Oct 1976

RUGGER, 1975-76 FIRST XV We ended the season as a good, well-balanced team. Only five of the thirteen School matches were lost but with the potential available the record should have been better. We got off to our usual lethargic start with some of the more established players not hitting form until after mid-term. One feels this is partly as a result of the lack of opportunity to prepare a future 1st XV during the Easter term as do several of our opponents. Three weeks' preparation prior to the first match is hardly adequate after an eight-month lay off.

Initially the handling of the backs was woeful; however, once Twizell had learnt to give the ball straight out with Thomas and Pulleyn running on to the pass, it looked superb. Everything came right against Worksop whilst at Pocklington the forwards stuck doggedly at powerful opponents and the backs were sharp enough to capitalise. The defence could also be very good. The draw with Leeds and the one point defeat at Durham showed us at our most determined. None tackled better than wingers Glaysher and Denison who was promoted from the Under 16 Colts.

At full back Potter could win matches with goal kicking and his fielding too was sound. The captain, Pulleyn, playing in the centre tried to do too much on his own but later scored some electric tries. The other centre, Kirby, also improved to play a well-balanced game. He scored the crucial try at Denstone and had an excellent game against Worksop.

At fly half Thomas became so dominant that it is hard to remember his early lapses. Later on, he looked a player of real class with his competitive determination proving decisive against Pocklington. Twizell at scrum half was inclined to try too much himself, then found he could give a sharp service and did so.

Graham won selection for the hooking spot against severe competition and he was strongly propped by Dench and Sherratt. Lister at lock was strong and surprisingly mobile—the cornerstone of the pack. In the early games we would have collapsed without him. The other lock, Stemmler, whose inclination is to rove the field, disciplined his game and still produced some great covering particularly at Barnard Castle. flaw at No. 8 was the fittest in the side and he was particularly prominent in the early games.

Parker, a flanker promoted from the Under 16's has great potential as a mauling forward. His try against Leeds where he drove over after a boot and chase by Haw was typical of them both. The other flanker Turner was strong in the close exchanges.

During the Christmas vacation Thomas played for the Durham County Under 19 Schools and Pulleyn and Lister had Yorkshire Under 19 Schools trials.

They were a good team with a good spirit. All but two of the defeats (Bradford and Ampleforth) could just as easily have been victories.

Team: Potter, Glaysher, Kirby, Pulleyn (Capt.), Denison, Thomas, Twizell, Dench, Graham, Sherratt, Stemmler, Lister, Turner, Flaw, Parker.

All were awarded Colours, and Caps were awarded to Pulleyn, Thomas and Lister.

J.P.R. 42