Rugby Football, 1938

The match against Leeds Grammar School resulted in a win for the School.

School.

Shepherd

72 Steele Harding ... 72 Revill Cole ... ... 76 Wright, R. W. 78 Earle ... ... 82 Inglis ... ... 58

Leeds Grammar School ...

... 71 ... 71

580

... 559

RUGGER RETROSPECT.

With ten of last year's 1st XV still with us, we had every reason to expect a much more successful season, and this we can safely say we did accomplish.

It was clear from the start that the material in the forwards was good, and that here would be the strength of the School side, but all the backs were very lacking in experience and technique.

From the very first the team seemed to pick itself quite naturally, and throughout the season only a few changes were made, necessitated mainly through absentees or injuries, with the result that the side had the advantage of being able to play together as a team week after week. G. C. Brown soon showed that he had the makings of a very useful full-back, which brought Cameron up into the centre of the three-quarter line to add solidity, and K. C. Brown soon took up the position of fly-half, in an attempt to speed up the three-quarter line, leaving Graham to partner Cameron in the centre, with Lynch and Brockbank on the wings. This three-quarter line proved quite effective, and some most encouraging matches were played early in the season, but the back play generally was lacking in pace and confidence. Soon, however, Shillitoe began to show fine form on the wing, which resulted in the inevitable exclusion of Brockbank, and it was about this time also that Graham, with his safe pair of hands, was moved to fly-half, and Parker took the place of K. C. Brown in the centre, who was regrettably injured for the remainder of the season. This new line was sorely tested and put in some splendid defensive work, but lacked initiative in attack.

The pack by this time had moulded itself from the eight best forwards available. They never really developed into

39

the first class pack one might have expected of them earlier in the season, chiefly through the lack of weight and strength in the front row, but without doubt they were the mainstay of the side. The line-out work was good, and play in the loose, both in defence and attack, was of a high standard.

The side as a whole came through the season very meritoriously. With a little more speed in every department of the game, the balance of many of the matches may well have swung our way, which would have given the season real success. The future is bright, for in all probability at least eight of the team will be here next year, and again under the very capable captaincy of Milburn.

The 2nd XV met with varying success, winning one very notable victory over Drax G.S. 1st XV, a victory which has not been registered for many years, and gained by a team chosen from those who had excelled in House matches. Points. P. W. L. D. F. A. 1st XV ... 14 4 8 2 88 136 2nd XV ... 5 2 3 0 26 89

Colts 3 1 2 0 36 59

1st XV CHARACTERS.

H. A. Milburn* (Captain). Scrum-half. An extremely keen and hard-working player. His service is still a bit slow, and he has not yet acquired the skill of the reverse pass, but covering work has been invaluable, and he played some very good games towards the end of the season. M. S. Douglas* (Vice-Captain). Wing Forward. A very useful player, who lacked the speed to produce anything spectacular. Developed, through regular practice, into a very fine place-kicker, and was greatly missed when injured. A. C. W. Ping*. 2nd Row Forward. A first-rate player when roused. Probably more suited to the back row, where his speed could have been used to greater advantage, but circumstances would not allow it. His weight and strength will be greatly missed next year. G. P. G. Stephenson*. 3rd Row Forward. For one so heavily built, a surprisingly fast and agile forward.

Got through an enormous amount of work both in the loose and tight, and was especially good in the line-out work and corner-flagging. 40

J. H. Butler*. 2nd Row Forward. A very sound scrummager. With a little more speed should develop into a very good forward. M. C. Robson*. Front Row Forward. A very promising forward, who, at times, can play a remarkably fine game. He possesses any amount of pluck. P. B. Cockburn*. Wing Forward. Rather slightly built and on the slow side, but was very good with his feet and followed up well. Played some of his best games early on in the season. R. C. Lynch*. Wing Three-quarter. A tower of strength in defence, and one who really put his shoulder into a tackle. Lacked the necessary speed in attack, but in defence he was always prepared to find extra work. G. C. Brown. Full-back. A very safe full-back. Always looked unperturbed, and one whom the three-quarter line could rely upon. His positioning and fielding were his strongest points, and his tackling improved tremendously. P. R. G. Graham. Fly-half. A player with a very sound sense of football. Possesses a safe pair of hands, and should develop into a very good player. Shows great keenness and pluck. J. H. T. Hunter. Front Row Forward. A young player who hooked consistently well, and never gave up hope of gaining possession of the ball. A tireless worker, and with a little more weight next year he should be really good. J. M. Couldwell. Front Row Forward. Rather a light forward, but a great trier. His packing in the tight was not all that one required, but he was very useful in the loose. T. F. Cameron. Centre Three-quarter. A player who had to adapt himself to the position and was never really at home. Had the weight and speed to carry himself through many an opposing three-quarter line, but he never seemed to realise his full capabilities. J. B. Shillitoe. Wing Three-quarter. Perhaps the find of the season. A fast player with a good swerve and hand-off. Improved tremendously in defence as the season progressed. R. M. Parker. Centre Three-quarter. A very young player who was carried through a hard season by his pluck.

Showed great improvement, both in attack and defence, and should, with a little more speed, develop into a good player. * Denotes a Cap. The whole team are Colours. 41

1st XV MATCHES.

ST. PETER'S SCHOOL v. CATTERICK GARRISON. Played at Home, Saturday, October 1st.

Result—St. Peter's School 5, Catterick Garrison 14.

In this, the first match of the season, the School fielded a full team, with the exception of Cameron, whose place in the centre was taken by Graham.

The game started with a great deal of vigour, but was sadly lacking in skill, and the first ten minutes were spent in mid-field without reward. The first movement of any note revealed gaps in the School defence, but Brockbank brought down his man in fine style. Milburn kicked well for touch on several occasions, but the rest of the backs were rather slow and irresolute. From a scrum on the Garrison "25" line, however, the ball went quickly to Brown (K. C.), who kicked ahead in crafty fashion, but Lynch, though following up hard, was unable to complete the movement. Thus encouraged, the School forwards very nearly scored with a rush, but Catterick escaped with a " 25." Shortly after the Catterick inside-half made a very high punt ahead from a scrum well inside his own half, which bounced about among the School backs, who experienced an anxious time before the ball was finally over-kicked by an attacker and went " dead." The game then lapsed into mediocrity until half-time, at which juncture no one had either scored or looked like scoring.

Immediately after the interval Morison broke through following a scrum in mid-field, but was not supported.

