Page 47 - 1966

THIRD FIFTEEN
N. M. R.N.
XV
FIFTH GRADE A
Thirty-seven
Our first inter-school xture was Otago Boys' High nt Dunedin. This game was played in miserable weather against bigger opposition. It was won, due to the eager­ ness of the players and quickness to rucks. The score 6-0 was perhaps a fair indication of the match for the strong cross wind dominated any territorial advantage gained by Otago Boys' in the rst half. McKenzie scored a try and Henry kicked a penalty goal.
The team would like to thank Mr. Fitzgerald for the good spirit and perseverance in coaching he put into the team. He enabled the 3rd XV to have a very enjoy­ able season of rugby.
R. Slaughter, B. Taylor, S. Wallis (captain). B. Thom­ son (vice-captain), L. Takitimu, P. McGregor, P. McLaughlin, Jenkins, A. Du , Liddell, Black­ more, D. McKenzie, W. Harper, P. Sinclair, B. Peters, I. Murray, T. Maley, D. ·Jones, M. Fyfe, S. Frazer, P. Frazer, N. Collie, N. Blair, R. Barnham.
Fifth Grade A was one of the most successful teams in the nvercargill rugby competitions this year. We came through the season without losing a game and having only three tries scored against us.
A powerful, hard-working pack of forwards paved the way for most of the team's wins with the backs being sound but, at times, because of poor handling and passing, tries were lost. The forwards, although lacking the drive expected of them in certain phases of play, won a feast of ball for the half-back, Singleton, who took over when Poutu was promoted to the 1st XV. Singleton, the team's No. 8,. handled his new position very well, while Adam provided a reliable link for the outside backs. Heenan made. many owerful breaks and was well supported by Robertson, Derbie and Murdoch, all of whom scored many good tries. Baker played very well at centre and it was unfortunate that he su ered an injury halfway through the season. Scott at full-back proved very reliable.
The .forwards were inclined to play as individuals at the start of the season but by the second round they were playing as a unit. Forrest, at hooker, won much clean ball and was well supported by May and Beaton. In the line-outs, Hamilton, with able support from Pan­ nett and Shirley, won good ball, but they were too­ inclined to tap it back. Shaw and Dahm excelled in loose play, with Shaw making some excellent bursts just..when they were needed.. .
Highlights of the season were the Makarewa Club's seven-a-side tournament which we won comfortably, and an inter-school game against Central Southland College which we won 19-5.
The game against Vvaitaki Boys' High School was won by Waitaki in excellent conditions on a very hard ground. The bouncing ball was very deceptive and resulted in School being down 11-0 after 15 minutes. After this initial setback, School fought back in a closely contested match but could not overhaul this commanding lead, nally losing 14-6 (McGregor a try, Henry penalty).
The team was: B. Wallis, I. Thompson, Meggett,
Gore High School visited Invercargill for our annual match. This game was a hard forward tussle played in good conditions, resulting in a win to School 6-3. Tries were scored by Graham and Henry. The game was won due to superior tness of School forwards enabling them to win loose rucks and beat the very weak Gore cover defence.
This win can no doubt be credited to Mr. Fyffe and J. R. Watson who kept the team together and in­ stilled in us the team spirit necessary towards the end of the season.
These members gained selection in the Fourth Grade Town team: Whyte, Smeaton, Blakely, Chalmers, Polson and McKenzie.
The team was: Smeaton (captain), Polson (vice­ captain), Chalmers, Laughton, Graham, Blakely, N. Benfell, McGregor, Whyte, Wright, Harris, Henry, Hunter, P. Benfell, Patterson, Sligh, McKenzie.
With the breaking of the Fourth Grade competition into two sections, the 3rd were able to prove them­ selves of considerable ability. The team nished second behind Star, who beat us on one occasion 6-0, but were later held to a 9-all drew.
The season commenced with an abundance of for­ wards and verf few backs. This situation was worse with the loss o Henry. However, the team soon settled down to play good rugby. Here the 3rds set a points record, winning 62-0 against Technical B. Similar scores occurred during the season. Only one loss was su ered during the remainder of the competition.
Takitimu at No. 8 proved a player of exceptional ability, and always set a standard for the rest. The loose forwards,· McLaughlan and McGregor, brought the team on to attack on many occasions with their speed to the loose ball. McGregor, however, left for the U.S.A., though Jenkins proved a very worthy replace­ ment. The front-row, Harper, McKenzie and Blackmore, were always in the thick of play and became noted for their ability to break.away from line-outs. The locking positions changed incessantly, Du proving very e icient and rugged while the other optional players when called upon always played well.
At half-back Thomson was to prove most capable but was hampered by the lack of protection from his forwards. The inside backs, S. Wallis and Taylor, com­ bined well and often made some dangerous breaks. Slaughter at centre and especially Thompson at wing ran with determination. B. Wallis at full-back was generally safe and kicked some good touch-finders. Jones and Meggett played well but generally had few opportunities. Scandrett and Fairbanks played two games towards the end of the season.
The forward pack was as good as any they met.