Tregenza Times
28th August 1982

Reports on 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade matches.  Alan Spry doubts the 1sts could win the premiership.  Did he have to buy everyone 'a pint or several pints'?

Old Collegians v Elizabeth at Womma 28.8.82

A bright sunny day, a hard pitch, the top team playing the bottom side, it should have been no contest. The game was marked by the return of Ben Perkins at full-back, a guest-appearance of President Roger McDaniel at full-back, some of the oddest refereeing I've seen for a long time, coupled with the most disappointing lethargic, uninterested and uninteresting play I have seen for the whole season.

The first half of the game was played in our half. We were down 0-3 after 15 mins, 0-6 after 35. Gerry Fogarty converted Sean's try to us a lead of 9-6 at half time.

There was good individual play at times but repeated elementary errors, lack of determination and team effort and stupid talking back to the ref.

A penalty, a try by Chas Norman another by Tim Campion livened up the second half but we won only 1 out of 10 lineouts lost loose heads and gave away stupid penalties (17 total). Final score 20-9.

The minor premiership is a hollow victory. We have , or perhaps had, the talent to take out the premiership but our performances over the last month or so give no confidence that we can rise to the occasion. It's a pity, when we have a core of great dedicated players, but I can see no way that last year's finals will not be repeated.

If the Firsts do not lift themselves miraculously in the next week, the season once more will fizzle to an ignominious end. If I 'm wrong I will buy every one of the team a pint or several pints.

... ALAN SPRY

Second Grade v University – Bird’s Eye View

In searing heat, yet seemingly unperturbed, our fourteen christians took to the field against the University gladiators.

The huge crowd, Darry Bradbrook running the line, Jules Younger and Kerry Clarke the water-girls roared their delight at the kick-off.

The first 10 minutes of the game saw Uni aggressively attacking our line, good firm defence by College and some fine tackling by Rod Sullivan and Peter Liebich saw the first attack repelled.

Unfortunately, University capitalised on some poor ball handling, crossed the line and the try was converted. Another quick try by Uni which was not converted made the score 10-0.

Then College got their act together and some fine tight work from John Sullivan (who was still recovering from celebrations) saw Graham Webster throw a skillful pass to the tireless Peter Liebich who dashed over the line to score. Owen Clarke easily converted the try.

A further penalty in front of Uni's posts enabled Owen to score another three points. At half time, one of our injured players left the field leaving us with 13 men. Uni took full advantage of our depleted numbers and went on to win by a comfortable margin. Many thanks to Danny McCarten for his constant support and encouragement throughout the season.

Third Grade v Brighton

A hot day and a hard dusty pitch welcomed Old Colls. to the Brighton Oval this afternoon. The tension was incredible before the game began and you could have heard a pin drop in the changing room - after last week's effort against Salisbury there was a quiet confidence but against Brighton we couldn't afford to rest on our laurels.

Within minutes of the kick off Brighton were almost on our line and pressing hard after the ball went loose in our 22m area. We fought hard and just prevented a score with Brighton looking dangerous. A series of infringements by Brighton relieved the pressure on us and we took play back up into the centre of the field. Another Brighton infringement and Mark Douglas just missed a shot at goal - a strong cross wind took the ball off course. The Brighton backs were looking good when they ran the ball but our covering and tackling was sufficient to contain them and Tim Farrah made some useful breaks from the loose. Denis Hayden commanded in the lineouts with plenty of support from Simon Mainprize and Harry Clarke. Dave Pridham took the peel off the scrum well and was prominent in the loose play. In the backs, Dave Glanville, Guy Lithgow and Ray Murphy ran well when they were given the chance and Tim Naylor, Shorty and Mumbles tackled hard.

Five minutes from half time we recovered well from a dangerous looking maul and then Brighton were penalized. Mark Douglas kicked a fine goal from the 22 metre line just in from touch to take us to a 3 point lead. Much needed, as the heat was beginning to have an effect on our speed. A big boost to the confidence of the side and from then until half time we stayed within sight of the Brighton try line. At half time whistle still 3-0 to O.C.

The second half began with Brighton forcing our line and it was Craig Henderson who broke their attack with some fine tackling. Guy Lithgow kicked a long penalty into the Brighton half and a forward rush led by Denis Hayden worked us up close to the try line. Unfortunately, we couldn't finish the movement and Brighton were able to clear the ball. Minutes later, Brighton were in possession and after a series of half hearted efforts at tackling, their wing broke through to run down the touch line and scored in the corner; 4pts - 3 no conversion. From the kick off Guy Lithgow, Dave Glanville, Tim Farrah and Ray Murphy forced us to within 11 m of the score line but a stupid infringement in front of the posts gave Brighton the chance to relieve the pressure. The kick made 50 m and didn't do our morale any good at this stage of the game. A kick by Dave Glanville gave Tim Naylor a remote chance to score and he was only just held after a fine run to whithin metres of the try line. Brighton turned the tables minutes later and, with a 2 man overlap, scored a good try which wasn't converted to take the score to 2-3. In the closing stages of the game another unconverted try to Brighton made it 12-3 - the score at full time after 70 minutes of the hardest rugby we've played this season.

Despite pre-match nerves it was a good game for O.C. but Brighton had the edge on the day in the backline where they were able to penetrate even if one of their tries was rather suspect (a foot in touch?). They put the points on the board and although we tried hard we couldn't make the breaks that counted. A great disappointment to Captain Ray Murphy and all members of the team who played their hearts out in the heat and then lost. But don't let it be forgotten that after a shaky start at the beginning of the season, this 3rd grade side has acquitted itself remarkably well in the competition although we've seen numerous changes in membership for one reason or another.

Today's team was one of the best we've put together - Ray Murphy, Guy Lithgow, Andrew Short, Tim Naylor, Mumbles, Dave Glanville, Tim Farrah, Dave Pridham, Dave Simons, the Douglases Doc and Mark, Denis Hayden, Simon Mainprize and Harry 'Hand Off! Clarke.

Highlights of the game included the fine display of tackling by Tim Farrah, Denis Hayden's great work in the lineout and the loose rucks, consistently good hooking and backing up by Doc Douglas, Harry Clarke's sensational hand-off on one of the Brighton backs who never looked quite the same afterwards and Ray's fine exhibition of captaincy. Let’s look forward to next year and perhaps a great season, I've enjoyed managing the side and I look forward to plenty more good rugby next year.

.... DAVE RAPKIN