After eight minutes' play the Garrison back division came into its own, and Hendry ran past his man strongly and scored some fifteen yards from the posts. The kick failed. This was followed by a very good movement, sending the wing over at the corner. The kick at goal failed, partly owing to the inability of the kicker to run properly to the ball because of the bank. The School wasted as little time as possible in fighting back, but their hopes were dashed when a combined movement over three-quarters the length of the field brought the deficit to 11 points. Undaunted, Brown (K. C.) kicked ahead, and with several forwards following up, the ball was forced to the line, and from the resultant scrum, Hunter dived over the line for a try, which Milburn easily converted.

Even play followed, but just before " no-side," Catterick scored a final try to give them victory by 14-5. Of the backs, Milburn was the best, while Brown (K. C.) was 42

sound in defence. The wings, Lynch and Brockbank, had little to do, but Brown (G. C.) caught some nasty kicks at full-back. Douglas, Ping, Robson and Stephenson were the pick of the pack.

Team :—G. C. Brown ; J. T. Brockbank, P. R. G. Graham, K. C. Brown, R. C. Lynch ; I. D. C. Morison, H. A. Milburn; J. H. Butler, J. H. T. Hunter, C. M. Robson, G. P. G. Stephenson, R. M. Chappell, M. S. Douglas, A. C. W. Ping, P. B. Cockburn.

ST. PETER'S SCHOOL v. MR. R. F. HARDING'S XV. Played at Home, Saturday, October 8th.

Result—St. Peter's School 12, Mr. Harding's XV 10.

Owing to the cancellation of the fixture with the York and Lancaster Regiment, Mr. Harding got together a scratch side, comprising ten " Tigers," as the soldiers call themselves in moments of excitement, Mr. Bendall, Mr. Stead, Mr. Crews and Mr. Wrenn.

The School back division had undergone several changes since the previous Saturday: Milburn was indisposed and Morison omitted, giving rise to a new half-back combination, while Cameron came in at centre.

The match, as most others with the local military, began with a prolonged period of skirmishing in mid-field, which benefited neither man nor boy. The School took up the initiative, however, when Graham found touch inside the " 25." From a loose maul the ball was whipped along to Brockbank, whose only possible policy was to run hard. This he did, and scored near the corner. The School went further ahead when Brockbank intercepted a pass in his own " 25," jinked his way past Mr. Stead and scored under the posts. The kick sadly lacked magnitude and direction.

The visiting forwards were lively, but could not supply Mr. Bendall and Mr. Harding with scoring chances, though once Mr. Harding nearly scored when his kick-ahead just rolled into touch with the defence beaten. Just before halftime, Cameron kicked diagonally ahead, and taking advantage of a defensive fumble, picked up the ball and went over seven yards from the flag (9-0) .

In the second half the " Tigers" forwards showed much more dash in the loose, and the School pack did very well to hold them. And then, after a quiet period, the School launched another attack. The forwards, notably Douglas and Ping, took the ball to within five yards of the line. After 43

the resultant scrum, Dickinson worked the blind-side to give Brockbank an easy try. From a narrow angle, Douglas went just wide with his kick.

Within ten minutes the complexion of the game had turned completely as a result of two beautiful swerving runs by Mr. Harding, one of which he completed himself and the other of which paved the way for a try near the corner. Both these tries were converted by Rodgers in a very assured manner.

Mr. Harding's XV continued to press and seemed likely to score again. That they did not, was due mainly to the forwards, together with a slice of luck. And so, when " no-side " did come, the School were still in possession of their two points lead.

Team :—G. C. Brown; J. T. Brockbank, T. F. Cameron, P. R. G. Graham, R. C. Lynch ; K. C. Brown, E. N. Dickinson; J. H. Butler, J. H. T. Hunter, C. M. Robson, A. C. W. Ping, R. M. Chappell, M. S. Douglas, G. P. G. Stephenson, P. B. Cockburn. * * *

ST. PETER'S SCHOOL v. DURHAM SCHOOL. Played at Durham, Saturday, October 15th.

Result—Durham School 3, St. Peter's School 3.

With Milburn back at scrum-half, the School went to Durham with a will to erase from memory the ignominy of last year's defeat.

The condition of the field was perfect, and the sun was shining when Graham kicked off down the slope. At once the School forwards began to bustle their opponents in the loose, and also to heel beautifully in the set scrums. More than once the School backs executed movements, but from a wild inside pass during one of these, Burchnall intercepted, and running strongly for forty yards, evaded Brown, and scored well out on the left—too far out for Orwin to convert.

This renewed memories of the past, but the pack was not disheartened, and soon installed itself well inside the Durham half. The ball came sharply from Milburn at the base of the scrum (once or twice a little too sharply for the liking of Mr. Holmes), but the backs lacked penetrative power. In addition to this the School conceded too many penalties, which Orwin invariably dispatched with great vigour to gain forty or fifty yards.

However, the School eventually did score. The pack, with Ping and Stephenson in the fore, bored its way to within striking distance: Out came the ball to Graham, who, 44

partially breaking through, passed to Cameron, who in turn passed to Brockbank. He dived over the line, just getting the touch before defenders, Brockbank, ball, corner-flag and all went in a heap into touch-in-goal.

Thus elated, the School controlled play until half-time with the score 3-3.

Afterwards the Durham backs came into their own, mainly owing to the thrust of Orwin and Burchnall. Continuing to dominate the scrums, the School forwards checked them, but instead of opening the game up, Milburn chose to kick and nurse his pack. This he did with commendable effect. And so it went on, until the closing stages, when the School defence was sorely tested. Orwin tried to drop a goal with no one in the immediate vicinity, and failed ; Burchnall twice executed the scissors with territorial, if not tangible success ; and once when away on his own on the right was well tackled by Brown (G. C.) .

But when " no-side " came (and to prove how enjoyable the game was, it came quickly) the forwards were back rollicking in mid-field with Ping, Douglas, Stephenson and Robson leading the way.

After the match, Ping was re-awarded his colours.

Team :—G. C. Brown; J. T. Brockbank, T. F. Cameron, P. R. G. Graham, R. C. Lynch ; K. C. Brown, H. A Milburn ; J. H. Butler, J. H. T. Hunter, C. M. Robson, R. M. Chappell, A. C. W. Ping, M. S. Douglas, G. P. G. Stephenson, P. B. Cockburn. * * *

ST. PETER'S SCHOOL v. KING'S OWN YORKSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY.

