Match reports of 20th & 21st April 1979
From the newsletter of the 30th April 1979, Mortlock Library
State game versus Nippon Japan - Lost 32-15
We had three players in the State Team who played in an exciting match on Saturday 21, against Japan. Richard Waddicor, Bob Inskipp and Jamie Perkins all had good games. The lead changed three or four times and with 15 minutes to 90 the score was 15-13. However early season lack of fitness and Japan's brilliant ball handling and backing up finally won the match. Overall a reasonable performance by SA.
Match Reports Sunday 22nd April
FIRSTS VERSUS NORTH ADELAIDE - WON 17-3
We had plenty of possession, but little constructive play made it a lack lustre game.
The backs didn't play with confidence, perhaps because of new players in the line. I heard one comment from a back who said they wished the forwards won less ball because they dropped it so much.
Forwards were good in set pieces but ragged in rucks and mauls.
Bob Inskipp, Brian Sullivan and Greg Pearce were best in the forwards and Kevin Waldron and Lock Andrews were the best backs.
Overall, a win but a disappointing one.
SECONDS VERSUS NORTH ADELAIDE - WON 96-0
Captain Brown's comments were an excellent run, with no passengers. He was also heard on the field, in between gasping for air.
Chris Dodson amazed everyone by scoring a try and was seen going to a telephone box to tell Canberra the result.
Bill Sheeky managed to cross the line a few times. I think there were only two occasions when he didn't score after receiving the ball.
Our new Fijian member, Waz, scored a good try, but required oxygen afterwards and a similar comment to Pete Yates.
A good team effort.
Best Players were Warren Brown and Ray Murphy.
THIRDS VERSUS SALISBURY - WON 17-3
This was a good game to watch, and Salisbury are certainly improving. It will be interesting to see them in a few years time. The Farrah combination of Tim pussyfooting about and Peter bulldozing his way through was enlightening.
Dave Ashton kicked well, Alf Quinten caught well in the lineouts and Mumbles was seen with determination on his face heading for the tryline. Peter Rose on the wing certainly had many close attempts at scoring.
A good team effort.
FOURTHS VERSUS COMBINED UNI - WON 13-6
The first excitement in this game came after 29 minutes, when the two sides actually took the field. After 2 minutes play the President was deemed to be in his usual offside position. The first half was evenly contested with Collegians leading one try to nil.
In the second half Collegians increased its lead to 7 points when Farrah whistled up the only breath of wind on an otherwise calm day to swing his drop kick penalty between the posts.
Uni fought well, and scored two tries. It was an enjoyable game played in excellent spirit on both sides.
Best forwards were John Bowen and Bob Burgess, and best backs were boots Farrah and Bob Dean and Eric Thiele.
Match reports of 28th April 1979
From the newsletter of the 7th May 1979, Mortlock Library
REFEREE
You should have seen him - baggy shorts, knock knees, joggers and tracksuit top. It was the States new referee.
Thanks Dave Stewart-Jones, who filled in as referee for the fourths who were short. Did a good job and everyone enjoyed the game.
FIRSTS VERSUS BURNSIDE - WON 16-3
Scorers H Green, 2 tries; K Wadron 1 try and 2 goals from the Doctor (Ward).
The game began with a scrappy opening but as the first half continued the forwards asserted their power and with good second phase play produced some good rugby.
A similar story with the second half, but ultimately the coaches instructions bore fruit and we ended up dominating the second half.
Best forward was Brian Sullivan and special mention to Dave Hoowarth for a singularly magnificent tackle. Best back was Sean Beaton. Overall a good effort.
SECONDS VERSUS BURNSIDE Lost 7-8
Old Collegians blew it.
Completely underdone mentally and a lack of purpose in the game were our downfall.
Plenty of chances in the second half, but to no avail. Guy Lithgow was the best back, and Dave Howe the best forward, with Browney trying hard all the time.
THIRDS VERSUS BRIGHTON - WON 11-4
Extremely satisfying to win, but the game was scrappy and played at a muddling pace.
Panic play was evident, and the team will have to control the game, and learn to finish off good movements. So often we failed to score by only metres.
On the good side Dave Schwebell played exceptionally well, although he left his kicking boots at home.
Tim Farrah made up for his match against Brighton in the fourths by outplaying the Miller contingent.
The score of 11-4 was a fair result considering the 6 full backs we had during some parts of the game, and the fact that Mumbles at outside centre only got the ball once in the game.
FOURTHS - BYE
