Rugby Football, 1937

RUGBY FOOTBALL, 1937.

RUGGER RETROSPECT.

It must be many seasons since the School failed to win a single match, and regarded in that light it might be classified as a thoroughly unsatisfactory season. A moment's reflection, however, brings certain facts to light. First, the average age of the side was 16 years 2 months (slightly higher than the maximum age of a colts' side) ' • secondly, many of our opponents produced an older team and a higher standard of play than they had been accustomed to for several years ; thirdly, the scarcity of backs with match experience necessitated considerable experimenting, experimenting which should bear considerable fruit during the next few years.

We started the season with only three colours, and, owing to injuries, on very few occasions were they all able to turn out. During the course of the term we managed to produce a pack of forwards which must rank as one of the best the School has had in recent years, and which several well-known critics considered to be one of the finest Public School packs in the North or Midlands, a pack which would have probably gladdened the hearts of those players of bygone days who bewail the lost art of forward play, a pack shoving over the ball, wheeling and clearing their line with well-controlled rushes. It would be invidious in such an eight to mention anyone as being particularly good, better to say that all were good. In the most successful packs, few players stand out above the others, and it is the forward who is least seen who is often most useful.

Behind the scrum we were not so fortunately placed. Only Davin remained as a regular member of last year's side (and he was out of the game for a large part of the term through injury), and Cameron who had played occasionally on the wing. Eventually a back division emerged which showed that in Cameron at full-back and Milburn at scrum-half we had two players well up to the highest standards in these positions.

The main problem at the beginning of the term was to find a suitable fly-half, and several were tried before A. T. H. Wright was finally decided upon. He occupied the position with great credit, taking the ball on the move, and no reflection can be cast on him for the ineptitude of the threequarter line. This proved to be the greatest weakness of the team. Admittedly they had little or no experience (one of them had never played the game before the present season), but even so they did not appear to make the most 28

of their speed, or to appreciate the value of straight running. Too often were they prone to hand the ball on to someone else without making any ground, and consequently achieving nothing. Special credit must go to Lynch, whose reliable and brilliant tackling was one of the features of the season.

The 2nd XV showed variable form. On occasions they were quite good, and had they always produced the resolution shown in some of their matches their record might have been very much better. Cockburn, McKay and Ambler in the forwards, and J. A. Wright, Atkinson, Rimmer and Elgey in the backs, all of whom played for the 1st XV on occasion, were particularly outstanding. Points P. W. L. D. F. A. 1st XV ... 11 0 11 0 20 197 2nd XV ... 8 2 6 0 60 158 * * 1st XV CHARACTERS. V. L. F. Davin (Captain). Centre three-quarter. Had rather an unhappy season. Took some little time to settle down at the beginning, and just as he began to strike his best form, he injured his ankle, an injury which kept him out of the game for most of the term. J. T. Harding (Vice-Captain). Forward. A hard-working and enthusiastic member of the side with a good knowledge of sound forward play. A. C. W. Ping. Forward. Has fine speed and physique, which make him a difficult player to stop. A good, solid worker, but thinks rather slowly as yet. T. F. Cameron. Full-back. With only two months' experience of the position he looks like becoming a firstclass full-back. A brilliant fielder, a powerful kicker, and a sound tackler; positional play extraordinarily good for one so inexperienced. M. S. Douglas. A very good forward in the loose, especially in clearing rushes. Must learn to pack better and use his weight in the scrums. Good in the line-out. R. C. Lynch. Wing three-quarter. The finest tackler in the side ; one who could always be relied upon to " tie up " his opposite number. Always went hard for the line in attack, but handicapped by lack of size and speed. H. A. Milburn. Scrum-half. A very well-equipped scrumhalf with a definite football brain and any amount of pluck. Should go far in the game.

R. S. Dixon. Forward. A whole-hearted leader who could be relied upon to play his hardest every minute of the match. G. P. G. Stephenson. Forward. A greatly improved forward who made full use of his vast bulk. Did some clever touch-kicking from line-outs at times. H. A. S. Hobson. Forward. A very successful hooker who got through a great deal of hard work in other phases of the game. A. J. H. Wright. Stand-off-half. Improved tremendously throughout the term. Elusive in attack, while his tackling improved considerably, although not always reliable. Gets up on his opposite number very quickly, sometimes too quickly, thus leaving a big gap in the . defence. J. H. Butler. Forward. A young forward with a good knowledge of scrummaging. Came on a lot during the second half of the term, and should be very useful next season. Good in the line-out. M. C. Robson. Forward. Another young forward who scrummaged well in the front row, and who was a very useful reserve hooker. K. C. Brown. Centre three-quarter. A very young and promising three-quarter with no previous experience of the game. Should be useful in future years. J. T. Brockbank. Wing three-quarter. Showing more resolution both in attack and defence than he did last year, should be a useful member of the side next season.