Played at Home, Wednesday, October 19th. Result—St. Peter's School 6, K.O.Y.L.I. 8.

In a match notable for hard scrummaging, yet containing few constructive movements, K.O.Y.L.I. beat the School, a goal and a penalty goal outweighing two penalty goals by 8-6.

At first the School defence, which had weathered the storm so well on the previous Saturday at Durham, was rather shaky, and provided openings for a strong-running, though not exceptionally clever, three-quarter line. The fly-half made a spirited dash for 20 yards before being bottled by Douglas and Robson inches from the line. After some desperate scrimmaging the School took the ball away. The School gradually dominated the set scrums and gave the backs a liberal supply of the ball, which, it must be admitted, was wasted.

The soldiers retaliated with a grand rush, overcoming a temporary stoppage by Milburn to end up well inside the School " 25." Before the defence had become reorganised the ball was out along the line and a try duly recorded under the posts, followed by an easy conversion.

Subsequent play was of the ding-dong nature, but the School were penalised for off-side some forty yards from the posts, from which a very fine goal was kicked.

Milburn broke through on the blind-side and, not receiving any assistance, kicked ahead to the full-back, who was promptly collared inside his " 25." A scrum formed round and eventually the School were awarded a penalty three yards from the touch-line, which Douglas kicked with a brilliant shot.

After half-time the School were given another penalty, this time under the posts, presenting no difficulty to Milburn. Having been raised to within two points of the K.O.Y.L.I. without apparent effort, the School were encouraged to fight harder, and for some time remained on the attack; Milburn sent out some good passes, giving Brown a lot of room, but the line lacked cohesion and was easily smothered. The three-quarter defence, however, was good, especially on the wings.

The forwards continued to fight inch for inch with their heavier opponents, and in the loose, Douglas and Ping were the best on the field, but no further score resulted.

Team :—G. C. Brown ; J. T. Brockbank, R. M. S. Parker, P. R. G. Graham, R. C. Lynch ; K. C. Brown, H. A. Milburn ; J. M. Couldwell, J. H. T. Hunter, C. M. Robson, J. H. Butler, A. C. W. Ping, M. S. Douglas, G. P. G. Stephenson, P. B. Cockburn.

v.: *

ST. PETER'S SCHOOL v. DENSTONE COLLEGE. Played at Home, Wednesday, October 26th.

Result St. Peter's School 0, Denstone College 6.

On this, their first visit to York, Denstone beat the School by two tries, scored late in the game, to nil, after an exciting struggle between two very strong packs of forwards and two rather stolid back divisions.

At the beginning it was all St. Peter's. Cameron broke through, and finding himself unsupported, kicked ahead, but the situation was saved by Deighton, who was cornerflagging faithfully. Thus established, the forwards tried their hardest to stay in the Denstone " 25," and before relief came, the defence was sorely pressed. 46

The Denstone forwards, though lighter, were every bit as lively as the School's, and got the better of the scrums, but despite Cunningham's quick and accurate passes, the centres wasted their chances with unimaginative running.

The game closed up as time wore on, the forwards loosing blast and counter-blast at one another. Milburn very nearly scored by dashing after a loose ball bouncing near the Denstone centres, but near the posts he tripped up, and a defender got the touch. And so, with slices of luck, each side had maintained its defensive reputation by half-time.

In the second half, fortunes continued to fluctuate with exciting frequency, and the School nearly went ahead when Cameron, intercepting in his own half, kicked ahead, only to be beaten by a fraction for the touch by Burrow. More ding-dong play followed before Butler, after a fine run, crossed the goal line, only to find himself unable to come to earth, as the whole Denstone pack had temporarily nullified gravitational force by combined effort. A scrum formed in the very corner of the field with the three-quarters aching for a quick pass, which did not arrive. Denstone fought back with a rush and the danger was averted, and in a trice they were right on the School line, due to a run by Cunningham. After some scrimmaging the ball went along the line to Gandy, who shot over the line near the corner. The School tried hard to draw level without success, and Denstone came again, and after some good backing-up Cunningham scored 25 yards out on the right. The writing was now on the wall, as but five minutes remained for play, and try as they would the School could make no impression upon an invigorated Denstone.

The forwards played well with Ping, Butler, Robson and Douglas outstanding. Milburn struck an unlucky day, the three-quarters defended well, and Brown (G. C.) played coolly and well.

Team :—G. C. Brown; J. T. Brockbank, T. F. Cameron, P. R. G. Graham, R. C. Lynch ; K. C. Brown, H. A. Milburn; C. M. Robson, J. H. T. Hunter, J. M. Couldwell, J. H. Butler, A. C. W. Ping, M. S. Douglas, G. P. G. Stephenson, P. B. Cockburn.

* * *

ST. PETER'S SCHOOL v. HEADINGLEY " A." Played at Home, Saturday, October 29th. Result—St. Peter's School 3, Headingley "A" 0.

The School team showed two changes from the team beaten three days before, Rucklidge coming in for Couldwell in the front row, and Shillitoe for Brockbank on the right wing.

Immediately, play was lively and both sets of backs executed movements without getting anywhere. The Headingley three-quarters moved quite fast, but passed rather wildly. Then followed a quiet period in mid-field ; at one scrum Milburn had to put the ball in seven times before it was heeled correctly.

A good Headingley run took play into the School " 25," and after a dangerous attack a five yards scrum was given. More classical scrummaging followed before a forward rush, led by Stephenson and Ping, cleared the danger. A beautiful kick by Brown (K. C.) found touch near the line, and a forward passing movement in the course of which six members of the pack handled the ball ensued, but at halftime neither side has scored.

Headingley started again with a vigorous attack. St. Lawrence was quick at outside-half and set his threequarters going well, but the School defence was dour and easily covered them.

The School came again, and good backing up produced a promising movement on the right, but Lynch, who had moved over from the left wing, was tackled short of the line. Five minutes later, however, a similar movement led to a try at the same place ; Milburn ran, and passed by way of Graham to Cameron, who, handing off Crear, scored in the corner. Douglas made a good effort to convert from this narrow angle, but was just short.

As time wore on it seemed rather doubtful whether this would prove the winning try, for during the closing minutes Headingley hammered away. The ball went back and forth across the field with their three-quarters. Sometimes it was a matter of inches which decided whether or no the School Maginot Line was pierced, and at other times, a matter of opinion. The forwards played heroically, and the loose scrums were like Bedlam let loose. However, no-side came with the score still 3-0, and with relief to all.

