Rugby Minor XV
(1969-70)

The Minor XV has an unusually large pack for a St. Nicholas Junior side and it was therefore very frustrating when we very rarely won our fair share of the ball. Nor is the reason difficult to find. For no matter how good the individuals are, forwards will not gain the upper hand unless there is a concerted and a determined effort to do so. Far too many times, a player would come away with the ball only for the movement to die because of lack of support or his total disregard of supporting players. There were far too many players who were happy to lurk around the base of the ruck so that they could do something spectacular with the ball when it came out; naturally it very rarely did for the simple reason that there were not enough people in the ruck ensuring that the ball was won. Also, too many of our players, although they may be the first to a breakdown in play, are quite happy to let the opposition play the ball before they do something about it; they should remember that it is far easier to win good ball if you don't have to take it from your opponents first.

It is difficult to criticise the backs because they rarely had sufficient ball with which to learn their craft; however, there was often an alarming tendency to shadow tackle (the best two tacklers in the team were both tight forwards) and to pass without gaining ground.

Having made these criticisms, I must say that the team is a highly promising one, containing many good players. The back row ol Szelewski, Murtagh and Haugh (until he became emergency scrum half after O'Connell's injury) was outstanding in attack and was responsible for the majority of the team's scores. The front five. when the above conments have been digested, are all competent, well-built players capable of forming the basis of a first class pack. The half-backs, O'Connell and Harries, are both good footballers, capable of taking on the opposition themselves as well as acting as the link with the three-quarters. The latter have an abundance of speed, although Barber kicks too much on the one wing and Hall tends to stop and jink inside when challenged on the other. Simmons must improve his handling in the centre and Owsley, the full-back, must be more decisive if they are to resist the challenge from some very good reserves, notably Laidler and Bohling who were competing strongly for places by the end of this season.

P. J. CAHILL