Rugby Football, 1951

3rd December, 1950.

Dear Sir,

Without wishing to arouse any ill-feeling, I feel bound to inform the readers of your magazine that several statements in the rowing reports of last term's "Peterite" were without foundation. The Durham third IV had rowed together for less than seven weeks and not for four months, and the first IV had had the same period of practice.

The plain truth is that this year the standard of the Durham crews was distinctly better than St. Peter's. The opposite was the case in the previous year, which is probably all to the good. We hope to have some more enjoyable races next year, and trust that your accounts will rival those of the "Dunelmian" for their straightforward veracity. Yours respectfully,

VERITATEM PETAMUS.

RETROSPECT

When we come to reflect upon the past season and compare it with some of its predecessors, whose fame was spread far and wide, unquestionably one comes to the conclusion that this year's XV have had a raw deal—no limelight, no publicity and no glory bestowed upon them. Perhaps this was only to be expected after the thrill and excitement of the previous year, but how near were they themselves to emulating such achievements—

SCHOOL MATCHES.

1949. Played 8, Won 8, Points for 90, Points against 36. 1950. Played 7, Won 6, Lost 1, Points for 95, Points against 43.

This record clearly speaks for itself, and it was backed up by an equally successful 2nd XV. No one dared to hope, let alone prophesy, that the team would meet with such success, and it is greatly to their credit that they maintained the spirit and standard of play of their forerunners of last season.

With only 7 of last year's 1st XXX remaining to do service once again, it was not surprising that a shaky start to the season was made, thanks to inexperience and the necessity for team-building. In fact, with 90 points scored against them in their first four matches, it was all the more remarkable that the team held together, regained their confidence, and played better and better rugger from then on to the end of the season, winning all the remaining seven matches. Spirit was never lacking, and where there is a will, there is a way. 45

Kershaw, Knowlson, Goodburn, Blincoe and Wyatt-Gunning were the backbone of the team, and as soon as Fairweather came into the side at fly-half the back division improved immeasurably. This "find" enabled Goodburn to move to centre three-quarter and Kershaw to the wing, the position for which he is best suited, and the line then had great potentialities. Much depended, as always, on the individual form and speed of the two half-backs, for a good share of the ball could always be expected from the pack.

Just as Kershaw is to be congratulated on the splendid leadership he gave to the side, so also must great credit go to Knowlson for his leadership of the excellent pack. Their average weight (11 stones 6 pounds) enabled them to obtain a fair share of the ball in the tight, but their main forte was their play in the loose, in which all eight worked like terriers, keeping well up on the ball, and striving unremittingly to give their backs a quick heel when they were checked. Some excellent forward rushes sweeping down the field were a joy to watch, and their defensive play was also sound and sure.

In so many respects the team looked the counterpart of their immediate predecessors. There were few, if any, weaknesses, and their strength lay not in any individual brilliance but in all-round team-work. After such an indifferent start, few were prepared to admit that they were as good a team as the 1949 XV, but their record testifies to the justice of such a comparison being drawn. It is possible that the opposition encountered might not have been quite so formidable, and one of their severest tests, the match with Ampleforth, regrettably had to be cancelled owing to the waterlogged condition of the grounds.

The rugger for the season finally had to come to an untimely conclusion amidst scenes of snow, ice, frost and floods. The final of the Senior House 'Matches, Grove v. Rise, remained uplayed and has still to be fought out over the conference table; and in addition many boys were disappointed over the cancellation of so much holiday rugger, which various clubs had organised for them. However, A. N. Wyatt-Gunning brought fresh honours to the School and is to be congratulated on being selected and playing for the Yorkshire Schoolboys XV v. Welsh Boys at Neath, thus following in the footsteps of P. T. Baker.

