CITY V. NORTH SHORE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 168, 29 July 1901, Page 3

CITY V. NORTH SHORE.

(City, 8; North Shore. 0.)

The City team journeyed ucrosa the water and met the local team at Bevonport. City won the toss and Shore kicked off, City returning- to midfield, where play was for some time located. Magee got possession and transferred to Asher, who sent it to Smith, the latter being thrown out at twenty-five by his namesake, the Shore threequarter. From the throw in Magee got the ball, passed to Smith and the speedy threequarter made a brilliant run to within a few yards of Shore's goal line, when he passed to Bonella, who just missed scoringl, Shore were subsequently forced twice in succession. Wynyard kicked oil! for Shore, and play in neutral territory ensued. From a rush headed by Brown, the ball was taken over the line, Qerrard opportunely forcing down. Wynyard. kicked off, and Magee. receivingl the ball, made an opening and passed to Smith at half way. The latter ran round the Shore team, being unsuccessfully tackled by Qerrardi and A. Smith, and finally scored City's first try behind the posts. Young added to the score. (City, 5; Shore, 0.) Shore now livened up, and kept City for some time on the defensive, Bakewell and Wells (forwards) and Gerrard (back) being prominent. The City vanguard responded, Brown and Nicholson doing yeoman service. A score looked imminent, but was averted by the sound defence of A. Smith, Gerrard and the fullback, Robb. Twice in succession Shore was forced. A long kick by Shore was, owing* to the slippery nature of the ground, mulled by Stevens, the Shore forwards pouncing upon him, and. Wells dribbled well into City's quarters, where City was for some time on the defensive. From a scrum on City's twenty-five line Young passed to Smith, who made a flue run, and was thrown out near Shore's 25. Fro-m the throw in A. Smith ran down the field, Stevens throwing him out below half way. Wells' fine dribbling was again conspicuous, and he carried the ball into City quarters, but for offside p'iay City was awarded a frcfe' irTeK, and sent the leather out on Shore's side of half way. From this out till the call of time City were the aggressors. SECOND SPELL. City kicked off and the Shore immediately assumed the aggressive, Bakewell, George (centre-half), and A. Smith being prominent. This attack Was sustained until the City forwards relieved, and took play to mid field. At this stage the well known representative front ranker, Irwin, came on for Shore, who up to this had been playing fourteen men. Young was now noticeable for repeated screw punts into touch, which had the effect of keeping Shore on the defensive. Smith, Comer, Gerrard and George defended like Trojans, being well assisted in their efforts by Bakewell and Wynyard. City indulged in effective passing. Wells, for Shore, continued his fine footwork, but lacked support. City was now very aggressive, giving the Shore an anxious time of it. Magee picked off the ground, made a short dash, passed to Smith, who made a short dodgy run, and passed to Thomas, the latter cleverly taking a difficult pass, and falling over the line with an opponent hanging on to him, scored City's second try. The Kick at goal was unsuccessful. (City, 8; Shore, 0.) From this out City had the Shore beaten. Mr Peter Mackie gave every satisfaction as referee.

NOTES.

The day was unfavourable for good football, but nevertheless the game proved an interesting one. For the winners Brown, G. Tyler, Bonella and Nicholson in the forwards did good work, and in fact the whole pack worked like Trojans. Stevens at full back was at his best, his line kicking and defensive work being a feature of the game. Smith was up to his oM form and did yeoman servxee for his Sde Asher was decidedly off, which was probably due to his hurting his shoulder in the recent TaurangaWalhi match. Magee and Young both played serviceable games for then Sde Of the Shore vanguard Wynvard Bakewell and Wells (wing forward) were probably the most P romi Of nthe backs Gerrard Smith and -Robb (full) were almost perfect in dSSnci whilst the two former were at times dangerous m attack.