Star Club Notes 1976...Graham Crawford and Kevin Gaines top players

Turning on a powerful display of controlled forward play, the Seniors did not give Old boys a chance in the first semi-final game.  The game was not spectacular to watch - it was match winning football rather than crowd pleasing, but Star it its position had to go out to win, even it if meant playing to its strength  and keeping the play in the forwards.  And it did just that in most professional way with Graham Crawford at first-five and Kevin Gaines at half-back keeping the ball in front of their forwards for most of the game and making good use of the wind in the first half.
The other backs did not see much ball though John Ryder got a good try by fast following up kick, while Lin Booth, back again after a month  through injury.  It was encouraging to see Ron Cardno regain his good kicking form - his pot from half-way was magnificent.
The whole forward pack played a mighty game and completely subdued the lively Old Boys forwards with Barb Barber in particular being outstanding.  It is astounding the way this fellow plays so well when only half fit and carrying surplus condition - he had not played or trained for a month through injury, yet was the leader of the forwards for the whole game, making some devastating barging runs.  No other forward could be singled out in such a good pack - though Keith McLeod should be mentioned for the five tight heads he won and Craig Hanon for the good line-out ball he won.  If the forwards had a fault, it was that at times the first man up to an opponent with the ball did not put him to the ground, but let him get a pass or a kick away.
Altogether, it was a most encouraging return to form by the Seniors and now that their injured players are back, they should go through to the final.
U20's
The seconds and Under 20's were outclassed by Blues and Bluff.
U17's
Were unlucky against High  School, going down by a penalty goal in the closing stages of the game.  The score did not indicate the run of play and Star forwards were on top for most of the game.
Peter O'Connor and Stephen Andrews, while Robert Mackay and Michael Keen also went well. Graham Williamson in the backs played a good all-round game.