MOROCCO 1994

We continue our look back at the 1994 Great Britain Students visit to Morocco, by focusing on what took place on the pitch. John Risman (one of the management team on the tour) produced a marvellous Report on all aspects of the tour, and in this edition we look at the actual matches played, predominantly in the words of John himself. The students played three matches, against a Combined Services side, Morocco Students, and the Moroccan national team, and the strength and quality of the team was truly indicated by the fact that all three were won and in some style.

The following match reports are taken from John Risman’s Tour Report itself.

Match 1

Great Britain Students        39            Combined Services            20

This inaugural match between these two opponents was a hard fought and closely contested encounter and was an excellent advert for all that is good about rugby league.

The opening period saw unforced errors by the students quickly punished by a hard running and determined Services team who were rewarded with an early try. The students fought back with two tries before the Services scored again to even the scoreline, 10-10. Further scores before the break made the half-time score 16-14 to the students.

The second half saw the students improve their handling and they controlled the ball for much longer periods. This resulted in four quality tries to the students who still had to resist several powerful attacks by the Services who eventually succeeded in crossing the line once more before the students sealed the game with a final try making the result, 39-20.

The game was a tremendous spectacle and greatly enjoyed by an enthusiastic crowd. The consensus of all concerned was that this should be the start of many more games between Student and Services teams both at local and representative level.

EDITOR: Of course, the GB Students now contest the Scottish Courage Cup with the Army, Navy, Civil Service and British Police teams.

GREAT BRITAIN STUDENTS SCORERS:

                Tries:       Graeme Thompson

                                Keith Hebron (2)

                                Mike Jarman (2)

                                John Chadwick (2)

                Goals:      Graeme Thompson (5)

                Drops:     Mike Jarman

Match 2

Great Britain Students        76            Morocco Students        6

The result of this game was never in doubt. Great Britain Students controlled the game for long periods and played exactly to the plan of open, expansive rugby league, reflected in the fact that the backs scored ten of the fourteen tries, with winger Mike Keen running in four himself.

The Moroccan Students played with determination throughout and were eventually rewarded with a try which they also converted, much to their pleasure and that of their vocal and enthusiastic supporters.

With appropriate encouragement, development and competition this side should be able to hold their own in future student competitions.

GREAT BRITAIN STUDENTS SCORERS:

                Tries:       Mike Keen (4)

                                Glen Howitt (2)

                                Richard Ribeiro (2)

                                Matt Evans

                                Andy Adams

                                Craig Dunlop

                                Iain Stanger

                                John Coumbe-Lilley

                                Mike Jarman

                Goals:      Graeme Thompson (10)

Match 3

Great Britain Students        40            Morocco            10

After the results of the previous two games, everyone expected this to be a tough test for the Great Britain Students. The Moroccan team, now strengthened by the addition of several key players, had already proved themselves to be physically capable and skilful players.

After tense opening encounters, Great Britain Students gave away a penalty, resulting in an early Moroccan try. A series of indiscretions by the students combined to disrupt the flow of the game and kept the Moroccan side on top for much of the first half. However, a late revival, resulting in a flurry of tries made the half-time score 20-10 to the students.

Some serious words by the Management at half-time brought about a far more disciplined and organised performance by Great Britain in the second half. Powerful forward play combined with excellent distribution by Man of the Match, loose forward Brian Pimlott brought about three more second half tries to produce a result which was a more true reflection of the game.

After the match, hooker Mike Kerr was awarded Player of the Tour for his tenacity and leadership in the acting half back role.

GREAT BRITAIN STUDENTS SCORERS:

                Tries:       Glen Howitt

                                Mike Jarman

                                Iain Stanger

                                Mike Kerr

                                Liam Horrigan

                                Barry Picton

                                Andy Adams

                Goals:      Graeme Thompson (6)

If anyone on this or other tours would like to give 'League Leader' readers an insight into what it is like to be on tour, please just put pen to paper and send it in to the Alumni office.