Veteran Robin Welsh still playing great rugby in 1978 for Pirates win over Marist....

PIRATES 8 - MARIST 3
It was Pirates ability to win possession in the game in 1978 which was a great tactic to put Marist of their usual game. 
The Pirates backs used the ball well and veteran player, Robin Welsh again called the tune with another fine display at first five eight.
He used his experience to use the gaps that were opening up from the Marist backs and several times got through the defence to give Pirates the advantage.
Peter Laurie was as good as Welsh especially in the second phase where he set up two tries.

The first try was scored by Welsh running right from the 25 m line and setting up Kevin Burns who ran at speed onto the ball and got through some weak tackles from Marist.
After five minutes into the second half Laurie went to ground in front of the Marist posts, the ball came back quickly and it was spun through the backline for Brian Eade to score in the corner.
John Pankhurst was the king of the lineouts and with him winning most of the ball, Marist did not get the opportunity to get the ball out to their backs.
However when Marist did get the ball it was neatly taken by Kevin Burns who accurately returned it upfield.
The clash between the two centres, Wayne Boynton for Pirates and Gary Bennetts for Marist did not eventuate mainly due to the ball not reaching them from set play.  But if you had to pick one it would probably be Boynton who played a good defensive game.
Pirate's loosies, Sam Anderson, Lawrie Fawdray and Gary Barnes combined well and set up good ball for their backs.
Barnes was also a useful lineout jumper.  Garry Pankhurst had a torrid game in the tight and was always in the midst of it.
Marist seemed to lack the speed of Barry Flynn in the loose and but John Forde played hard and did not let his team down.
Once Peter Hughes switched back to his locking position from the side of the game it was noticeable how Marist tightened up their game.
Terry Cairns proved a valuable replacement at front of the lineout and won some clean ball.  
​