Team :—G. C. Brown ; J. B. Shillitoe, T. F. Cameron, P. R. G. Graham, R. C. Lynch ; K. C. Brown, H. A Milburn ; C. M. Robson, J. H. T. Hunter, J. M. Rucklidge, J. H. Butler, A. C. W. Ping, M. S. Douglas, G. P. G. Stephenson, P. B. Cockburn. * * *

ST. PETER'S SCHOOL v. GIGGLESWICK SCHOOL. Played at Home, Saturday, November 5th. Result:--St. Peter's School 40, Giggleswick 3.

Despite the overwhelming margin by which 5 goals and 5 tries exceeds one solitary try, the game in mid-field was surprisingly even, and most of the School tries were scored 48

from movements initiated well outside the Giggleswick " 25," which exposed great defensive weaknesses.

The game was virtually won and lost inside ten minutes, for in that short time the School had crossed their opponents' line no fewer than three times. Milburn dived over for the first after Stephenson and Douglas had worked the ball up into the " 25." Douglas converted with an excellent kick. Brown (K. C.) scored the second in the left corner after the Giggleswick pack had been hard pressed to stop a forward passing movement on the right. Brown also made the running for the third, scored by Cameron.

The School were then forced on to the defensive, and after one or two breaks through by Taylor, Murgatroyd took advantage of a fumble and raced over twenty yards out. Play was even for a while and fine forward rushes, led by Robson, Ping, Stephenson and Cockburn, staved off impending danger, but once, when all seemed lost, Douglas came out of the blue to kick dead from the feet of a Giggleswickian. Just before half-time play was back in its rightful quarter, and Shillitoe, snapping up an opportunity, ran down the left wing to score in the corner. Half-time came with the School in possession of a 14 3 lead.

In the second half, playing down the wind, the School ran riot, and with little ado scored four more tries in a quarter-of-an-hour. They were due to good backing up, and the scorers, Stephenson (2), Ping and Douglas, raced quite clear of the defence in each case. Douglas converted one of these with a long kick, and Milburn kicked two others from less spectacular angles.

The Giggleswick pack retaliated admirably in the face of chaos, and put in some spirited rushes, in addition to serving their backs, who were not similarly disposed as regards dash, and were consequently of little danger to the School defence.

Brown (K. C.) scored a brilliant try 11 minutes from time by cutting past his man on the half-way line, running to the left, and then jerking to the right, landing up between the posts. With the formality of conversion over, the score was 37-3, but just on time, Cameron kicked a loose ball from half-way and went over well out on the left to make it 40-3.

Team :—G. C. Brown ; R. C. Lynch, T. F. Cameron, P. R. G. Graham, J. B. Shillito ; K. C. Brown, H. A. Milburn; C. M. Robson, J. H. T. Hunter, J. M. Couldwell, J. H. Butler, A. C. W. Ping, M. S. Douglas, G. P. G. Stephenson, P. B. Cockburn.

ST. PETER'S SCHOOL v. YORK. Played at Home, Saturday, November 12th. Result—St. Peter's School 3, York 6.

Though the York match has, in recent years, been a hard and close game, there have been few in which the issue was in doubt until so late in the game, as this, when a scrambled try four minutes from time upset the equilibrium between a penalty goal and a try.

York kicked off towards the School and immediately began to press. Their forwards, however, were sluggish and cumbersome, and heeled too slowly for the backs to find openings. The School pack was not lacking in spirit, and Stephenson and Ping took play down to the right corner, where a huge scrum formed almost on the line. A five yards scrum was given, but, with the inspiration gone, the danger was quickly cleared. Back in mid-field again the School conceded several penalties for scrum infringement. Lockwood was yards short with one shot at goal, and, profiting from experience, exploited the subtlety of kicking a little way along the ground and picking up again, with his next. Two School forwards, however, bristling at the thought of deception, deprived him of the ball in no uncertain manner. Two minutes later, York broke through the middle and scored beneath the posts.

The School soon drew level through Douglas, who placed a fine penalty goal from 40 yards. Close upon this a bout of passing culminated when Milburn, with several ,players backing up, kicked ahead twenty yards from the line. The ball pitched near the corner, but bounced abnormally high and was scrambled away into touch.

In the second half, York had slightly more of the play, and the advantage of weight in the pack began to tell on the School. The School forwards fought well and in the loose gave nothing away.

The three-quarter defence, too, was sound, and neither Barton nor Wanke was given much liberty.

What opportunities came the way of the School were taken heartily; a fine run by Lynch and an inside pass on the left touch line nearly sent in Stephenson, and this was followed by a mass attack by the forwards, which York survived with the aid of a " 25." On the other hand, a dropped kick grazed the wrong side of the School upright.

With but four minutes left, Shaf toe kicked the ball over the line and won the race for the touch some eight yards out.

In what time remained, the School pressed, but the minutes sped by too quickly, and no-side came with the score still 6-3.

Team :—G. C. Brown; J. T. Brockbank, T. F. Cameron, R. C. Lynch, J. B. Shillitoe ; K. C. Brown, H. A. Milburn ; J. M. Couldwell, J. H. T. Hunter, C. M. Robson, J. H. Butler, A. C. W. Ping, M. S. Douglas, G. P. G. Stephenson, P. B. Cockburn. * * *

ST. PETER'S SCHOOL v. MOUNT ST. MARY'S COLLEGE. Played at Home, Saturday, November 19th.

Result—St. Peter's School 3, Mount St. Mary's 3.

Lacking the services of Douglas, Cockburn and Brown (K. C.) in the important positions of wing-forward and outside half, the School were considerably weakened for this match. Positional changes were many; Holt and Steele came into the back row, while Graham returned to fill Brown's place. Lynch went back to the wing, whence he came instead of Brockbank, another casualty, with Parker in the centre.

The School began slowly, and the first signs of life were checked by a penalty award. Another penalty kick, adjudged to be within range, fell woefully short to Cameron, who found a good touch in the Mount half. The threequarters saw quite a bit of the ball, but failed to impress either the spectators or the Mount defence, though Shillitoe twice came near to scoring. Aided greatly by School infringements, Mount St. Mary's attacked for most of the time during the first half, but looked dangerous only when their right centre broke through. On one occasion his kick ahead presented the wing with a gift of a chance, which was promptly knocked on. No sooner had Butler and Stephenson dribbled back into midfield when a " foot-up " infringement gave away an easy penalty goal.