Still too inclined to run back into the scrum instead of going for the corner flag. * * *

SCHOOL v. YORK AND LANCASTER REGT. Result—Lost: School 3, York and Lancs. 10. Played at Home, Saturday, October 9th.

The School were unable to field their strongest team in the opening match of the season, as Harding and Ping were temporarily out of action. Packing seven forwards, the defence was strengthened by a roving five-eighth outside the scrum.

The Regiment kicked off and found a good touch, with a dummy, in the School " 25." There they stayed for some time, but play was scrappy and the backs saw little of the ball. The School fought back well, owing to the liveliness

of the pack in the loose. Pedlow narrowly missed the mark with a penalty shot, and on several occasions the Regiment came near to scoring. The School launched a promising attack just before half-time, but the forwards heeled the ball raggedly, giving the " threes " little chance of combining effectively. Thus at half-time there had been no scoring. The second half had not been in progress for long when another Army attack came. This time it was successful, for from a scrum a centre three-quarter broke through and passed to Pedlow, who had no difficulty in racing in underneath the posts. This try was converted. Some time later, Pedlow again scored by intercepting a pass. This also was easily turned into a goal to give the York and Lancs. a lead of 10 points. Further misfortune hit the School when Davin went off with a badly bruised leg. The forwards continued to play well in the loose, but the speed and weight of the opposition prevented them from dominating the game. With five minutes to no-side, Rimmer intercepted a loose pass and after a thrilling run scored under the posts. A questionable decision concerning the kick at goal prevented the conversion. This ended the scoring, leaving the York and Lancs. winners by 10-3. Milburn played well at scrum-half, but the other backs never looked dangerous. The forwards, however, did very well under the leadership of Dixon.

Team :—G. H. Briggs ; J. T. Brockbank, T. F. Cameron, R. N. Rimmer, R. C. Lynch ; W. G. Barnby ; V. L. F. Davin, H. A. Milburn, J. H. Butler, R. M. Robson, H. A. S. Hobson, J. A. Wright, G. P. G. Stephenson, R. S. Dixon, M. S. Douglas. * * *

SCHOOL v. THE KING'S OWN SCOTTISH BORDERERS.

Result—Lost : School 3, K.O.S.B.'s 24. Played at Home, October 16th.

There were several changes in the team for this match. Ping came in for Barnby at five-eighth and Elgey at fullback for Briggs. Davin and Cameron changed places. The only change in the lively pack was Cockburn for Hobson, who was crocked.

The Borderers kicked off against a fresh breeze and at once began to attack. Their forwards took the ball well into the School " 25," and after some inaccurate play they heeled quickly to set their backs going. A lapse by the defence allowed Anderson to cut through and score an 31

unconverted try half way out. This made the School wake up, and they fought back strongly. After some mid-field play a mistake by one of the Borderers backs resulted in the ball going loose. Stephenson, keeping well up with the play, pounced on it and, running with determination rather than velocity, scored a good try. The kick went wide. The visitors soon took the lead again when Anderson gathered the ball near the half-way line and raced round the School backs to score under the sticks. The kick failed. Before half-time the Army pack again overwhelmed that of the School, and the assault ended when a forward dived over in the corner for another unconverted try.

In the second half the Borderers had what wind there was, and their heavy pack got the better of the School, who packed only seven men, though lighter man to man. The play was even for some time, but the School " threes lacked penetration and the wings never had a scoring chance. The Borderers' backs, however, were very lively, and it came as no surprise when Anderson broke through and scored under the posts. The conversion of this made it 14-3, a bad position for the School. After this the sting seemed to go out of the pack, and ground was gained mainly by defensive kicking. Mid-way through this half, a forward forced his way over for another try, which was converted. This seemed to put life into the pack, and they rushed up the field in fine style, only to see the backs waste their chances. After a short time the Army were attacking again, and a forward booted ahead, and just got the touch down. The kick was successful. Thus the Borderers ran. out winners by 24-3, leaving the myth of the British Army's invincibility unshattered. The forwards, of whom Stephenson and Douglas were the best, could not hold a heavier pack, and consequently " threes " were unable to get going as they wanted.

Team :—E. V. Elgey ; J. T. Brockbank, V. L. F. Davin, R. N. Rimmer, R. C. Lynch ; A. C. W. Ping; T. F. Cameron, H. A. Milburn; J. H. Butler, R. S. Dixon, R. M. Robson, J. A. Wright, G. P. G. Stephenson, P. B. Cockburn, M. S. Douglas. * * *

SCHOOL v. DURHAM SCHOOL. Result—Lost: School 0, Durham 35. Played at Home, October 23rd.

The School were able to field a complete team in this match. Barnby came in at full-back, Atkinson at centre 32

and two forwards, Hobson and Ambler, displaced Cockburn and Wright. Ping went back into the pack and the School went onto the field with the idea of making it a forward game.

