Rugby

FIRST XV

After an extremely successful season in 1978, it is obviously very disappointing to record only two wins in twelve matches last season. With seven colours returning one hoped for a reasonably successful year without it being outstanding. What went wrong ?

Firstly, most of the returning colours did not make the expected improvement and impact another year's maturity should have given. Unfortunately Kevin Clarkson, the fastest threequarter suffered continually from torn hamstrings as a result of Autumn term athletics. (Must we handicap ourselves every year by having such a farcial attempt to do athletics in the Autumn and at the same time attempt to play rugby at a high level ? Both suffer, one should logically go.) Cliff Irwin suffered from migraine and was only selected for five matches, the rest of the time he acted as replacement, whilst Paul Johnson doggedly continued to play with a nagging ankle injury that troubled him for a substantial part of the season.

In addition to injuries to old colours, several other players who had established themselves as prominent 1st XV players, in particular Nigel Chapman, Jonathan Brierley and James Gair, all received injuries serious enough to miss a substantial part of the season. Altogether 28 players represented the 1st XV compared with 19 the previous season.

Another major factor contributing to such a poor season was the diabolical tackling of a minority of the team, but the majority of the backs by which 235 points were conceded in 12 games. Tackling is 25% technique and the rest determination and courage. Some players fell short on both.

Looking closer at the units, whilst the backs' defence was always suspect, the attacking flair of the backs was only realised in two games. When Nigel Chapman was injured, the back line never functioned effectively in attack for the remainder of the season.

The forwards had strengths but also too many weaknesses to be able to dominate and dictate games when it was necessary to change the style of play. The front row of Paul Johnson, Simon Webb and Simon Longthorp, all from the Lower Sixth were a very efficient unit and very effective in the loose. They would have been a formidable trio the following season if they had completed two years in the Sixth. What a tragedy that not one stayed on. Rod Craig at lock was supported by Alistair Carder-Geddes. The former's strength was in the line-outs, and this was augmented by Guy Nettleton, at Number 8 who whilst more at home in the second row, took over the Number 8 position and performed extremely creditably in defence although his handling and ball distribution was found wanting at times. Unfortunately, the other two first choice Hankers, James Gair and Jonathan Brierley rarely played together because of injury and their replacements were unable to cope with the demands of 1st XV rugby.

The first match against the Retiring Captain's XV in which all of the previous season's 1st XV except John Healey played saw the School get off to a good start being only 6-7 pts. down at half-time. In the second half the School lost both props and the stronger opposition's forwards with considerably more possession ran strongly to expose the weak defence of the backs.

Against Silcoates, the visitors scored twelve points in the first ten minutes whilst the School were still trying to put their game together. Thereafter the game was more even although the opposition's pack always had the edge in both set pieces and open play. What ball the School got was often squandered by poor decision making. A penalty goal by Chapman made the final score 3-12 pts.

An improved performance at Woodhouse Grove resulted in a 16-9 pts. victory. The pack with Simon Webb hooking produced more ball for a back 98

line which gradually gained in confidence as the match progressed. Nigel Chapman had a fine second half producing several breaks one of which resulted in a fine solo try.

His increased confidence was demonstrated in the following match against Barnard Castle when he scored a further three tries and the School, after a shaky start, ran out comfortable winners by 3o-15 pts.

At this point of the season the backs were playing as one had expected. Whilst their defence was suspect they had the potential to score more points than they gave away. Unfortunately the forwards had not provided the cover to give an extra line of defence, the back row in particular being a problem area.

Against Ashville, the first major blow to the season was struck. The pack played badly and Ashville dominated the game from the start. Nigel Chapman broke his arm and was out for virtually the rest of the season. The attacking potential of the backs was considerably diminished whilst their defensive weakness was still very apparent.

In the following match at Denstone, the School got off to a good start, the pack dominating the set pieces with Rod Craig and Guy Nettleton providing a plentiful supply of well controlled line-out ball, but the backs being unable to penetrate the superb cover defence of Denstone.

The general improvement in the performance of the pack's open play was largely due to the inclusion of James Gair at flanker who put the opposing half backs under a lot of pressure. In the second half, Denstone obtained more possession and from one of their threequarter moves they outstripped the School's cover to score in the corner.

It was ironic that for the first time this season the pack looked an efficient unit in all aspects of play but the backs were unable to penetrate without the incisive running of Nigel Chapman. This good performance by the pack still left one reasonably optimistic about matches to come.