In the second half it was a different story. The School forwards gained the ascendancy in the loose, if not in the tight, and began to live up to the reputation they acquired in the Durham match. With Ping, Stephenson, Robson and Hunter always in the fore, the pack frequently made storming raids and were unlucky on one occasion not to score, when the Mount back got the touch after a collective dribble.

An equalising try seemed inevitable, and after a scrum under the posts play moved over to the left. A loose scrum 51

formed on the line. The ball stuck in the back row for a time, but eventually Milburn dived over on the blind side. The kick failed.

With ten minutes remaining, the battle waxed fast and furious. The forwards rushed and the three-quarters ran and kicked, but they could not pierce the Mount defence; Graham broke through, but was outnumbered, when a pass to Stephenson might have been more productive.

But, altogether, the attacks showed too little guile to beat a very alert defence, and as no one was sufficiently imprudent as to concede a penalty within goal-kicking range, the scores remained level.

Of the forwards, Ping and Robson were the most prominent, though Holt and Steele made promising debuts. Shillitoe was the most dangerous of the backs.

Team :—G. C. Brown ; R. C. Lynch, T. F. Cameron, R. M. S. Parker, J. B. Shillitoe ; P. R. G. Graham, H A Milburn; M. C. Robson, J. H. T. Hunter, J. M. Couldwell, J. H. Butler, A. C. W. Ping, H. G. Holt, G. P. G. Stephenson, F. F. Steele. *

ST. PETER'S SCHOOL v. TRENT COLLEGE.

Played Away, Thursday, November 24th. Result—Trent 11, St. Peter's School 0.

In this, the second away match of the season, the School was beaten by 1 goal and 2 tries (11 points) to nil.

The game began with some peculiar scrumming during which the School forwards were pushed off their feet and could only reply by wheeling, with the result of a useless maul. Trent heeled better and at once looked dangerous ; a passing movment between Scott and Hackney sent the latter over near the corner after four minutes.

The School heeling suddenly improved, but the back division lacked speed and resolution. The , game was punctuated with penalties, which affected play considerably as the ground was both dry and small, and the ball, consequently, light.

Play, on the whole, was scrappy, but the forwards on both sides played hard football. Ping and Stephenson were outstanding in the School pack, and Milburn kicked well to touch from the base of the scrum.

Trent went further ahead when Charles, gathering a loose ball outside the School " 25," ran with astonishing determination and skill to score half-way out, a distance not beyond his goal-kicking powers. 52

In the second half, the School heeled better, and Milburn and Graham set the " threes " moving in a more determined fashion. The game stayed mostly inside the Trent half, and several opportunities came the School's way, but none were exploited to the full.

The heavier Trent pack rallied, and though still beaten for possession, supplied Scott with enough of the ball to pin the School on the defensive, and, after one movement right across the field, Hackney scored in the corner. (The details of the try are left to the imagination as the writer's nose was firmly embedded in the ground at the time.)

Thenceforward the School defence was severely tested, and found relief only by sterling tackling and penalty kicks. Even so, Hackney got over, only to be adjudged to be in touch.

Having weathered the storm, Douglas and Hunter took the ball into the security of the Trent half, where Shillitoe made a good run down the wing, and Cockburn a dribble down the centre. But the Trent defence remained firm and and all effort was vain.

Team :—G. C. Brown ; R. C. Lynch, T. F. Cameron, R. M. S. Parker ; J. B. Shillitoe ; P. R. G. Graham, H. A. Milburn ; J. M. Couldwell, J. H. T. Hunter, C. M. Robson, J. H. Butler, A. C. W. Ping, H. G. Holt, G. P. G. Stephenson, P. B. Cockburn. * * *

ST. PETER'S SCHOOL v. WORKSOP COLLEGE. Played Away, Saturday, November 26th. Result—Worksop 22, St. Peter's School 0.

Playing with fourteen men for all but thirty seconds of the game, the School were faced with great difficulties in holding the fast Worksop backs on such a dry ground. What suspicions Brown (K. C.) had concerning his ankle were fully justified, for in the first minute it went again, demanding the withdrawal from the pack of a lot of weight, in the person of Ping.

Despite this early set-back it was the School who attacked first, but Pinkney intercepted a pass and ran dangerously over half the field before being tackled into touch by Brown (G. C.). Thenceforth the Worksop " threes " showed themselves to be fast and nippy in attack, and, after a fine corkscrew run, Evans ran in on the right, conversion being effected with ease.

Worksop continued to dominate the game, and went further ahead when Rhodes kicked a penalty goal from

53

thirty-five yards. The seven School forwards showed considerable dash and spirit in the loose, but in the set scrums 'weight told and Worksop heeled the more often. At half-time the score was 11-0, increased by a scrambled try in the left-hand corner.

Immediately after the resumption of play Worksop came away with a rush, forcing a five-yards scrum, and Rhodes, coming in at outside-half, slipped inside the covering forwards and went clean through.

Robson, Stephenson and Hunter were very lively in the loose and propelled their way to the Worksop " 25," but the School passing was too stereotyped to be of any use, and the main method of progression became the kicking of Milburn, and occasionally Graham, together with close rushes. There followed, as a result of these tactics, a slow period notable for nothing, but Rhodes kicked another penalty goal, and Worksop were in an impregnable position.

The School, however, rallied strongly, but could not penetrate a sound defence. Just before time Pinkney broke through the centre and swerved round Brown to score ten yards out. The scoring was completed with Rhodes' conversion.

Team :—G. C. Brown ; R. C. Lynch, T. F. Cameron, K. C. Brown, J. B. Shillitoe ; P. R. G. Graham, H. A. Milburn ; J. M. Couldwell, J. H. T. Hunter, C. M. Robson, A. C. W. Ping, J. H. Butler, J. G. Holt, G. P. G. Stephenson, P. B. Cockburn. * * *

ST. PETER'S SCHOOL v. AMPLEFORTH COLLEGE. Played Away, Saturday, December 3rd. Result—Ampleforth 15, St. Peter's School 8.

At Gilling, the School lost to Ampleforth by three goals (15 points) to a goal and a penalty goal (8 points) after a fine, fast, open game.

