Pirates' Club Notes August 1969...

The seniors were scratching to hold Old boys out at the finish of their game at Oreti Park just lasting for a 26-22 victory.  They became a very disorganised side in the second half after looking world beaters in the first  half and thinking they had it sewn up.  Dave Roddick, playing at first five-eight (his true position), set the backline moving well and led them up on the opposition on defence.  Only one "blue" in the second half marred an otherwise excellent game.  John Purdue toiled well in the tight while Doug Smith stood out in the loose  winger Gerald Healey added another three tries to his list of 15 in the last six games and B. McEwan was in fine form with his boot, kicking four conversions.

The second grade side struggled to keep Star out 12-9, after earlier looking to have an easy win.  Murray Calvert at centre played solidly throughout and was a tower of strength and versatile Ian Race nipped  in for a good winger's try.  Big lock Paul King stood out in lineout and general play.  Diminutive hooker , Gordon Fraser relished the conditions, showing good speed to the ball.  Flanker Murray Smith gave a good exhibition of covering work for the full 80 minutes.

Against Murihiku, the thirds managed a 3-3 draw after leading with five minutes to go.  They played much better in the second half after tackling lapses.  Ross Herritt had another steady game at full-back and first five Gordon Watson proved to be a good  link.  Gavin Murray on the side had a better game, particularly on attack and the NO. 8 Ivan Padget continued with his consistently good games.  Prop, Graham Foote had his moments in the second half, showing a good sense of anticipation.

Another win to the fourth grade side, 11-9 over Woodlands, put them in the front of their section of the competition.  A lack of lineout and scrum ball in the first half did  not assist the, but as the game ran on, hooker Peter Smith struck form to take several tight heads.  Rob Allan, at lock, was easily the best forward, this lad's stead attitude to the game is going to take him far.  Five-eight Neil Buchanan played a very head game, placing his kicks well for the wing with centre Paul McKerchar scoring off one of them.  Winger Rob Hunter scored his first try for the season, but for the ability he shows he could well have scored more.