w mm £Zi 1st XV,1971. Over three hundred boys participated in rugby this year and up to eighteen teams represented the school. The open teams had a disappointing season but with the under 13 and 14 teams showing much promise, it is hoped that the open teams will soon be enjoying success. We record our thanks to those who serve behind the scenes; the Matrons,Sister Beaton, the Catering staff,the ground staff,Zeller and his ball-boys,the orange-boys and many others. We thank also members of the Durban Referees'Society for their services; Mr.Jeannot for his meticulous handling ofthe fixtures and arrangements;and,ofcourse,the coachesfor their time and effort. Weremember also the parents,supporters and the boys,whose cheering is so appre ciated by the players. 1st XV.This has indeed been a very disappointing season, result-wise, yet there has been no cause for criticizing their style of play which has been open and entertaining. The team did not deserve to lose so many matches for they worked hard at their rugby. Admittedly, many games were very narrowly lost, often when the outcome had appeared to be safe. They were unable to keep up sustained pressure and the'lack ofexperience in key positions was never en tirely solved. Furthermore, the loose forwards were unable to capitalise on the loose ball. These weaknesses showed up especially when the centres were contained by hard fast tackling opponents, but when our centres had room in which to move,the backs looked ex tremely good with Knight essentially a breaking fly-half and Staples at 2nd centre giving our fast wings an opportunity. Immelman played consistently well at scrum-half while Halliday on the wing,was always dangerous,and his thrilling runs and good cover-defence were a joy to watch.Van Zyl developed into a very competentfull-back and his ability with the boot brought him many points. The forwards developed considerable drive but only in phases. When they were driving, the side looked good,for here was the platform from which to attack.Stueland and Von Glehn, though very capable line-out forwards, did not secure the ball cleanly as often as they should have while the loose-forwards were not as devastating as they possibly might have been.Alcock was a tireless worker,and it was unfortunate to have had Hall only for the middle half of the season. The inability of the forwards,especially the loose forwards,to capitalise on the point of breakdown is well illustrated by the remarkably few tries they scored. We congratulate D.Walker,captain of the team,on playing for the Natal Schools Invita tion XV in Cape Town;J.Immelman,vice-captain,on gaining selection for the Natal Schools team; M.Halliday on his selection for the Natal Schools team;and M.Jollands, A. Stueland and D.Walker on also reaching the NatalSchools trials in Pietermaritzburg.Honoursfor rugby were awarded to J. Immelman and M. Halliday. Wecommenced the season with an Easter vacation tour to Cape Town,and despite many injuries both before and during the tour, it was most successful, and we are indebted to the Host Headmasters, coaches, staff, boys and parents for their hospitality. 83 RUGBY
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