In the first half, Ampleforth played down the hill, while the School had the sun in their eyes and faced a slight breeze. After some inaccurate play around the half-way line, the Ampleforth pack came away with a dribble which was checked only five yards from the line, but a loose scrum formed round and the ball went quickly along the line, for the right centre to cross the line about fifteen yards from the left-hand corner. Sutton converted with a fine kick.

The distribution of the ball in the set scrums was even, but in the line-out Douglas was prominent, giving the School backs more chances. But though Milburn threw out 54

accurate passes, the " threes " were unable to break through or score. The second Ampleforth try contained an element of luck, as Brown's charged-down kick bounced with extraordinary friendliness for the forwards, who were backing up.

Just on half-time the home fly-half went in on his own underneath the posts with two sharp side-steps. Both these tries were converted, giving Ampleforth a very flattering interval lead of fifteen points.

The School resumed with considerably more fervour, and soon it was evident that fifteen points was not too big a total to sit upon, taking into account the gradient of the field. Several times the Ampleforth line knew fortune, but after thirteen minutes Douglas kicked a magnificent penalty goal from forty-five yards. Thus encouraged, the School renewed their efforts, and after a grand rush, Stephenson dived over between the posts, and Douglas kicked his second goal.

The home side recovered from these shocks well and forced the School on to the defensive. In one nasty spell the School posts became plastered with penalty shots and drops at goal, none of which went over.

The School came again. Shillitoe made a fine run down the left and the pack nearly forced its way over with a concerted rush, but no further scoring was registered. It is an interesting point that all the scoring was done by the side playing down the slope.

Team :—G. C. Brown ; R. C. Lynch, T. F. Cameron, R. M. S. Parker, J. B. Shillitoe; P. R. G. Graham, H. A. Milburn; J. M. Couldwell, J. H. T. Hunter, C. M. Robson, J. H. Butler, A. C. W. Ping, M. S. Douglas, G. P. G. Stephenson, P. B. Cockburn.

* * * ST. PETER'S SCHOOL v. YORKSHIRE WANDERERS.

Played at Home, Wednesday, December 7th.

Result—St. Peter's School 0, Yorkshire Wanderers 32.

In their last match before Christmas, Yorkshire Wanderers defeated the School by four goals, a penalty goal and three tries to nil, after having enjoyed an eight points' lead at the interval. The severity of the defeat was due to a rout in the last quarter-of-an-hour.

The School forwards more than held their own at the outset, heeling the ball regularly to Milburn, who set the line running smoothly, but without penetration. The first Wanderers' try was snapped up by Jones on the right, and

55

the second by Lister on the left. The School defence, however, dealt adequately with orthodox passing movements, and a close struggle seemed inevitable.

In the early part of the second half, the School pack played magnificently. Douglas, Ping, Stephenson and Robson excelled in the loose, and Douglas in the lines-out. This forward power seemed the only instrument of scoring. But as time wore on, the heavier Wanderers' pack assumed the command and the rout began. Their backing up was magnificent and their dribbling fast. Behind, such speedy backs as Jones, Holderness and Heaton exploited the School centre weakness to the full. Time and again Heaton broke through, providing Holderness with two tries and Jones with one. By full time the total amounted to 32 points, but the School forwards stuck to their job to the end and can in no way be blamed for such a reminder of the cricket season.

Of the backs, Milburn played well, but Graham ran across the field too much.

Team :—G. C. Brown; R. C. Lynch, T. F. Cameron, R. M. S. Parker, J. B. Shillitoe; P. R. G. Graham, H. A. Milburn; C. M. Robson, J. H. T. Hunter, J. M. Couldwell, J. H. Butler, A. C. W. Ping, M. S. Douglas, G. P. G. Stephenson, P. B. Cockburn. * * *

ST. PETER'S SCHOOL v. LEEDS GRAMMAR SCHOOL.

Played Away, Saturday, December 10th. Result—Leeds G.S. 3, St. Peter's School 5. •

In the last match of the season, the School defeated Leeds Grammar School by a goal to a try after a very exciting finish, when the School rallied and scored a goal in the last four minutes.

Leeds came away with a rush, and the first scrum was formed ten yards from the School posts. The first ten minutes were all Leeds', whose forwards were making the most of the slope. The School defence was good, and the forwards' covering excellent. Just as the School were beginning to fight back, in the form of forward rushes led by Douglas and Butler, a kick-ahead by Holdsworth was followed up, and in a race for the touch the Leeds player just beat Brown to land a try in the very corner.

A School revival was due, but until after the interval, the Leeds forwards dominated proceedings. The School pack stuck in well, however, and with Milburn often finding useful touches from the scrums, the game developed into a mid-field struggle.

After half-time it was the School who pressed. Playing in this half down the slope, the forwards were much more lively, and took the initiative from Leeds, who, for a time, lapsed into mediocrity.

By this time the ball was rather too much like a piece of tripe for the backs, who always frolic better with a nice dry ball, and so, by the process of elimination, a forward struggle began.

Leeds came again and actually crossed the line, but were pulled back for a forward pass. After' some anxious moments on the line, Robson and Cockburn dribbled clear.

As time went on, the School got more and more on top, but seemed to lack the necessary scoring power. So far, Carter, the Leeds full-back, had been a stumbling block, but with four minutes remaining his kick was charged down by Shillitoe, and Cockburn, backing up furiously, found himself high and dry with the ball at his feet about three yards from the line. Realising the responsibility and the time at his disposal, Cockburn studiously urged the ball over the line and then fell flat upon it, to place the issue beyond doubt. the task of conversion fell to Douglas, who kicked a beautiful goal from half-way out with the extremely difficult ball.

Now it was Leeds who were fighting back. The forwards swept down the field in a fine rush, but were firmly checked and driven back, the whistle going for time during a School attack.

Team :—G. C. Brown ; R. C. Lynch, T. F. Cameron, R. M. S. Parker, J. B. Shillitoe; P. R. G. Graham, H. A. Milburn; C. M. Robson, J. H. T. Hunter, J. M. Couldwell, J. H. Butler, A. C. W. Ping, M. S. Douglas, G. P. G. Stephenson, P. B. Cockburn.

2nd XV MATCHES. 2nd XV v. YORK " B." Result—Won: 2nd XV 3, York " B " 0. Played at Home on October 15th.