The School kicked off towards Clifton. The Durham forwards heeled from a scrum and immediately their backs showed their worth by taking play into the home " 25." After only six minutes' play, Durham initiated a movement on the blind side which led to a score half-way out. This was unconverted. The School fought back, but the clever Durham backs prevented a serious offensive. Half-way through this half, Durham scored again. A passing movement gave the right wing a chance to run in and score in a good position. This was easily converted. Twice after this, before half-time, the School defence was pierced, and each time the goal was kicked, to give Durham an invincible lead of 18 points. Just before the interval the School set up a strong attack, and Stephenson very nearly forced his way over in the corner. The defence was too good for the School backs, who could not give their wings a scoring chance. In the second half the School fared little better, and were kept on the defensive for most of the time. A Durham forward forced his way over near the corner after five minutes' play, and almost immediately afterwards the School " threes " started to juggle with the ball on their own line with fatal results. With a lead of 24 points, Durham played very confidently, and nothing that the School did was of any avail. For some time the game was even, but Durham were so superior forward, that they were able to dictate the game. From a scrum near the touch line, Durham brought their wing over to make the extra man, and the ball went along the line for the other wing to score a neat try. At this point Barnby went off with an injured hip. Atkinson dropped back from centre and the School finished the game with only three " threes." It was not surprising, therefore, that Durham scored twice more in the last few minutes. Bucknell ran over for the last one in fine style, though the defence was non-existent. Durham owed their crushing victory to the superiority of their forwards, who gave Bucknell, at outside half, a constant flow of passes with which to start movements.

Team :—W. G. Barnby; J. T. Brockbank, T. F. Cameron, J. C. Atkinson, R. C. Lynch ; V. L. F. Davin, H. A. Milburn ; R. S. Dixon, H. A. S. Hobson, J. H. Butler, J. T. Harding, G. P. G. Stephenson, M. S. Douglas, A. C. W. Ping, T. D. Ambler.

SCHOOL v. HEADINGLEY " A." Result—Lost: School 6, Headingley "A" 8. Played at Home, October 30th.

With the exception of Ping the School were at full strength, though several changes were made from the team which played Durham. Cameron went to full-back, A. T. H. Wright to fly-half, Rimmer for Atkinson at centre and Brown for Brockbank on the wing. J. A. Wright came in at wing forward and Robson deputised for Ping.

Headingley kicked off but could gain no advantage, and the School settled down at once to some hard scrummaging. Though beaten in the tight they were very lively in the loose and more than held their own there. The defence of the backs, too, showed considerable improvement. It came as no surprise when after a quarter of an hour's play the School scored. The Headingley defence made a mistake and Davin nipped in and rushed the ball over the line near the corner. This seemed to rouse Headingley, and their forwards began to show much more dash. Aided by some foolish mistakes they worked the ball into the School " 25." From a touch throw, an unmarked man broke loose, and when confronted by the back, passed to a colleague to score half-way out. Thus half-time came with the teams level. Until now the game had been played in semi-darkness, but on the re-start it began to rain heavily. Despite the trying conditions the game lost none of its interest. Headingley did more attacking, but the School defence was good. Davin and Rimmer relieved the pressure with several good kicks. In the thirteenth minute, however, a Headingley forward went away with the ball at his feet, and after being temporarily held up, got over for a try, which was converted. This was a blow, for to score at least twice in order to win was a hard task. The School set about the task in workmanlike style and soon had their adversaries on the defensive. But to break through proved an impossible feat. With ten minutes to go, Cameron placed a penalty goal to decrease the lead to two points. The School did not get near the Headingley line again, and no-side came with the score 8-6 in favour of the visitors. The display given by the School was much better than in the Durham match. The forwards, especially Harding and Douglas, were very good. The " threes " were on to their men more quickly and generally showed more dash.

Team :—T. F. Cameron ; K. C. Brown, R. N. Rimmer, V. L. F. Davin, R. C. Lynch; A. T. H. Wright, H. A. Milburn; R. S. Dixon, H. A. S. Hobson, J. H. Butler, G. P. G. Stephenson, R. M. Robson, M. S. Douglas, J. T. Harding, J. A. Wright. 34

SCHOOL v. GIGGLESWICK SCHOOL. Result—Lost : School 0, Giggleswick 18. Played Away, Saturday, October 6th.

For the defeat in this match the School have only themselves to blame, for had they displayed the dash of the Headingley match they would have overpowered their lighter opponents.

