was particularly meritorious and his breaks from the scrum were perfectly executed. He has many talents, and with faster, longer, more accurate service, he will be of excellent value next year.
v. Timaru, won 17-6
v. Hamilton-lost 3-28
The team has much to thank Mr. Ryder for. During the season his coaching and support ut heart into the team when the future looked bleak. His direct approach to the game both at practice and on the eld helped us greatly. Our success was due largely to his e orts during the practices throughout the year.
BILLOWS: Swift, tricky and more con dent than last year. Much was expected of him. A rearranged back line didn't help things, and injury robbed us of the thrust he can give a line. His tackling sharpened considerably this season, but two pointers-(1) Move faster into the pass and don't signal the outside break.
Our thanks must also go to Mr. Currie for teaching and demonstrating the haka and helping to coach the backs at odd times.
The supporters on the sideline who followed the team this year were often an inspiration and their criticism and support were much appreciated.
(2) Attempt the inside cut in the swing pass.
WATTS: As a loose head prop he was an outstand­ and this year, at both wing and centre, much was ful­ ing success and his work at No. 3 in the line-out was lled. Bitter tears (including perhaps his own) were promising. Lacks some speed and resolution. shed when, after two glorious deep runs against King's,
HEENAN: Fit, fast and probably the most furious injury ended his play for the season.
of the pack. He proved an e ective hooker and a tidy STEVENSON: Slight, almost unobt sive, but one player in the line-out. of the strongest challengers for the prize for the most
PITTAWAY: A young newcomer to the 1st XV. He improved player; certainly his progress in defence was is strong, and will be a very useful asset next year with outstanding. As a right wing on attack he had pace, more con dence, providing the shamble becomes a sprint! an in eld swing, and a willingness to turn defence into
NEWTON: Reluctant lock, most proli c points
scorer (150 are within reach) and much more e ective
forward than full-back. He carries his 14 stone at very SEMPLE: Con dence was his hallmark and after an considerable speed and more anticipation than most. enforced spell of two months, he returned to left wing
McINTYRE: Showed very inconsistent form this of the team for the King's game. After a very subdued
start, his game returned in all its strength. It surprises from the sky, but too often slid over the prop in the that such iron will refuses to execute a right thrust
season. When supported well he plucked a feast of ball scrum and was altogether too slow or too tentative in
into the line.
reaching the all-important rucks. We look fo ard to redemption in '67.
ELDER: Began as hooker slowly and awkwardly and nished as a ank forward of unexcelled_ luck and purpose. Except in the second game against Hargest, he proved an adept No. 1 in the line and will be remem­ bered for the occasions when he gave fresh thrust and direction to a dying movement.
CHAPLIN: As captain, none could wish for better example. Whether at prop or on the ank, he played himself often literally into the ground. Probably, if he had a fault it was in attempting to bear too much alone. Captain must, of course, think the game and voice their theories and fears to coaches and players freely and frankly and, if necessary, frequently.
McKENZIE: Vice-captain and player occasionally of quite exceptional standards. He gives the game serious thought and showed initiative and the value of experience particularly in the games against Otago, Timaru and Hargest. In many ways it was a pity his No. 8 combination with Ross Erskine had to be broken.
WALLACE: Strength, tenacity, a relish for action and a superb defender are the hallmarks of the team·s most penetrative back. His play last year was promising
acute thrust. A towering kick to the centre he didn't
have.
R11gby
FIRST FIFTEEN
1st XV C que
T/,irty0four
SPORTING NOTES