1st XV CHARACTERS

*SM. E. KERSHAW (Captain), 1948-49-50. He can well be proud of the XV that he has led. His position on the left wing is quite unsuited for the role of a captain, but with experience he overcame these difficulties shrewdly. He is a strong attacking player, yet needs to develop to greater advantage the swerve towards his touch-line. It was pleasing to note latterly in the term his varying tactics to avoid running into a dead end. *S P. C. KigowLsoN (Vice-Captain), 1948-49-50. He has set a good example and led the pack most ably. Although a cauliflower ear prevented him from packing in the 2nd row, where his weight would have been most telling, he quickly adjusted himself to the blind-side wing-forward position and got through a lot of work. One of the strongest features of his play is his tackling.

*tM. G. GOODBURN, 1948-49-50. Centre three-quarter. It was some while before he settled down and gave solidity to the line—so much depended on his mood and temperament. In the latter part of the season he was really back to his old form, running with great determination and always menacing. He should be really good but has not quite fulfilled expectations. Above all, it still needs impressing upon him that one of the fundamental principles in giving a pass is to swerve away from the direction of the pass. J. BLINCOE, 1949-50. A very reliable centre three-quarter and a great opportunist. His passing has much improved, and he is rapidly showing the hallmark of a good all-round player. His goal-kicking also was a great asset to the team when it was most needed. *IE. ROBINSON, 1949-50. A good sturdy lock forward. He put in a lot of good work in defence, and could always be relied upon to be covering any break in the line. His line-out work lacked the fire which, combined with his stature, would make him almost impregnable. *tA. N. WYATT-GUNNING, 1950. For his first year in the School side he has shown an exceptionally high standard of play in his position of open-side wing-forward. He possesses that great asset of always being able to pull out the extra when required, and is invariably seen "going with a burst".

To gain higher honours, he now needs to learn to handle the ball as ably as a three-quarter.

N. C. SMITH, 1950. Prop. Rather unobtrusively at times, he has got through a lot of hard work and his defensive play has been good. 1'W. H. N. FAIRWEATHER, 1950. Fly-half. Never having played for a school team in any previous season, it was remarkable how quickly and how ably he adjusted himself to school rugby. His speed off the mark and scheming ideas gave fresh life to the three-quarter line, although technically he is not always sound. His efforts were subject to fits and starts, but his movements were always neat and elusive. fa T. BPMPSON, 1950. He strove hard throughout the season, and is a useful forward in the loose. He had the misfortune to injure an arm before the season ended, but his position in the team was already assured. tD. I. FLETCHER, 1950. Right-wing. General utility man, and a great asset for any side to possess. If need be he could always be utilised at stand-off half or centre. His movements and actions were rather ponderous and slow early in the season, but quickened appreciably as time passed. .11. M. JAGGER, 1950. Full-back. After overcoming his nervous troubles, and as self-confidence grew, he could be relied upon to play a very good game.

His knowledge of the game was very limited at the beginning of the season, but his positional play quickly improved. His defence is good; he catches with certainty anything in the air and he kicks with either foot, but whether it finds touch is another matter. His goal-kicking too became a very uncertain factor. .1.R. M. HODGSON, 1950. A tireless and plucky scrum-half, but as the season progressed it became more and more evident that he could never give of his best in wet and muddy conditions. His passes had the necessary length and power, but in the more greasy conditions he used to lose his foothold and he had trouble in lifting the ball. t.J. T. ANKERS, 1950. Prop. He provided solidity to the front row and packed well. His play in the loose lacked fire, yet he was often on the spot to put the finishing touches to a forward rush. tD. G. HILTON, 1950. Wherever he was called upon to play, sometimes as hooker, sometimes as prop, and sometimes in the 2nd row, he always worked hard and showed much keenness. His physique isn't particularly robust, but he uses all his ability.

Of. C. M. LOCHORE, 1950. He fitted well into the 2nd row, but he lacks the weight necessary for such a position. Greater knowledge of the rules and of the game would allow him to exert his energies more often in the right direction. H. W. J. Rroo, 1950. A young forward who, as his strength and physique develop should fulfil his considerable promise. It was a long time before he showed his true worth, and his opportunities only came late in the season. However, he seized his chance and should, provided he exerts himself, develop well.

* Cap. t Colours.

SEASON 1950-51

2nd XV.—N. M. Hodd (Capt.),* J. E. B. Nicholson,* F. D. Browne,* C. D.