At the start the School did well. In the first ten minutes they heeled well from the tight. The backs went away several times and showed that they were fairly frisky. In defence too they forced their opponents to pass hurriedly and inaccurately. But alas, they flattered to deceive. Giggleswick settled down and began to attack. The left wing broke loose and kicked over Cameron's head, but the ball was scrambled away. Some good kicks by Davin relieved the pressure, but the Giggleswick scrum-half broke away and had he passed accurately nothing could have prevented a try. The School gave away too many free kicks. From one of these a shot hit the upright. Another lapse by the defence allowed a half to break clean through, and this time he passed well and a try was scored and converted. It was now the School's turn to attack. A run by Davin made a good position and then for some unaccountable reason someone fly-kicked, and that was the end of that. Just on half-time a penalty kick at goal went wide. In the second half, Davin went into the pack with an injured ankle and Ping emerged to take his place. Play was fairly even for some time. The School saw little of the ball in the set scrums, but the Giggleswick " threes " lacked penetration. This state of equilibrium did not last for long, because from a scrum almost on the School line a forward dribbled over to score. It was unconverted. Five minutes later a similar situation arose. Again a forward fell over the line with the ball for a converted try. This managed to arouse the School from their senile attitude, but most of the work was done individually. The Giggleswick backs, though lacking guile and speed were allowed too much scope. The last try which they scored should have been prevented. The right . wing ran well, and when challenged, passed inside to his centre, who romped past all School opposition. Near the close of the game the School set up a hot attack : Ping nearly got over, and from the loose scrum following, Stephenson also narrowly failed to score. No-side, however, came during another period of defence.

Team :—T. F. Cameron ; R. C. Brown, V. L. F. Davin, R. N. Rimmer, R. C. Lynch ; A. T. H. Wright, H. A. Milburn ; 35

R. S. Dixon, H. A. S. Hobson, J. H. Butler, G. P. G. Stephenson, A. C. W. Ping, P. B. Cockburn, J. T. Harding, M. S. Douglas. * * * SCHOOL v. DENSTONE COLLEGE. Result—Lost: School 0, Denstone 29. Played Away, November 10th.

The School went to Denstone with an unfamiliar looking three-quarter line because of Davin's injury. Brown went inside with Ping and Elgey came in on the wing. This was unfortunate, because Denstone's power was in their backs.

Denstone kicked off and from a scrum in the School half, the ball was whipped along the line to Rankin, who ran in for a try half-way out. The School recovered magnificently from this set-back, which would have taken the spirit out of many sides. The forwards smashed up many moves in their infancy by speedy breaking-up and ruthless tackling. The School improved as the game wore on. They heeled the ball in the tight, but, unfortunately, the backs were outclassed. The School were often on the defensive, but they kept Denstone at bay until five minutes to half-time. This time the wing ran down the touch-line and passed inside to Innes, who scored half-way out. The kick failed. Back came the School pack to dominate the game until the interval.

The second half saw a transformed Denstone. From the kick-off they came away with a rush, and a perfect three-quarter movement resulted in a converted try by the left wing. A little later another try was conceded from another dazzling piece of play. The School tried to keep the ball close and starve the Denstone " threes." This was only temporarily successful, for the ball was very lively on the dry ground. Innes, at centre, was in sparkling form, and the School defence, though it tried hard, could not harass the scoring power of the opposition. Another try came, was converted, and so in a very short space of time the Denstone score had shot from 6 to 21 by sheer brilliance. The School fought back, and Milburn repeatedly gained ground with his kicks to touch. Despite this last effort, two more tries were scored, one on the right wing and one by a good cut-through by Innes.

For the School, all the forwards played as forwards were meant to play, getting the ball in the tight. Harding and Douglas were the best on the field. The inexperienced backs were too often bewildered, but Ping and Lynch tackled hard at all times.

Team :—T. F. Cameron ; E. V. Elgey, K. C. Brown, A. C. W. Ping, R. C. Lynch ; A. T. H. Wright, H. A. Milburn; J. H. Butler, H. A. S. Hobson, C. M. Robson, R. S. Dixon, G. P. G. Stephenson, J. T. Harding, J. A. Wright, M. S. Douglas. * * * SCHOOL v. YORK. Result—Lost: School 0, York 6. Played at Home, November 13th.

With one exception the School fielded the team which had played so pluckily against Denstone earlier in the week.

York kicked off towards Clifton. At first neither set of forwards could claim any superiority, and the opening minutes were dull. The York halves persisted in keeping the ball close, while the School backs made no headway against a determined defence. At last York consented to open up the game and got to within five yards of the School line. Another scramble followed, and only after five minutes was the ball finally cleared by Douglas. York's back division had been rather inaccurate, but they settled down. In the sixteenth minute a centre broke through and whipped it out to Robson, who raced over half-way out. The School pack woke up. From that point they began to show more dash, and York were rattled by it. For some time the School pressed, but the " threes " lacked penetration in the centre. Another York movement nearly led to a try, but the wing was brought down when in full flight.