After half term, a further blow was struck. James Gair, who had added so much mobility to a previously ineffective back row, broke an arm against King's Pontefract. Despite this, the School should have had the game sewn up before half-time with all the possession they gained from both first and second phase, but the backs were ineffective and showed inexperience in vital positions, unlike the opposition whose backs fed off the School's mistakes to score twice to draw the game at 10 points each.

The School were well beaten by Ampleforth, o - 4o pts. The opposition were highly organised as usual with outstanding skill at half-back. Whilst the School's forwards played well both in loose and set play, Ampleforth's backs with strong running, good support and superb handling were able to use their possession more effectively. Unfortunately, the School's recent injuries had not allowed the back division to gain sufficient understanding so that mistakes in attack often resulted in opposition tries by their quick counter attacking. Only one of Ampleforth's six tries came from first phase with three of their tries coming from breakdowns in the School's attacks. The School were unlucky not to score, Ian Hindhaugh being stopped short on at least two occasions. Chris Stubbs playing his first game at fly-half had a sound game, much mobility to a previously ineffective back row, broke an arm against whilst Alistair Carder-Geddes, Simon Webb and Jonathan Brierley covered a lot of ground in a pack that worked hard for the whole of the game.

Against Bradford, the School conceded 28 points in the first half. It was as though tackling had gone out of fashion as Bradford appeared to score at will. Fortunately, some pride was salvaged in the second half when only one try was conceded in reply to a converted try by John Cooper and a penalty goal by Ian Hindhaugh.

Whilst defeats by Ampleforth and Bradford were not unexpected, 74 points conceded in two games left an awful lot to be desired not only in the

technique of tackling but in the manner in which some players were prepared `to throw in the towel'.

Against Durham, a difficult side to beat on their own ground at the best of times, the School wasted early scoring chances with poor forward support whilst conceding i6 points in the first half of the game. The School's only reply was a penalty goal by Mike Johnston. After the resumption a further three points were given away before the School rallied to close the gap with two tries by Julian Guy one of which was converted. On the day, Durham were worthy winners, but the School played very badly.

At this stage of the season, with most of the traditionally hardest fixtures over, more frequent success stories should have unfolded, but confidence was low, the injury toll high and lucky breaks needed so desperately nowhere to be seen. Worksop was lost 14 - i8 pts. when the School, after starting so well and leading by i t - 4 pts. at half-time, let the game slip from their grasp by a further repetition of poor defensive play.

The following match at Pocklington produced another heavy defeat against a side with powerful fowards and strong running backs. The School's forwards as a unit were completely outplayed in all aspects of the game, but as the opposition ran in seven tries at regular intervals it was interesting to see how individuals coped with adversity, as the School's pack was reduced to six fit men. The front row of Paul Johnson, Simon Webb and Simon Longthorp worked like Trojans. They attempted to hold their ground with little push from behind with Simon Webb hooking several balls against the head going back. They covered like Hankers and showed tremendous determination. The match will be remembered though by the way Rod Craig, not usually noted for his aggressive play, took on the mantle of captain and pack leader when the acting captain Guy Nettleton left the field and played possibly his best ever game for the st XV. With only one effective line-out jumper, he virtually controlled the lines-out himself.

The final match at Giggleswick typified a lot of the problems of the season. The School, seven points down through a try and a penalty, the latter being for an extremely strange decision in front of our own posts, pulled back six but were unable to penetrate a sound defence.

Colours were awarded to :

M. W. Johnston* (Capt.), I. D. Hindhaugh*, K. P. Clarkson, R. K. Knocker, J. Guy, P. E. Johnson, C. E. Irwin, S. P. Longthorp, R. M. Craig, W. G. Nettleton, S. W. C. Webb, C. J. Stubbs, R. H. Iveson, J. N. D. Brierley, J. D. Gair, T. S. Kettlewell, A. D. G. Carder-Geddes. * Caps were awarded. J.W.R.H.

MORRIS-McGRATH TROPHY

The trophy was awarded to Guy Nettleton. In the Lower Sixth he was a regular member of the 2nd XV but this season he was one of the hardest working and one of the most consistent players in the 1st XV. His endeavour was rewarded with a Yorkshire trial during the Christmas vacation. J.W.R.H.