King,* J. M. Raylor,* H. Murray,* S. J. White,* J. M. Booth, C. D. Hunter,

P. D. F. James, R. Hawkins, J. E. B. Annequin, W. J. Burdass, J. J. Youll,

J. E. Fawcett. Colts XV.—G. B. Pullan (Capt.),* P. J. Rhead,* P. G. Taylor,* E. A. M.

Reid-Smith,* W. G. A. Maxwell, R. J. De Little, M. T. Greenwood,

J. C. M. Herring, M. J. F. Everitt, J. M. Roe, R. G. Bough, M. N. Coates,

C. W. Thompson, J. C. Oldroyd, J. S. Megginson. * Colours. Junior Colts XV.—D. A. Macpherson (Capt.), C. M. C. Burdass, J. R. Moore,

M. J. McCallum, C. H. Lewis, T. A. W. Kettlewell, O. C. Wetherell, R. M.

Botterill, N. W. M. Carr, H. C Bulmer, G Ridley, M. W. Bolton, C. J.

Griffiths, M. J. Kent, J. M. Welsh.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS

1st XV

Result F. A. Sat., 30th Sept. Headingley "A" Home Lost 17 21 Wed., 4th Oct. Duke of Wellington's Home Lost 11 25 Wed., 11th Oct. Durham School Home Lost 9 14 Sat., 14th Oct. York R.U.F.C. Home Lost 3 34 Sat., 21st Oct. Bradford G.S. ... Home Won 8 6 Wed., 25th Oct. Trent College ... Away Won 24 6 Sat., 28th Oct. Denstone College Home Won 9 6 Sat., 11th Nov. Leeds G.S. ... Away Won 15 0 Sat., 18th Nov. Giggleswick School Home Won 17 8 Wed., 29th Nov. Worksop College Away Won 13 3 Sat., 9th Dec. Old Peterites ... ... Home Won 10 6 Ampleforth match cancelled.

Wed., 1st Nov. Ripon G.S. "A" XV

... Home Lost 6 11

2nd XV Wed., 11th Oct. Durham School ••• Away Won 20 8 Wed., 18th Oct. Drax G.S. 1st XV ... ... Away Lost 6 g5 Sat., 21st Oct. Bradford G.S. ... • • • Home Drawn 8 8 Sat., 28th Oct. Giggleswick School ... •• • Away Won 23 3 Sat., llth Nov. Leeds G.S. ... • • • Away Won 11 5 Wed., 22nd Nov. Rishworth School 1st XV Cancelled Sat., 25th Nov. Ampleforth College ... Cancelled. Wed., 29th Nov. Worksop College ... • • • Away Won 13

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COLTS XV Sat., 14th Oct. Durham School ... Home Won 9 0 Sat., 28th Oct. Giggleswick School ... ... Away Lost 3 11 Sat.. 4th Nov. Ampleforth College ... ... Away Lost 0 14 Sat., 1 1 th Nov. Army Apprentices, Harrogate Home Won 45 5 Sat., 18th Nov. Harrogate R.F.C. Colts ... Home Won 3 0 Wed., 29th Nov. Worksop College ... ... Home Cancelled JUNIOR COLTS XV Sat., 7th Oct. Pocklington School Away Lost 8 30 Wed., 18th Oct. Drax G.S. Away Lost 0 36 Sat., 4th Nov. Fyling Hall ... Home Won 12 6 Wed., 22nd Nov. Rishworth School Home Cancelled Wed., 29th Nov. Worksop College .• • • • • Home Cancelled SENIOR HOUSE MATCHES 1st Round. Grove beat Temple by 16 points to 12. Semi-finals. Rise beat School House after replay. 3 all and 9 points to 3 . Grove beat Manor by 6 points to 3. Final. No play.

JUNIOR HOUSE MATCHES 1st Round. Rise beat Manor by 17 points to 0. Semi-finals. Grove beat Rise by 14 points to 3. Temple beat School House by 11 points to 5. Final. Grove beat Temple by 11 points to 9.

