Rugby 2nd XV
(1971-72)

Played 19: Won 5: Lost 10: Points for 261: Points against: 312.

This account of the 2nd XV must seem very similar to that of the two previous years: rationalisation of a moderate record! Again the side was young and small, so that in several games our pack was dominated on a purely physical basis, as against Hampton G.S. (Lost 0-42) and Reigate G.S. (lost 3-39). Our attempts to compensate by emphasising mobility and backing up were thwarted by the failure to develop teamwork of a sufficiently high standard, but this was hardly surprising as 42 players represented the 2nd XV during the season.

However, there were two general weaknesses that are less easily excused. First, few players were willing to take the opposition on by hard running, too often there was the depressing sight of three-quarters in the opposition twenty-five punting ahead when challenged. Second, there was a lack of ''ball hunger" (in my experience a traditional St. Nicholas fault); too often our players were perfect gentlemen with their "After you, Claude" approach.

But there were assets. In general, the tackling was good, most players making the attempt, even if they sometimes missed their men. Indeed, against Vyners G.S. two really hard tackles set up the first two tries, while against Harrow C.G.S. stout defence by all fifteen players earned a draw (4-4) that deprived our opponents of their 100 per cent record. Glimpses of our attacking potential were seen in convincing wins over Gunnersbury G.S. (30-0), Vyners G.S. (20-4), R.G.S. Guildford (30-4) and St. Albans G.S. (38-0).

Individually there was much to remember and especially hopeful for the future was the progress made by several younger players. From the backs there was the impeccable catching and courageous head-on tackling of S. Jones at full-back; the exciting running of wing D. Cox; the hard tackling of centres B. Pendred and G. Peters; and the all-round promise of C. Thomas at fly-half. Of the forwards the best were S. Moss, a mobile prop who showed real aggression in the loose; M. May, who in some matches seemed to be in perpetual motion; and D. Banks, a fast striking hooker. B. Dunlop and A. Foulkes deserve special credit for their sustained efforts and good performances, as they were frequently obliged to play out of position. Finally, it was fortunate that P. L. Jones was available for another season, as his captaincy, both by words and example, did much to maintain a happy team spirit in his constantly changing XV.

E. A. Cox.