Morison won the toss and the School kicked off towards Clifton. The ball, however, went straight into touch, and from the scrum-back, York heeled quickly. The ball did not pass far along the York " threes " before it was dropped, and the School forwards took the opportunity of a good rush, which brought the ball into touch in the York " 25." After this, the play remained in this half for most of the time.

The chief feature of the game was the loose scrums, in which neither side excelled, and it was in one of these that York were penalised on their own " 10 yard " line. Hodgson took the kick, and the ball sailed smoothly over the bar for three points—a magnificent kick. For the rest of the first half, the School " threes " were prevented from scoring by Cross, the full back, whose tackling and kicking was good. Once, however, Shillitoe broke through, only to run right over the dead ball line.

In the second half, York attacked, and it was only the " unorthodox," but successful School tackling that prevented their scoring. The School pack had been very successful in the set scrums (due especially to Taylor's good hooking), so after the interval Couldwell took scrums instead of line-outs. York continued to attack, and were awarded three penalties between the posts, on about the School " 25," all in the space of seven minutes. All failed, the last due to a good jump by Steele. After this, the School pressed on by quick forward dribbles and also good dashes by Dickinson and Morison. When the final whistle went, the School were well inside the York " 25."

Team :—F. J. Hornby ; C. N. S. Killick, R. M. S. Parker, J. I. Sleight, J. B. Shillitoe; I. D. C. Morison, E. N. Dickinson; J. M. Couldwell, H. Taylor, J. M. Rucklidge, P. A. Andrew, J. G. Holt, F. F. Steele, G. E. Shepherd, E. Hodgson. * * *

2nd XV v. DRAX G.S. 1st XV.

Result—Lost: Drax G.S. 1st XV 39, 2nd XV 11. Played Away on October 19th.

There were two changes in the team which played York on Saturday : Chappell came in for Couldwell, and Wright displaced Steele, who was unfit.

Drax kicked off and found touch. For the next five minutes, play remained in the York half, until Drax were awarded a penalty on the " 25 " line. The kick failed, but a few minutes later the home " threes " broke through to score a try, which was ably converted by Womack, the Drax captain. From the kick-off, the School pressed hard, and after a quick heel from the half-way line, Shillitoe broke through to score under the corner flag. Drax scored another goal soon after, but the School equalised again with a fine try by Killick beneath the bar. Hodgson found no difficulty in converting it. Before half-time, each side scored another three points, Shillitoe scoring again for York. (Score 13-11.)

In the second half, the School kicked off with a renewed hope, which was very soon dashed by Womack, who scored two magnificent tries on his own, and further, converted them both. Unfortunately, he was injured some minutes later, and had to be taken off. He soon returned, however, and scored twice before the whistle went.

The tackling was very poor all round, which probably accounted for such a heavy defeat. Among the backs, Shillitoe, Sleight and Morison were outstanding, while among the forwards, Rucklidge was good in the line-outs, and some good dribbles were led by Andrew and Hodgson.

Team :—F. J. Hornby ; C. N. S. Killick, J. M. Walters, J. I. Sleight, J. B. Shillitoe; I. D. C. Morison, E. N. Dickinson; R. W. Wright, H. L. Taylor, J. M. Rucklidge, J. G. Holt, R. M. Chappell, P. A. Andrew, G. E. Shepherd, E. Hodgson.

2nd XV v. DRAX G.S. 1st XV.

Result—Won : 2nd XV 12, Drax G.S. 1st XV 11. Played at Home on November 16th.

There were two changes in the team which had played away a month previously, the newcomers being Greenwood, and Belchamber.

Soon after the start, Drax scored an early try under the posts, which was easily converted. Both sides then pressed hard, until Drax scored again. Soon after, however, Killick received the ball after a good three-quarter movement on the home " 25," and, running like a hare along the touchline, scored a magnificent try. Before the interval, Drax scored another unconverted try, to bring the score up to 11-3.

In the next half, the School played with renewed spirits, attacking the visitors' defence with countless forward movements, and then heeling to give the backs a chance to score. The next try was scored by Killick, who just managed to touch down after a short dribble.. Although the Drax forwards heeled more often from the set scrums, their backs, especially Womack, were never allowed to get going, due to the experience learnt in the previous match. In the last ten minutes the School forwards pressed hard, and their efforts were rewarded when Dickinson carried the side to victory by scoring twice from loose scrums, on the blind side.

Final score :-2nd XV 4 tries (12 points), Drax G.S. 2 tries, 1 goal (11 points). 59

Team :—A. S. Clephan ; C. N. S. Killick, R. M. S. Parker, J. I. Sleight, E. P. Bulmer; I. D. C. Morison, E. N. Dickinson; P. A. Andrew, K. Greenwood, G. E. Shepherd, J. M. Rucklidge, J. G. Holt, F. F. Steele; H. Belchamber. * * * E. Hodgson,

2nd XV v. YORK " B."

Result—Lost: 2nd XV 0, York 3. Played at Home on November 19th.

For this match, the side was considerably weakened, as three regular players were required for the 1st XV. The game was played on a quagmire of mud, there being scarcely a blade of grass in the centre of the field.

Morison won the toss and York kicked off towards Clifton. From the start, it was obvious that an open game would be impossible, for both sides found difficulty in catching the ball cleanly. Both in the scrums and line-outs, in the first half, the School forwards backed the ball more often than their opponents, but the three-quarters never took the opportunities given them. Consequently, Morison changed the tactics, and he and Dickinson made a lot of ground by some good touch-kicking. Shortly before halftime, York were penalised some forty yards from their own try line. Hodgson, however, failed to score with such a wet ball.

In the next half, the School forwards pressed hard with some useful dribbles, but too long a kick enabled Richardson to pick up the ball and run through to score an unconverted try. In the last ten minutes, the School kept the ball well inside the York " 25," nearly scoring twice.

Team :—A. S. Clephan ; C. N. S. Killick, J. I. Sleight, J. R. Walters, E. P. Bulmer; I. D. C. Morison, E. N. Dickinson ; J. M. Rucklidge, K. Greenwood, H. Taylor, G. E. Shepherd, R. M. Chappell, E. Hodgson, P. A. Andrew, H. Belchamber. * * *

2nd XV v. RIPON G.S. 1st XV.

Result—Lost: Ripon G.S. 30, 2nd XV 0. Played at Ripon on November 23rd.

Once again, the strength of the School team was weakened by two injuries, both of whom were forwards.