The second half was very thrilling, but it started with the injury of Harding, who left the field. The preliminary skirmishes of the first half led to a real battle between the backs. The School pack of seven lived up to its reputation, and Douglas, Stephenson and Dixon were always up with the ball. Though York took up the initiative, good smother tackles by Ping in the centre stopped them as often as not. A good combined movement executed by Lynch, Douglas and Stephenson nearly made a try, but the ball was knocked on. A run and a cross-kick by a York player threatened danger, but though the bounce of the ball gave it to a York forward, he was safely put to the ground. Just when no further score seemed likely, Barton again ran well to score in the corner. Nor was this the end of the thrills, because a York man booted it over the School back's head and just missed the touch-down. And so it ended ; York winning by 6-0. The School's play augured well for the future, for besides the liveliness of the pack, the defence of the " threes," especially Lynch and Ping, was very good. 37

Milburn had a good game at inside half and got through a lot of work.

Team :—T. F. Cameron ; R. C. Lynch, A. C. W. Ping, J. C. Atkinson, K. C. Brown; A. T. H. Wright, H A Milburn; J. H. Butler, H. A. S. Hobson, C. M. Robson, R. S. Dixon, G. P. G. Stephenson, J. T. Harding, J. A. Wright, M. S. Douglas. * * *

SCHOOL v. MOUNT ST. MARY'S. Result—Lost : School 0, Mount St. Mary's 11. Played Away, November 20th.

The School team remained unchanged, except at lockforward, where McKay was introduced. The absence of Davin at centre was felt, as there was a lack of thrust there.

At the start, the School did well, heeling several times from the tight. Advantage was taken of a loose ball and they were nearly over from a rush. The " threes " had no finishing power, though moving tolerably well. Mount worked their way back, and in turn their backs showed little originality. It became apparent that the School could win if they didn't make any mistakes and that opportunism would win the day.

Eventually a bad pass was intercepted by a home centre and a lapse by the School defence let him career down the field with a man on either side of him. He chose to pass to his wing, who scored. It was converted with a superb kick. Before the School could recover, Mount had notched another. A forward picked up and was allowed too much scope to run and pass to the wing, who ran in. A much harder kick hit the upright. To be eight points down at this point was bad, but ineffectively as the backs were playing, hope still remained with the forwards, of whom Stephenson, Harding and Douglas battled nobly. Nothing further happened in this half.

The second half began with a fierce attack by Mount, who were all over. the School. It was kept up until they heeled quickly from a loose scrum and the left wing crossed over in the corner. The St. Peter's process of awakening to face facts has stood the test of time, and after this they played well.

The forwards with Harding always to the fore more than held their opponents. Particularly fine was the tackling of Ping and Brown in the centre. The former broke through well on one occasion, but Brockbank was tackled by the 38

back when clear of the Mount defence. Mount came back and nearly got over again in the corner: the School were saved by a tackle by Brockbank on the line. Here a scrum was formed which collapsed over the line, but the referee did not commit himself and gave a " 25." The final whistle went with another pile of forwards on the School line.

In the second half the School pack played well, and Harding, Dixon, Stephenson and Douglas were outstanding. The backs, however, were sadly lacking in ideas.

Team :—T. F. Cameron ; J. T. Brockbank, A. C. W. Ping, K. C. Brown, R. C. Lynch ; A. T. H. Wright, H. A. Milburn; J. H. Butler, H. A. S. Hobson, M. C. Robson, G. P. G. Stephenson, R. S. Dixon, J. T. Harding, I. S. McKay, M. S. Douglas. * * *

SCHOOL v. TRENT COLLEGE.

Result—Lost: School 5, Trent 14. Played at Home, November 25th.

A day ideal for Rugger greeted Trent on their first visit to St. Peter's, and as it turned out, the game was worthy of the occasion.

Trent kicked off, but before they could settle down, the School forwards bustled them. A quick heel came from the first scrum and set the " threes " going smoothly. During the first ten minutes the School attacked incessantly. It came as no surprise when Harding broke loose and passed to Ping, who fought his way over for a try. It was converted by Cameron. This was very encouraging, as the Trent backs had not seen the ball up to the score. They all but scored two minutes later, however, when Charles kicked ahead, only to kick it dead with the line at his mercy. The lead was reduced by a fine penalty goal, and was lost later when the Trent outside half cut through and scored a converted try. The School's forward superiority was evident when Milburn and Wright were able to ply the " threes " with the ball. The latter played astonishingly badly, lacking all the qualities of attacking players. Their movements only tired the pack, who could have won the match by themselves if carefully nursed.

Trent increased their lead before half-time by a try in the corner.