SCHOOL MATCHES

WED., 11TH OCT. SCHOOL v. DURHAM SCHOOL

Conditions were good when Durham won the toss, and it was soon obvious that the sides were fairly evenly matched. Durham were gaining the ball from nearly all the set scrums but the School defence held out well. After only 15 minutes play Durham were awarded a penalty kick just inside the "25" and Perrott kicked a good goal. This reverse seemed to unsettle the School side and Hay scored a try which might have been avoided by tighter marking. The forwards were finding it hard to work as a pack, and so the slightly heavier Durham forwards tended to dominate the game. After half-time the School seemed to have settled down. The three-quarters were able to show their ability to attack and a good movement ended with a try by Blincoe. The School fought back but in spite of two fighting tries by Ankers and Gunning they never gained the lead over Durham, who scored another try which was converted and a further penalty goal by Perrott.

Durham won this game because of their ability to settle down quicker than the School. The School pack allowed their opponents to dominate the game in the loose as well as the tight for much of the game. The whole side was responsible for infringements and two of these were directly responsible for our loss. Jagger had some hard luck with his kicks, two just missing the post. The School, who seemed stronger in the "threes", had little opportunity to press home this advantage.

Result : Lost, School 9 pts., Durham School 14 pts. 49

SAT., 21ST OCT. SCHOOL v. BRADFORD GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Winning the toss, the School took advantage of a fairly stiff breeze to hold Bradford in their own half for practically the whole of the first half. Strong defensive play by Bradford kept the score down to one penalty goal kicked by Jagger. The back division was supplied with a good share of the ball but was sluggish and monotonously orthodox. The forwards showed up well and in line-out work and loose mauls were most impressive. However, the whole attacking machine of the XV lacked precision and determination.

In the second half Bradford drew level with a try near the corner flag after the School had repulsed strong attacks under the posts. Their attempt at conversion failed. Shortly afterwards the School again took the lead with a good try scored by Kershaw, who rounded several opponents to touch down near the corner flag. Jagger added two points to this try with a magnificent kick. Bradford attacked strongly and retaliated with another try, again well from the posts. Weak tackling was solely to blame for this. For the remainder of the game both sides sought to score again but strong defensive play made , this impossible, though the School had some fine forward rushes.

The only commendable feature of this game was the good work of the School pack in which Knowlson and Robinson were outstanding. The forwards laid the foundations of our victory, and the backs could be thankful that their opponents showed no more enterprise than they did.

Result : Won, School 8 pts., Bradford G.S. 6 pts. WED., 25TH OCT. TRENT COLLEGE v. SCHOOL

The School XV, having travelled by train, arrived at Trent fresh, and using a steeper formation the three-quarters had a "field-day". Conditions were ideal for fast football and the School followed the obvious policy of keeping the game open against a defence which had many gaps.

The School kicked off and in the opening minutes of the game the School "threes" came into prominence. Goodburn cut through in fine style, and was brought down just short of the line. After fifteen minutes' play Kershaw opened the scoring with a try on the left wing, and it was obvious that the School were little troubled by their opponents' "threes". The forwards, well led by Knowlson, made some grand rushes. From the kick Goodburn evaded his apposing centre and sent Fletcher over for a try, which Jagger failed to convert. The same centre was largely responsible for the next try, scored by Kershaw under the posts. Jagger made no mistake this time about the kick. Kershaw completed his hat-trick a few minutes later after strong running; he was showing much more thrust on the wing than the centre and found opportunity to use his hand-off to good effect. Just before half-time Trent retaliated with an unconverted try, after a good combined movement.

Trent had more of the game in the second half, and Armstrong kicked a fine penalty goal. The School settled down, and Goodburn ran through the opposing defence to score a try which was converted by Jagger. Goodburn, along with the other three-quarters, was showing much improved form. In the closing stages the School increased their commanding lead when Fairweather cut through and handed on to Kershaw, who scored an easy try. Jagger converted.

While the opposition allowed too much room to the School backs, this game gave them much confidence, and they showed more enterprise than they had previously displayed. The forwards and halves were content to play the less spectacular part of feeding a line which had command of the game.

Result : Won, Trent College 6 pts., School 24 pts.

