An article by Ben Perkins

 

Extracts from the Tregenza Times of 20th May 1986

An article by Ben Perkins 

In 1986 the Tregenza Times was a weekly publication.  What is enlightening about this particular issue is the well-informed and no doubt accurate summaries of the talents of some of the club's players in an article contributed by Ben Perkins. 

1st XV Profile by Ben Perkins

Tony Nugent:
He must play with confidence and conviction.  He is big enough to mix it up with the boys round town.  He should practice his catching and ball handling skills at home as authority building homework.  Has the opportunity to go well.

Geraint Compton:
This player needs stirring up before and during some games.  Hopefully these games will inspire his desires enough not to warrant hard reminders of the truth.  I trust that Geraint will run the ball up as a policy ... and not to kick it.  He has the ability to play forthrightly and should be in there sorting things out.

Alistair Young:
The Captain must recognise when it's time to thrust on and attack rather than kicking for goal or kicking for touch.  He must understand and appreciate that his forwards are better than theirs and running it up could be very smart.  Other than that he should have a pretty close view of lots of rucks and mauls and should tackle with a leader's emphasis.  I hope he tries to lead dynamically.  He has a choice.

Brian Sullivan:
His responsibility is to be as honest in his endeavours as he can.  He mustn't save himself too much ... and should take deep breaths at appropriate junctures.  If honest  his powers could be particularly destroying to our good friends and acquaintances on the receiving end.  I'd command him tob e hard, fast, sure, controlled, wild and devastating and no penalties ... and after the game to return back to being dear old Brian.

Denis Hayden:
He should have a rough idea of what to do.  Lately he has got into the habit of vocal analysis .. whereas in the past he would have been running to correct the wrong.   His fellow forwards will tell you he is good to have around.

Sean Beaton:
Sean must concentrate all his energies around being at the breakdowns with his backline close by.  Then he must throw a good pass and send them away.  Then he must be in position at the breakdown for his next pass.  Beaton's tackling will be frustratingly and physically felt by the other mob.  If Sean plays well and intelligently, the old soldier will be smiling on Grand Final Night.

David Stark:
David's undeniable charm when playing is vital to the Collegians effort.  His courage and willingness to sacrifice the body is a coach's dream.  Not to mention a healthy reminder to his fellow minders, who better not be far away.  Go well.

Graham Raymond:
A very talented and brave young man who will score and set up tries as long as he zeroes all his energies on attacking by running and hardly kicking.  If he thinks attack & attack then he wll be a very welcome player to many a backline.  Graham when running and passing displays genuine style.  His tackling is very wonderful.   When he gets the ball into his hands I will be barracking for Collegians to attack.

David Glanville:
David will not let himself or his team members down  This likeable winger will defend to the end and attack at every possible opportunity.  We all have faith in him.

Henry Rymill:
Henry is the sort of person you want to trust.  So I'm trusting that he will get his body as close to the ball as possible when marking.  Then run tall and enter into the spirit of defence for the spirit which you can feel from your crowd is what it is all about back there.  Confident and defiant rather than oh here they come.   Henry must play with determination and authority and run into the backline all day.   He has a choice.

Andrew Secker:
A tradesman-like prop who will hold up his side of the scrum solidly.  His good character will mean he will not shirk his responsibilities.  He has the habit of playing with his jumper out which makes him look sloppy and like a toiler.   Nevertheless should shape up well.

Michael Raymond:
I have no reason to change my earlier opinion that Michael will play well in the Finals.   His lovely girlfriend, Melissa, is in no small part responsible for my confidence.   His tackling has been copy book and as long as the players inside him do their bit I can see Michael harmonising all over the place and finishing attacks off with tries.   His biggest danger could be himself but I want to  believe he will go well and he will be getting no negative waves from me - could very well cut them up.

Ross Delamotte:
Is an experienced tackler, who also plays an intelligent running game.  Ross does not bomb many tries.  I expect Ross to play well.

Kim Falster:
Good mobility for a prop.  Kim also will not be pushed around and has the insight not to take any rubbbish from the opposition.  His goal kicking can be very good, though, sometimes I feel, Alistair asks too much of him ... on wet windy days from wide out I believe Collegians should run the ball up and not ask Kim to kick world class goals.   He should play to his ability.

Guy Lithgow:
Fantastic player to have around as you are dead set guaranteed that he will pull in a monster effort.  His chasing and harrassing make him a real asset ... not to mention the fact that he can play in both the forwards and backs.  Very dependable player.

Sean Hopkinson:
Sean must tell himself he is going to play well, that he is going to pass effectively and play with unshakeable authority.  he should remind himself that giving away penalties is a sin and that if he isn't at the fall of the ball all day he is no good.  He has the personality to be a good tackler.  His main task will be to play with plenty of desire and keep demanding good ball from the forwards.  Beaton must tell him where he is and then the pass must fnd its mark.  He must think only of the present reality and try his hardest all game.  If he chooses to play this way then he should blend in quite nicely.

John Davies:
He said to me the other night when I wished him well, You make your own luck.   This shows us that John believes in a just society.  This I agree is a nice ideal.  Obviously you don't have to look far to see and empathise to the contrary.   So ... he will be demanding an honest effort by his players and if they don't give it, it won't be the first time.  So, if John can go out on a winning theme that would be some sort of justice for a man who hasn't always had a team that has played very honestly.  It will be very interesting to see just how hard the players concentrate on trying their hardest ... as a team.  If Collegians lose this year, they once again, can blame only themselves ... Umpires being relative.  John would be well advised to scream a few truths at his players if they deserve it.

In my opinion, Collegians has the chance to win this year.  In fact it's their best chance for many years.  I've watched the other teams and my judgement says that Collegians has the best forwards in the competition.  It also has exciting backs.

If only it is smart and has the nerve it will win.

And also:

Referee Roundup

... the Tregenza Times will continue to print match reports and team managers' comments; here are a few from recent lower division matches.  On Roger Clay The ref was guilty of knowing all the laws.  On Phil Bruce An excellent job - we know what the decisions were for.  On John Davies a good game - he let the players play.   On Rod Essery He controlled the game with his usual good humour. Too much hair oil!.