Fencing

Our lack of success stemmed primarily from our physical inability to gain possession of the ball without which, particularly under the new rules, one is continually fighting a losing battle. Such was the plight of the 1st XV, but at no time did they give up their unequal struggle. In spite of a pack of average weight 11 stone 4 lb., and with only three players just topping the 6 ft. mark, we invariably found ourselves at a physical disadvantage. No member of the team had more than one year's previous 1st team experience; with the blow struck by the injury to T. C. Mitchell in his first and only School match, the team was made up of only four old colours; and seven players including the captain, D. J. Emsley, were only 16 years of age and one 15 years. Furthermore we were continually plagued by injury, much of which seriously disrupted the benefit derived from the pre-season training.

It is all too easy to claim that the School's rugger has gone downhill in recent years—records seem to indicate this. Might there not be another explanation? Might it not be that the standard of the School's rugger has remained on the same plane, whereas that of our opponents has advanced by greater specialisation? Is not specialisation the key-note? Of 74 schools affiliated to the Yorkshire Rugby Union, who publish their fixtures, as many as 71 are now playing senior representative rugger matches in the Easter term, and in some cases as many as 12 matches. We at St. Peter's are one of the three schools who do not. These are the facts and it is as well for players and spectators alike to realise that this is the backlog which we are continually trying to make up.

For all that, we are not downhearted, but would welcome a change of fortune now. Suffice it to say that the measure of our success this season might best be judged after the next season or two.

Finally a word of advice to all boaters who aspire to become better and better rugger players. In the intervening period of eight months, between one season ending and the next beginning, apart from rowing, take part in other exercise of skills which will develop the co-ordination of eye and limb, agility, speed of reaction and anticipation. These are essential attributes which will lead to success and cannot afford to be neglected.

A record of the season would be incomplete without a congratulatory word to the 3rd XV under the leadership of H. Biddle on their winning way until losing 13-16 against Ampleforth. Likewise to the Senior Colts for their meritorious season, a great improvement on recent years; and lastly to Dronfield House on their double success.

Can we finally hope by next season for a return to the original 1st XV pitch, widened by the addition of nine yards?

1st XV—P. F. Nettleton; N. G. A. Morris; C. W. Clegg; G. W. Cloughton* (Vice-Capt.); J. A. Eatough; J. J. Vooght; D. J. Emsley* (Capt.); M. A.

Town; P. R. Hart; M. Donnelly*; W. R. Pickersgill; M. J. Winn; J. S. Atkinson; G. F. Hardman; A. Youle. (T. C. Mitchell—injured.). *—Caps. 2nd XV—D. M. Rawlings; T. B. Ward; M. V. Smith* (Capt.); C. J. Duckworth*;

R. G. Robinson; R. D. Harding; R. N. Beaumont; P. S. Marsden; M. Shannon;

S. Croft-Baker; A. D. Bailey*; J. R. S. Lazenby; P. F. A. Shearsmith; P. M.

Shepherd; P. A. Horstnans. *—Colours.