Morison won the toss and decided to play with the wind, which was blowing strongly downhill. Soon after the start, Ripon scored a try beneath the posts. The kick failed against an impossible wind. The play almost throughout

60

was a forwards' game, both sides making use of dribbles and rushes. At first the School forwards were superior in both the scrums and line-outs, but the opportunities resulting from good backing were never used to the best advantage by the three-quarters, who found difficulty in holding a sticky ball. Before the interval Ripon scored again twice. Score:-9-0.

The School were then faced with a strong head wind. Of the seven unconverted tries scored by the home team in this half, not one was the result of a three-quarter movement, but of vigorous kicks ahead and of forward dribbles. Some of these could have been prevented if the School had fallen on the ball better.

Dickinson and Morison both did some valuable work behind the scrum, making a good deal of ground by finding touch from the line-outs. In the scrum itself, all the forwards played hard, notably Steele, Rucklidge and Andrew.

Team :—A. S. Clephan; C. N. S. Killick, R. M. Parker, J. I. Sleight, E. P. Bulmer; I. D. C. Morison, E. N. Dickinson; H. L. Taylor, K. Greenwood, W. B. Smyth, J. M. Rucklidge, R. W. Wright, P. A. Andrew, E. Hodgson, F. F. Steele.

COLTS XV MATCHES.

COLTS XV v. WORKSOP COLLEGE COLTS XV. Played at York on October 22nd. Result—Lost: Colts XV 8, Worksop 17.

The School kicked off after Parker had won the toss. The good backing up of the forwards kept the ball well inside the Worksop half, and after about a quarter of an hour, Bulmer fought his way over and touched down on the corner. Soon afterwards, Worksop equalised with an unconverted try. For the rest of the first half the game was equal and open with no further score.

Soon after half-time the School were awarded a penalty almost beneath the posts on the Worksop " 25." Steele, however, failed to score. Worksop then increased their efforts and succeeded in scoring a converted try. The School, however, were not daunted, and Bulmer scored again after a magnificent run from the half-way line. Walters converted. Although the play was fairly even for the rest of the game, the visitors scored twice: once by a good drop goal by one of the centres, and again with a converted try beneath the bar.

Among the forwards, Bennett and Steele were outstanding, while Bulmer was magnificent on the wing.

Team :—A. S. Clephan; C. N. S. Killick, J. R. Walters, R. M. S. Parker, E. P. Bulmer; P. Frost, F. N. Buckler; J. H. Motum, G. M. Cave, H. Belchamber, L. W. Bennett, R. W. Wright, W. Child, N. A. Chudleigh, F. F. Steele. * * * COLTS XV v. AMPLEFORTH COLTS. Played Away on November 2nd. Result—Ampleforth Colts 34, Colts XV 3.

Ampleforth kicked off and attacked strongly. They kept the ball well inside the St. Peter's half, and eventually scored an unconverted try. Ampleforth continued to attack, and succeeded in scoring three tries and a goal before the whistle blew for half-time. The visitors, however, never gave up hope, and, shortly before the interval, Bulmer scored after a splendid run from the School " 25." The kick failed.

In the second half, St. Peter's pressed hard at intervals. However, the ball did not remain for long in the " home " half, and Ampleforth repeatedly broke through the School three-quarter line. The success of the Ampleforth backs may be due partly to the bad tackling of their opponents, and partly to the fact that their more experienced pack had the better of the set scrums.

Team :—A. S. Clephan; E. P. Bulmer, R. M. S. Parker, J. R. Walters, C. N. S. Killick; A. Broadhurst, F. N. Buckler; R. W. Wright, G. M. Cave, H. Belchamber, S. Garnham, L. W. V. Bennett, F. F. Steele, J. H. Heppell, W. Child. * * * COLTS XV v. GIGGLESWICK COLTS. Played at York on November 12th. Result—Won : Colts XV 25, Giggleswick 8.

The School kicked off towards York against a light wind. From the start, it was obvious that it would be an open game, the play never stayed long in one part of the field. Bennett scored the first try, after following up a good dribble by Garnham, who also converted it. Giggleswick equalised ; but soon after, Bulmer scored under the flag from a quick heel. Again the visitors equalised, bringing the half-time score to 8-8.

In the second half, the School had some good threequarter movements, from one of which Bulmer scored a splendid try. Bulmer scored again on the blind side from a five yards scrum. The forwards then showed more life, and 62

Child scored after dribbling over half the length of the field.

Bennett converted. Killick, who scored one try, would have scored more, had it not been for the good tackling of the

Giggleswick back. Brown showed promise in the centre. Team :—A. S. Clephan ; E. P. Bulmer, R. M. S. Parker,

A. C. Brown, C. N. S. Killick; J. R. Walters, F. N. Buckler;

R. W. Wright, G. M. Cave, H. Belchamber, J. S. Garnham,

L. W. Bennett, F. F. Steele, G. A. Heppell, W. Child. * * *

INTER-HOUSE RUGGER. CLIFTON RISE I v. SCHOOL HOUSE I.

The semi-final of the 1st XV House Rugger was played on Wednesday, 9th NoiTember. Morison kicked off, and from the start the House t pressed hard. The Rise soon proved themselves to be the better team when Shillitoe, after receiving a pass from Ping on the half-way line, scored beneath the posts. This was repeated three times before half-time, bringing the score to 14-0. In the second half, the Rise continued to show their superiority by scoring five more tries, by Cameron (2),

Ping, Stephenson and Douglas, the latter kicking two spectacular goals from the touch line. Shortly before no-side, the Rise were penalised on their own " 25," and

Milburn thereby scored the only points for the House. The

Rise might have scored more had their " threes " got rid of the ball sooner, but they well deserved the victory of 35-3. * * *

TEMPLE HOUSE I v. CLIFTON RISE I.

The final was played on Monday, 14th November. The day was perfectly fine and calm, but the ground was somewhat soft, making the scrums a little unpleasant. Cameron kicked off towards Clifton and found touch.

From the line-out the Rise backs got the ball, and after a good three-quarter movement, Shillitoe scored an unconverted try by the flag. For the next ten minutes, Temple pressed hard, and they nearly scored through Bulmer, who unfortunately ran into touch close to the try line. The game was then fairly open, until the Rise pressed again shortly before the interval, and Shillitoe scored on the blind side from a five yards scrum. Douglas converted. Before halftime, the Rise scored again, bringing the score up to 13-0. In the second half, the Rise backs had more of the ball, due to the superiority of their heavier and more experienced 63