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 onderful.
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!".
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