The second half was a succession of School attacks, but they just could not score. The forwards played magnificently in the loose as well as the tight, and did more than was asked of them. Harding, Ping, Douglas and 39

Robson were outstanding. Only the ineptitude of the " threes " prevented the Trent defence from being riddled. A major incident occurred when Charles broke away by intercepting a pass on his own line. He kicked ahead on being challenged, and seemed certain to score, when out of the blue came Brockbank to shepherd the ball over the dead ball line. Back on the attack again, the School all but scored when Stephenson just failed to catch a cross-kick which fell inches short of the posts. Just before no-side a movement by Trent led to a try in the left-hand corner.

With their forward mastery the School should have won by several points, particularly as Milburn played a brilliant game at inside half. After the game Hobson and Stephenson were awarded their colours.

Team :—T. F. Cameron ; W. G. Barnby, J. T. Brockbank, K. C. Brown, R. C. Lynch ; A. T. H. Wright, H. A. Milburn ; J. H. Butler, H. A. S. Hobson, C. M. Robson, G. P. G. Stephenson, R. S. Dixon, J. T. Harding, A. C. W. Ping, M. S. Douglas. * * *

SCHOOL v. WORKSOP COLLEGE.

Result—Lost: School 0, Worksop 37. Played at Home, November 27th.

For the first time since the Armistice Day of 1936 the School had an unaltered team in the field. It was up against a very heavy side, both fore and aft, which looked as though it would knock the stuffing out of most school teams.

The start was hopeful enough ; a quick heel sent the three-quarters away in fine style. Gradually Worksop came back, but their play was rather ragged for a time. After some mid-field play a penalty was awarded against the School in much the same place as one on the previous Thursday. Rhodes kicked a magnificent goal. The effect was the same also. Within ten minutes two tries were scored, both of which were from breaks through. They were converted. The forwards continued to show enthusiasm and dash, and kept play in the middle of the field. Worksop were penalised many times for scrumming offences. Several attacking cross-kicks were executed, but they led nowhere. Worksop went further ahead when Knox, at inside half, ran round the blind-side and scored. Halftime came with the School 16 points down.

With this huge lead Worksop played very confidently in the second half. The forwards of both sides gave away nothing, and the School pack must be congratulated on the 40

way it stuck to • its job. The next try was an excellent effort by Pinkney, who gathered the ball on the School " 25," and came back through the forwards, beating everyone, to score near the flag. Worksop heeled regularly in the set scrums—they were much heavier and packed like sardines—and the School three-quarter defence was really much better than it would appear on paper. Lynch and Brown tackled superbly, while there was no better defensive forward than Ping, who saved the line repeatedly by quick breaking-up. Worksop tries came at regular intervals during this half. Three of the four tries were converted, giving them a final total of 37 points.

All the outsides were brilliant, and the forwards made their task easier, though we understand that the School pack made the Worksop pack work harder than against any other team this season.

Team :—T. F. Cameron; W. G. Barnby, J. T. Brockbank, K. C. Brown, R. C. Lynch ; A. T. H. Wright, H. A. Milburn; J. H. Butler, H. A. S. Hobson, C. M. Robson, G. P. G. Stephenson, R. S. Dixon, J. T. Harding, A. C. W. Ping, M. S. Douglas. * * *

SCHOOL v. AMPLEFORTH COLLEGE.

Result—Lost : School 3, Ampleforth 5. Played at Home, December 5th.

Long before the start it was obvious that an open game was going to be impossible, and that all hope would centre in the pack, which had emerged so successfully from previous matches.

It was very cold when the teams took the field, but the rain stopped when Wright kicked off. From the word go the School forwards harassed their opponents, and the first ten minutes showed them in good form. Davin played the right game by kicking instead of passing, and with a bit more luck they would have scored. Ampleforth retaliated with some grand forward dribbles (which really were dribbles), but they, too, lacked finishing power.

After seventeen minutes' play, Milburn slipped past his man and dived over on the blind-side. Almost immediately afterwards an Ampleforth centre kicked diagonally ahead. The wing came up, caught the ball with the help of a lucky bounce, and was over beneath the posts without a finger being laid on him. It was easily converted. Slowly all thought of back play was abandoned, and the " threes " of both sides concentrated on keeping warm. Until the interval the forwards engaged one another in close combat. 41

The second half was begun in a snowstorm, and before long the field was a blanket of white. Movements requiring the handling of the ball were impossible : only twice did anyone with the ball look like making progress.

Ampleforth missed a penalty kick at goal from the touch-line, and for a moment it looked as though they might score when the ball went loose. With a quarter of an hour to go, play was taken to the School's left touch-line, and there it remained to the end, with neither side looking like scoring. Ping and Stephenson were prominent in the dribbles, while Harding played a fine defensive game. All the forwards realised that it was more profitable to push hard than to perish in the cold. Thus Ampleforth won by two points after having slightly less of the game territorially.