SAT. 28TH OCT. SCHOOL v. DENSTONE COLLEGE

The School were eager to follow up last year's victory over Denstone with a similar result. Denstone, on the other hand, probably wishing to avenge this reverse played keen and robust rugby. The result was a hard-fought game which produced much excitement but very little constructive football.

Denstone, helped by a stiffish breeze, put in a series of attacks from the start, relying on forward rushes rather than back play. During one of these attacks a School forward was penalised for off-side, and Denstone accepted the three points. The School were now mastering a lively Denstone pack, and as we began to gain more of the ball from the set scrums increased pressure was felt by the Denstone defence.

Wild passing by the threes, especially the centres, spoilt many a promising movement. The School retaliated before half-time with a penalty goal kicked by Jagger.

After the change round some good forward play was seen, each pack striving to dominate the game. Some of the rushes on both sides were fine to watch. The School backs fell into the error of relying too much on that negative form of attack—the kick ahead. On more than one occasion a centre ignored his wing and so missed an opportunity. The School went ahead further from a good penalty kick of Jagger's. Denstone made great efforts and were finally rewarded with an unconverted try on the right wing. The School returned to the attack and several movements were arrested at the last moment by desperate Denstone tackles. In the last minute, however, Fairweather, going "blind" from a scrum on the Denstone "25", corkscrewed through the Denstone defence for a most spectacular try on the right.

The second half saw the domination of the game by the School, who were held at bay by some fine marking and tackling. The only time when play was in the School half was on the occasion of Denstone's try.

Result : Won, School 9pts., Denstone College 6 pts. 51

SAT., 1 lm Nov. LEEDS GRAMMAR SCHOOL v. SCHOOL

The School were given the advantage of slope and wind in the first half and attacked almost continually, Leeds seldom making more than sporadic raids. The School forwards had the measure of their opponents and a quicker heel and service from the scrum might well have led to a very high score. The three-quarter line struck what was probably its best form for this match and Fairweather in particular gave the Leeds defence some awkward moments.

The School produced many unorthodox moves and from one of these a fine try resulted. The ball was heeled from the tight and Fairweather, going left, drew the defence and then gave the ball to Goodburn in a perfect scissors movement; Goodburn easily avoided the full-back to score a try, which remained unconverted. Blincoe followed this with a good try following a dummying run. Just before the whistle for half-time a good forward rush up the left wing nearly led to a try, and from a set scrum near the line Hodgson saw a gap and dived over for a try. The score at half-time was nine—nil.

The second half saw the School still holding the initiative. The wind helped Leeds to make some attacks of an orthodox and unimaginative nature which caused the defence little trouble. Blincoe was playing a most sound defensive game and covered up very well. Fairweather and Goodburn, who was playing inside centre, showed a good understanding in attack and Goodburn put the School further ahead after a good movement. Fletcher was given a chance with a penalty kick and gained three points from a long kick. Just before the final whistle Kershaw, who had been running strongly, had a long swerving run which should have led to a try but the final pass wns knocked on with the line at the mercy of the School. Wyatt-Gunning and Robinson shone in a pack ably led by Knowlson, and their work in the loose was particularly strong.

In this game the team worked well together and produced some fine spectacular rugby.

Result : Won, School 15 pts., Leeds G.S. 0 pts.

SAT., 18TH Nov. SCHOOL v. GIGGLESWICK SCHOOL

On a bleak November afternoon the School won the toss and elected to play with the help of an icy wind. Conditions were quite good, but the ball became rather greasy after only a few minutes play.

The School forwards were away to a good start and soon took the ball into their opponents half. After some time Ankers emerged from a loose maul to open the scoring with a try on the left. Three minutes later Fairweather fastened onto a loose ball and wisely kept the ball at his feet. Dribbling the ball in soccer style he scored a useful try, to which Blincoe added two points. The passing among both sets of backs was poor, and the School, getting a monopoly of 52

the ball, wasted many chances by their inability to master a ball which was only slightly greasy.