SECOND XV

The second XV scored fifty one tries and conceded ten, building up over 250 points and conceding only 75 in the eleven school matches in which they won 8, drew t and lost only 2. The success lay partly in the age and ability of the forwards with the competent exciting play of the backs. The season started off well with successes all the way to half term with the true colours of the team being nailed to the mast against Ashville when against what was a bigger and very able group of players the School managed with only 14 men for all but two minutes of the match to harass and upset the opposition into 101

making more mistakes which we were able to convert into points on the board. In mid-November came the "old enemy" Ampleforth who well beat us in the second half but were made to work all through the first half and only overcame our stretched defences in the last quarter of the game. We then went on to draw with Bradford in a game that we should have won, and did well against Durham in very cold conditions to produce some of the best tries of the season. After a keen contest against Worksop we lowered our previously high standards of play and were beaten by a very good Pocklington side despite scoring two tries to their one. We finished off the season with a resounding victory over Giggleswick with a batch of eight well-engineered tries. To pick out any individuals from the group would be difficult as all contributed so much towards each others game to produce committed 15 man winning rugby.

J. McGrath, R. Barron (Capt.), N. Chapman, I. Wilson, C. Bean, M. Gee, T. Coleman, T. Stephenson, C. Butterworth, D. Kaner, D. Fallow, D. Gardner, D. Hinchliffe, D. Noyes, R. Lister, J. Cooper, A. Kershaw, P. Burdass. The whole team was awarded their Second XV colours.

J.A.O-B.

THIRD XV

The Third XV have again proved to be what it has always been: a group of people playing rugby because they thoroughly enjoy it. The team contained those who wished to play purely for pleasure, and those who also were on their way to senior teams. The large number of people who represented the XV are indicative of the general enthusiasm and talent of the Club. It was a pleasure to be associated with them.

Third XV team selected from :

Webster R.H., Dixon A. J., Howie J. H., Hobson C. T., Taylor A. R., (Captain), Lee G. F., Taylor J. P. M., Wright E. F. J., McDonald L. R. P., Thornberry G., Liddle R. D., Bulmer J. M. G., Kaner D. R., Booth A. D., Reeve I. J., Dee S. N., Pell A. J., Butterworth C. N. E., Hitchenor A. R.H.H.

SENIOR COLTS

The Senior Colts again had a very successful season, winning all their matches until the final fixture against a strong Pocklington XV, which was lost by 7 points to 3. John Pulleyn led a well balanced side which was particularly strong in defence; conceding only two tries in the whole term. The second match was a try-scoring spree against a weak Ashville side and was followed by two handsome victories against Nunthorpe and Hymers College. The Ampleforth fixture again proved to be a tense struggle which was won with difficulty, to points to 6. Worksop College played well on their home ground and victory was by no means certain until the final whistle, and certainly would not have been gained but for the fine tackling of Andrew Copley. During the term Neil Harnby scored several fine tries and the two wings, Robert Gair and Jonathan Hall, completed many good movements with ten tries between them. In the back row Andrew Gibson was the chief scorer and on two occasions his tries were vital in close matches. No player worked harder than Timothy Hills who tackled tirelessly. Possession was always vital and for much of this, credit must go to Richard Dibb and Russell Broadbent.

J. I. P. Pulleyn (Capt.), J. D. Atkinson, C. R. W. Bell, R. F. Broadbent, A. P. Copley, R. F. Dibb, J. R. Farrow, R. J. Gair, A. C. Gibson, N. F. Harnby, T. M. Hills, J. C. Lawrence, A. P. McGrath, M. I. Sellers and R. H. Smith. B.A.

UNDER 15 'A' XV

The season started optimistically enough, despite the loss of last year's stand-off who had left the School. Convincing wins in the first two fixtures made up for the defeat and draw which were last year's results. However, by then, both centres had broken collar bones and it was clear that the loss of three first choice backs was inevitably going to cause problems. Thomas took over at stand-off, his skilful touches going some way to make up for his lack of speed and mobility. Stubbs played at inside centre and quickly matured to become a useful player with much promise for the future. Bond, and later Linton, played at outside centre.

The very strong pack went a long way to make up for the difficulties the backs were having. There were few occasions throughout the season when the pack failed to gain superiority over their opponents. The matches when they were "on song", notably against Ampleforth and King's Pontefract, saw the opposition ripped apart. Gibson and Bough were dominant in the line-out and the scrummaging was usually sound. The rucking and mauling needed attention but gradually improved as the season progressed. It was a pity that the forwards showed a reluctance to set up their own attacks by breaking and rolling off the mauls. Perhaps one of the reasons for this was that they preferred to leave the attacking responsibility to Burdass at scrum-half. He was the outstanding player of the team, showing a maturity of play and a high level of skill. Often he made breaks away from his forwards when a link with them would have been more suitable. He has the potential to be a very fine player indeed, but has much to learn if he is to fulfil this potential.