Team :—T. F. Cameron ; J. T. Brockbank, V. L. F. Davin, K. C. Brown, R. C. Lynch ; A. T. H. Wright, H. A. Milburn; J. H. Butler, H. A. S. Hobson, C. M. Robson, G. P. G. Stephenson, R. S. Dixon, J. T. Harding, A. C. W. Ping, M. S. Douglas.

2nd XV MATCHES. 2nd XV v. DRAX G.S. XV. Result—Lost : 2nd XV 0, Drax 28. Played at Drax on October 20th.

From the kick-off Drax pressed hard and kept the play well inside the School half. The School broke away twice and swept the play into the Drax " 25," but were forced back each time by the superior weight of the home forwards. Drax continued to press until half-time, when four tries had been scored, three of which were converted.

There was a marked improvement in the School's play during the second half, but the Drax forwards were much heavier and generally succeeded in getting the ball, both in the tight and in the loose. Nevertheless, Drax scored after ten minutes' play, after which the School made three determined efforts and were unlucky not to score. Drax once more rushed the ball away and were rewarded with a try. Just before the end, Drax were awarded a penalty in the School " 25," but the kick went wide.

Ping and Cameron were disappointing among the backs, but Atkinson and K. C. Brown played well. Ambler and J. A. Wright were prominent in the forwards, but the falling was poor throughout the team. Elgey got in some 42

good tackles, but, lacking experience, sometimes failed to get his man.

Team :—E. V. Elgey; E. P. Bulmer, J. C. Atkinson, A. C. W. Ping, K. C. Brown; T. F. Cameron, I. D. C. Morison; J. M. Couldwell, J. M. Rucklidge, J. A. Dent, T. D. Ambler, I. S. McKay, J. A. Wright, L. W. Bennett, R. N. Rimmer.

* * * 2nd XV v. YORK " B." Result—Lost: 2nd XV 3, York " B " 19. Played at Bishopthorpe on October 23rd.

Cockburn won the toss and York kicked off. From the first scrum York got the ball, but it did not go far along their line before Rimmer, taking advantage of a dropped pass, dribbled over the York line to score the School's only try. Bulmer failed with the kick. York then pressed hard and scored from a scrum on the School " 25." The kick was successful.

The School continued to have the upper hand in the backs, except at fly-half, where A. T. H. Wright was often outwitted by a clever player, but the forwards gave away a stone per man. A forward rush gave York their second try after twenty-five minutes' play. The School fought back hard, and Rimmer had an excellent drop-kick at goal which grazed the underside of the cross-bar.

In the second half play was even until the York backs began to use the blind side, and in this way they scored three more tries, of which one was converted. J. A. Wright and McKay were prominent in the pack and Elgey played well at full-back.

Team:—E. V. Elgey; E. P. Bulmer, P. R. Graham, R. N. Rimmer, K. C. Brown; A. T. H. Wright, I. D. C. Brown; J. M. Couldwell, J. M. Rucklidge, C. M. Robson, I. S. McKay, L. W. Bennett, J. A. Wright, J. A. Dent, P. B. Cockburn.

2nd XV v. RIPON G.S. 1st XV. Result—Lost: 2nd XV 6, Ripon 8. Played at Home on November 3rd.

The School started off very sluggishly and after five minutes' play, Ripon were awarded a penalty in front of the School goal, which was successful. Three minutes later 43

Ripon scored between the posts, and the kick was successful. There was no further score until half-time. In the second half the School pressed hard, and shortly after the interval, Ambler scored near the corner. Elgey just failed to convert, the ball hitting the crossbar. The School owed this try to good backing up by the forwards, Soon afterwards, Brockbank got over the line, but was just knocked over so as to strike the corner flag. Just before full-time the School was awarded a penalty near the Ripon posts, which Elgey converted.

Elgey kicked and tackled well, and Graham made good use of his few opportunities. Cockburn, Ambler and McKay were prominent in the forwards, and Killick tackled excellently on the wing.

Team :—E. V. Elgey; E. P. Bulmer, P. R. Graham, J. T. Brockbank, C. N. Killick; I. D. C. Morison, J. A. Wright; J. M. Couldwell, C. M. Robson, J. M. Rucklidge, I. S. McKay, T. D. Ambler, P. B. Cockburn, L. W. Bennett, E. W. Whitney. * * *

2nd XV v. GIGGLESWICK SCHOOL 2nd XV. Result—Won : 2nd XV 25, Giggleswick 0. Played at Home on November 6th.

The School won the toss and Giggleswick kicked off against a slight drizzle. For the first ten minutes, play was fairly even, until Brockbank dashed through to score the School's first try. The kick failed. Robson was hooking splendidly and was getting the ball from nearly every scrum. Play then settled down in the Giggleswick half, and soon Brockbank ran round the opposing full-back to score a second unconverted try. Although the School pressed hard, half-time came with the score six—nil in the School's favour.