With the light fading Giggleswick made a strong return to the attack but not before an overhead lob from Blincoe to Kershaw had led to a try near the corner-flag. This reverse did not deter Giggleswick, who reduced the lead with a fine penalty by Horn from 35 yards out. The School defence became shaky under continued pressure. The next score was by the Giggleswick left wing, who touched down after a speedy run. This try was converted.

The School, however, pulled themselves together and returned to the attack with some good forward play. Knowing that the next try was a critical one both sides played keenly. Goodburn was tackled into touch within two yards of the try-line. Shortly afterwards the same centre made half a break and Kershaw, handing off several opponents, ran in and touched down under the posts. An easy conversion was missed. Knowison nearly scored soon afterwards with a good run, but when challenged gave the ball to Kershaw who had only to dive over to score his third try.

The kicking on the School side was well below standard, but the School deserved their victory.

Result, Won, School 17 pts., Giggleswick 8 pts.

WED., 29m Nov. WORKSOP COLLEGE v. SCHOOL

In spite of much rain the Worksop pitch was ideal for open rugby. Worksop were unfortunately weakened by injuries, but nevertheless put up a very good show.

The School attacked from the start and by some judicous kicking worked their way well into Worksop territory. A Fairweather break after a good heel near the Worksop line led to a try near the posts by Goodburn. Blincoe converted. Worksop, aroused by this early reverse, attacked. From a kick-ahead a dribble was started which finally led to a try by a Worksop forward. Resolute play by the School might have stopped this score. The rest of the First half consisted of fast play which switched from one end of the field to the other with great rapidity. Both packs had some good forward rushes, but on the few occasions when the "threes" broke through Worksop covered up well. The Worksop forwards were fast in the loose but their "threes" relied too much on the kick-ahead, which Jagger dealt with effectively.

The second half saw the School pressing hard and several times a School forward came near to scoring. Worksop relieved the pressure with a good forward rush. Taking advantage of the slight slope and breeze the School backs always looked dangerous, especially Kershaw, who continually made breaks on the left wing. Twenty minutes 53

before the final whistle he scored an unconverted try in the corner to make the score 8-3. Later another Kershaw breakaway with an inside pass to Smith led to the School's third try. Blincoe converted and there was no further score.

Worksop combined well in the forwards, but their backs lacked penetrative power. The School used their share of the ball to better advantage and fully deserved their victory.

Result : Won, Worksop College 3 pts., School 13 pts.

SAT., 9TH DEC. SCHOOL v. OLD PETERITES

The School took the field with three reserves against a strong O.P. team captained by C. S. Shepherd.

The School kicked off and carried play into the Old Boys' "25". Jackson relieved the pressure with a clever breakaway. After an unsuccessful penalty kick Goodburn broke away for the School to send Blincoe over for a try, which was converted. The Old Boys came into the picture when P. T. Baker sent Frank away on the wing, but the movement ended by Frank being hurled into touch by three defenders. After this there was some good open play. P. T. Baker, who was always dangerous, made a break to send his brother over for a good try. This remained unconverted.

The second half saw an attack by the O.P.s which was driven back by a long penalty kick. The School went straight into attack and nearly scored through Kershaw. From the loose scrum Hodd passed out to Blincoe, who ran round the defence to score. He converted this try with a good kick. The School kept up the pressure and Goodburn was brought down near the line. Jackson cleared with a kick, and the O.P.s attacked strongly. Hobson scored by diving over from a loose scrum. This concluded the scoring.

The School won because they took advantage of weaknesses in the Old Boys' defence but threw away chances by kicking when it was obvious policy to hold on to the ball . The Old Peterites were strong in attack, but could not always press home their attacks in face of the strong School defence. It was a good game and a fitting end to the season.

Result, Won, School 10 pts., Old Peterites 6 pts.

OLD PETERITE XV

K. Lockwood; P. F. Ringrose, I. H. Baker, B. Tomlinson, C. Frank; P. T. Baker, J. F. N. Jackson; P. V. Leigh, T. Hobson, W. H. Andrews, A. M. Kendell, J. E. Stuart, J. R. Penty, E. A. K. Denison, C. S. Shepherd (Capt.). 54