There was some disappointment, particularly in away form. Defeats at Silcoates and Worksop were both due to lethargy at crucial moments and the draw at Durham was below par. The Christmas term finished, however, with a very fine win at Pocklington.

The Easter term surprised us all with the fine weather, although after Pocklington's return visit, perhaps we would rather have had snow ! After that the time was used to experiment. Stubbs showed potential at full back, Bond came back into the team a much improved player, Ellis showed himself to be a fine prop forward and Topham demonstrated elusive skill on the wing. With Gorman and Lee back from injury the backs looked far more solid and positive. All in all, there is much potential in this squad of players. If they can learn to play for each other, then the future of senior rugby at St. Peter's in a couple of years time looks bright.

Team from:

A. G. Smith, A. J. Stubbs, A. M. Burdon, F. J. Topham, A. Hameed, S. R. Gorman, J. A. S. Lee, N. Linton, R. J. Bond, D. W. Thomas, S. P. Burdass, P. J. Atkinson, T. Orange-Bromhead, R. W. Ellis, D. F. Bough, C. J. Gibson, C. Bradley, C. Johnson, R. J. Kettlewell and D. A. Beaumont. D.J.R.

UNDER i5 'B' XV

The Under 15 Colts repeated their achievement of the previous year at the Under 14 level and remained undefeated throughout the season. This was not too predictable or evident at the beginning of the season, but once the fixtures started, their enthusiasm and drive, demoralised all opposition.

Despite injuries in the 'A' team, which meant losing some of our more able players, the team never lost their sense of purpose or morale.

Our attacking play was perhaps the most exciting aspect of our game, and when going forward the pack, in particular, looked formidable. In contrast our defence looked relatively weak and generally the tackling was poor. Throughout the season however, we only conceded four tries, and achieved considerable victories against Ashville and Pocklington. 103

The weather was much kinder this year and this provided for continuity, and allowed all the players to develop as a team.

The team: N. A. Ramsden, R. W. Ellis, C. J. Ryder, E. R. Chantry, A. Forman, J. Binns, J. L. Barrett, S. A. Cotton, J. N. Linton, M. Adeney, R. J. S. Bond, J. B. DeLittle, B. A. Skrentny, T. C. K. Hyde and A. G. Smith.

On one or two occasions the following substitutes played: M. Haslam, A. Pacey and M. Bird.

D.G.M.

UNDER x4 COLTS RUGBY

Although this year's Under 14 Colts were, compared to most of our opponents, small in stature, there can be no doubt that they made up for their lack of height and weight by courage, dedication and willingness to work for each other, even when the game was well beyond their reach. Kevin Rollo was a captain in the John Ellison mould — from his position of No. 8 he led by example, collecting seven tries in the process. The pack in front of him worked well as a unit. Rarely were we pushed back and the quick striking of David Wombell, excellently supported by Mark Chamieh and Frank Howie meant that we got more than our fair share of scrummage ball. James White and James Frank formed a solid second row with Tom Nichols and Andrew Gray working well in the back row with their captain.

Behind the scrum, half backs Andrew Millard and Jeremy Atkinson worked well together but lacked the necessary ideas and speed to dictate a game. The two centres, Paul Chapman and Robert Gardner were up so quickly on their opposite numbers and tackled so ferociously that frequently bigger stronger opponents were smothered before they had had a chance to get moving. Jonathan Abbey was a dangerous left wing and Shaun Turl balanced this with sound defence on the right wing. Maurice Dobie eventually established himself as the regular full back and, like all his colleagues, his determination to work at the basic skills and also the particular skills needed for his position is to his credit.

It was this attitude of determination, courage and willingness to learn — both new techniques and from their mistakes — that makes me convinced that this group will form a solid first fifteen who thoroughly enjoy their rugby in year to come. I.J.A.

UNDER x4 COLTS 'B' XV

The 'B' XV enjoyed quite a reasonable season, winning five of its eight matches. The fixtures began with impressive wins over Silcoates and Fyling Hall, and success continued to the end of the Christmas term.

It was unfortunate that the team selected to play the strong Pocklington side was considerably weakened; this not surprisingly resulted in the only convincing defeat of the season. The performance at Ampleforth and Ashville revealed the spirit of this '13' XV: in both matches the team fought back and prevented the opposition from scoring in the second half. The season ended as it began with a decisive victory.

Throughout the season the forwards were strong in scrummage, ruck and maul; their chief weaknesses were in line-out and loose ball situations. It was a pity that the half-back combination had to be changed so often following the injury to R. HUGHES, who showed great potential at scrum-half early in the season. The backs learnt several salutary lessons in alignment and realign- ment and by the end of the season were showing greater imagination in attack.