In the second half the School scored five tries, two of which were converted. Brockbank scored three and Atkinson and Bulmer one each. Atkinson's try was converted by Elgey and Brockbank's last by Ambler. Elgey was prominent at full-back, kicking very well. McKay and J. A. Wright were outstanding in a hard-working pack.

Team:—E. V. Elgey; E. P. Bulmer, J. T. Brockbank, J. C. Atkinson, C. N. S. Killick ; P. R. Graham, I. D. C. Graham; J. M. Couldwell, C. M. Robson, T. D. Ambler, I. S. McKay, J. M. Rucklidge, L. W. Bennett, J. A. Wright.

2nd XV v. YORK " B." Result—Won : 2nd XV 9, York " B " 6. Played at Bishopthorpe on November 13th.

In the early stages of the game, York were penalised near their own line and Elgey put the School three points ahead with a neat kick. The play consisted mainly of ragged forward rushes, but it improved towards half-time. Bulmer and Rimmer were both sent over the line after good threequarter movements. The School pack combined better than the York one, and although York pressed hard the score at half-time was 9-0 in the School's favour.

In the second half York attacked strongly and the School appeared to ease up. The School was penalised under the posts, and Shaf toe converted for York. Soon afterwards the York left wing snapped up a pass and dashed over the line to score an unconverted try. This set-back stiffened the School's defence and they held their lead until the final whistle went.

Elgey kicked well at full-back and Barnby and Bulmer tackled very well on the wings. Cockburn and Ambler did useful work in the forwards.

Team:—E. V. Elgey; E. P. Bulmer, R. N. Rimmer, G. H. Briggs, W. G. Barnby; P. R. G. Graham, I. D. C. Morison; E. W. Whitney, J. M. Rucklidge, J. M. Couldwell, T. D. Ambler, I. S. McKay, P. B. Cockburn, R. Bower, M. I. H. Sproulle.

* * * 2nd XV v. DRAX G.S. 1st XV. Result—Lost: 2nd XV 12, Drax 18. Played at Home on November 17th.

Cockburn won the toss and Drax were set to face a strong breeze. Drax pressed from the kick-off and after five minutes scored through an interception. The kick was successful. Drax again pressed, but the School forwards took the ball up the field for Rimmer to score in the corner. Elgey failed with the kick. Ten minutes later, Atkinson ran up to the Drax line and touched down a loose ball, Elgey hitting the cross-bar with his kick. Just before half-time Rimmer ran over to touch down between the posts.

Shortly after the interval, Barnby ran half the length of the field to score. During the next ten minutes play was fairly, even until the School were penalised inside the School " 25." Shortly afterwards, Davin was injured, and this 45

seemed to break up the School's defence, Drax scoring two converted tries before the finish.

Team :— E. V. Elgey; R. N. Rimmer, V. L. F. Davin, J. C. Atkinson, W. G. Barnby; I. D. C. Morison, J. A. Wright; E. W. Whitney, M. I. H. Sproulle, J. M. Couldwell, I. S. McKay, T. D. Ambler, P. B. Cockburn, R. Bower, J. M. Rucklidge. * * *

2nd XV v. WORKSOP 2nd XV. Result—Lost : 2nd XV 5, Worksop 22. Played Away on November 27th.

The School had a very disorganised three-quarter line for this match. Elgey came up to the wing and Cockburn and Ambler, usually forwards, became three-quarters.

Shortly after the start the opposing left centre broke through and scored a converted try. The School backs improved and their tackling became splendid. The opposing forwards were too heavy for the School's pack and broke through twice to score. The School fought back and scored through Morison after a long run and kick ahead in the second half. Elgey converted. Brown showed promise at full-back.

Team :—G. C. Brown ; E. V. Elgey, P. B. Cockburn, J. C. Atkinson, T. D. Ambler; I. D. C. Morison, J. A. Wright; E. W. Whitney, M. I. H. Sproulle, J. M. Couldwell, P. A. Andrew, I. S. McKay, J. T. H. Hunter, R. Bower, J. M. Rucklidge. * * *

2nd XV v. AMPLEFORTH 2nd XV.

Result—Lost : 2nd XV 0, Ampleforth 59. Played Away on December 4th.

The game was played in a, heavy snowstorm, the ground being three inches deep in snow. From the start it was clear that the School were up against a much heavier and more powerful team. The opposing fly-half was the danger point in the Ampleforth attack and their three-quarters ran through very much as they pleased, the School's tackling being very weak indeed.

Team :—G. C. Brown; E. V. Elgey, J. C. Atkinson, R. N. Rimmer, W. G. Barnby; I. D. C. Morison, J. A. Wright; E. W. Whitney, M. I. H. Sproulle, J. M. Couldwell, I. S. McKay, T. D. Ambler, P. B. Cockburn, R. Bower, J. T. H. Hunter.