The team was selected from: R. P. Duffield, S. P. Wood, S. F. Bradbury, S. D. Spence, R. G. Ogden, M. W. J. Cramb, J. R. Farnsworth, G. G. B. 105

Robinson, R. W. Hughes, J. I. Pawson, T. A. Abel, J. P. Beaumont, C. J. M. Oldfield, A. M. Kinnear, N. D. Hopton, D. C. M. Sweetman, M. G. Wise, S. P. Bird and N. D. Arrowsmith.

Also played: R. J. Ellerker, J. W. Knapton and A. D. Leadley. P.T.

RESULTS

1st XV

Result F A Wed. Sat. Wed. Wed. Wed. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sept. Sept. Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct. Nov. Nov. 19th 29th 3rd 13th 17th 20th 3rd 10th Retiring Captain's XV .. Silcoates .. .. .. Woodhouse Grove .. Barnard Castle .. Ashville .. .. Denstone .. King's Pontefract Ampleforth .. Home Home Away Away Home Away Away Lost Lost Won Won Lost Lost Drew 6 3 16 30 4 0 10 23 12 9 15 27 6 10

Home Lost 0 40 Wed. Nov. 14th Bradford G.S. ..

Home Lost 9 34 Sat. Wed. Nov. Nov. 17th 28th Durham Worksop .. .. Away Lost 13 19

Home Lost 14 18 Sat. Sat. Dec. Dec. 1st 8th Pocklington Giggleswick Away Away Lost Lost 0 6 38 7

2nd XV Sat. Wed. Sept. Oct. 29th 3rd Silcoates .. .. Woodhouse Grove • • Home Won 44 0

Sat. Wed. Sat. Oct. Oct. Nov. 13th 17th 3rd Barnard Castle .. Ashville .. .. King's Pontefract .. • • .. • • • • Away Away Away Away Won Won Won Won 22 12 17 58 3 0 3 6 Sat. Wed. Nov. Nov. 10th 14th Ampleforth .. • • Bradford G.S. .. Away Home Lost Drew 4 9 23 9 Sat. Nov. 17th Durham ..

Wed. Sat. Nov. Dec. 28th 1st Worksop Pocklington • • • • • • Away Home Home Won Won Lost 22 19 10 7 6 19

Sat. Dec. 8th Giggleswick • • Home Won 36 0

3rd XV Sat. Sept. 29th Silcoates .. ..

Wed. Sat. Wed. Oct. Oct. Oct. 3rd 13th 17th Woodhouse Grove Barnard Castle .. Ashville .. .. • • . • • • • • Home Away Home Home Won Won Won Won 46 23 12 22 0 6 3 3 Wed. Sat. Nov. Nov. 7th 10th Fyling Hall .. • • Ampleforth • • Home Away Won Lost 22 3 6 66 Sat. Nov. 24th Fyling Hall • • Away Lost 0 6 Sat. Sat. Dec. Dec. 1st 8th Pocklington • • Giggleswick • • Away Away Lost Lost 3 7 6 20

SENIOR COLTS

Sat. Wed. Wed. Wed. Sat. Sat. Wed. Sat. Oct. Oct. Oct. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Dec. 13th 17th 31st 7th 10th 17th 28th 1st Barnard Castle School .. Ashville College Nunthorpe G.S. Hymers College Ampleforth College Durham School Worksop College Pocklington School .. . • • • • . • • • • • • • • Away Home Home Home Home Home Away Home Won Won Won Won Won Won Won Lost 10 69 25 27 10 20 8 3 0 0 0 3 6 6 3 7

UNDER 15 COLTS 'A' XV

Wed. Sat. Wed. Wed. Sat. Sat. Sat. Wed. Sat. Sat. Sat. Wed. Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Dec. Dec. Jan. Jan. 10th 13th 17th 31st 3rd 10th 17th 28th 1st 8th 19th 30th Woodhouse Grove Barnard Castle .. Ashville .. .. Silcoates .. .. King's Pontefract Ampleforth .. Durham .. Worksop Pocklington Giggleswick Pocklington Bradford G.S. Home Home Away Away Home Home Away Away Away Home Home Away Won Won Won Lost Won Won Drew Lost Won Won Lost Lost 14 14 20 10 58 31 14 6 26 17 4 10 6 6 0 16 0 0 14 8 13 3 36 12 Sat. Feb. 9th Ashville ..