RANFURLY SHIELD

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 210, 5 September 1910, Page 7

RANFURLY SHIELD

TARANAKI V. AUCKLAND. 4. FINE EXHIBITION. AUCKLAND RETAINS THE SHIELD. The third Eanfuriy Shield match of the season was played at Alexandra Park on Saturday, when Taranaki inec Auckland, the local team scoring a victory by 1C points to 0. The weather was beautifully fine, and the attendance was estimated at about 12,000. Auckland's score w.is made up by triei br Harrison and Tyler, one being conrerted by Magee, and the other by O'Leary, the hatter also (kicking two penalty goals. For Taranaki, Hill scored a try, and Stohr kicked a goal from a jenalty, and one from a mark. Previous to the above, the Auckland Juniors met the Whangarei representatives, and defeated them decisively by 22 points to oil.

Mr. E. Melienzia refereed the big fixture, and Mr. W. Knox the curtainraiser. Details of the play are:— Auckland won the toss, and played Trith the wind and sun at their backs, Tamu kicking off for Taranaki at a-quarter past 'three. Power returned just outside the centre. Taranaki broke away from the line, Power stopping progress and sending them back to halfway. From the first scrum, Auckland secured, but gained no material advantage, Ottersen's kick only going a few yards. Auckland got avray from the throw-in, but Wilkes' pass was fault}', and Taranaki relieved, sending play to O'L-eary, who kicked back to the centre. Open play followed, and Cameron was responsible for a short dash, but was Well taken by Power, and lost the ball. ■From the line Wylie headed a forward rush, which had the visitors on the defensive, and from a free kick just outside the 25, O'Leary, with a beautiful kick, sent the ball full over the posts exactly iour minutes after starting. Auckland 3 Taranaki - „ . 0

Tanra's kick-off beat Wilkes and Hall, and found the line at Auckland's 25. Auckland cleared, but were pulled up by a nice mark by Brown. The kick beat ■the Auckland backs badly, but Sheahan spoilt a fine chance by off-side play, and Auckland relieved. Taranaki were soon back, and Cameron kicking down" Taylor followed up fast, and matters looked dangerous for Auckland, but Harrison saved cleverly. Ta.rana.ki were not to 'be denied, and Auckland being penalised, Stohr evened up scores with a fine kick, only eight minutes of play having gone. Auckland ................. 3 Taranaki . : 3

Auckland rushed play down the field, and Hill missing, matters looked black for the visitors, but lie managed to save. Dive, however, got his sid« in-to trouble by wilfully throwing forward, and O'Leary with another fine kick added the points with only another two minutes gone. Auckland - 6 Taranaki ._„....-.— . 3 Incase play fellotv-ecl the kick-out, Auckland breaking away from a line out, and Walker made a nice run, and then sent to Murray, whose pass went forward, and the visitors got relief with a free. Auckland were having a bit the best of it, and Ottersen got his backs going, and the blue and whites were on *the attack, and Cameron failing to field a long kick by Ottersen, Auckland were attacking hotly, tut a free kick gave the visitors much needed relief, another penalty for off-side play further assisting them. An exchange of kicks between Walker and Stohr ended at the centre. Auckland carried the scrum, but Wilkes and Wyllie got in front, and Stohr with a nice kick found the line at Auckland's 25. Brown marked from the throw-in, Ottersen returning the kick well down the field, and Auckland had the visitors again on the defensive. A daeh by Hayward, followed by a pass to Magee, and Taranaki were kept bo3y defending. The forwards cleared, and Harrison stopped progress with a nice mark, from which O'Leary made a good attempt, and Taranaki forced. Auckland came back to the attack, and Bob Magee picking up, sent to Walker, but the defence was sound, and they were unable to get throngh. Taranaki rallied, Harrison saving at the centre. The yellow and blacks gained further advantage with another rush, which saw O'Leary clear in good style. Auckland's forwards carried the serum, and "with a fast rush took play down the field, where Mynott picked up and sent to Dive, who hung on too long, and a good run was spoilt. Auckland got round, and after a spell of loose kicking, O'Leary with a long line kick, got touch at Taranaki's quarter peg. Here Taylor was penalised for offside play and O'Leary made another great attempt, the ball going just outside the posts, and Taranaki forced. Auckland returned to the attack, and Bob Magee made another fine opening, and the visitors were hard pressed. A passing run. Ottersen to Magee to Power, the lattcr's pass to Walker was faulty, and a great chance was lost. The visitors gradually relieved, and Auckland were penalised, which gained further ground. Power snapping up a nice mark, and O'Leary had another try -for the posts, but it lacked direction, and the visitors forced. Taranaki now rallied, and came down the field with a forward rush, O'Leary saving, and play ivas in Auckland's quarter. The Auckland forwards gradually worked play back, but Maguire took a pass offside, Stohr kicking down field but failed to find the line, Harrison marking, from which O'Leary sent play back to near the centre. Taranaki broke away, and came down the field, and Power hanging on too long, got his side into trouble, and Mynott marking at the 25, Stohr had another shot at goal but the Auckland forwards rushed the kick, and the danger was averted. Shortly after, a pass from Ottersen to Harrison was judged forward, and the visitors were awarded a free. Otter.-en marked the kick, and O'Leary sent the visitors back to half-way, further ground being gained by the locals from a free kick. Auckland broke away, Hayward making an opening, but his pass to Wilkes was faulty, and play went back to O'Leary, who saved beautifully, and with a powerful kick pained fifty yards for the locals. A mark by Cameron gave the visitors some relief, Ottersen returning in good style. Another free to Auckland, and Tyler kicked high, and Francis following up fast, secured and set his backs going, but the handling was faulty, and a chance was lost. Auckland maintained the-upper hand, and Murray picking up irom a difficult kick, started a run, passing to Harrison, who was stopped near the line. A dash by Magee again threat-

ened • Taranaki, but defence was solid, and Auckland were beaten back. Taranaki gained some ground with a forward rush, and Walker missing, Auckland were in trouble, but Power saved cleverly, and with a long kick put his side on the attack again. In Taranaki's 25, Maguire picked up, and whipped out to Wilkes, to Harrison, who shot past Anderson and Hill and scored the first try of the match. Magee converted. Auckland 11 Taranaki 3 Loose kicking followed the kick-out, and Harrison missing, Anderson got in, but kicked too hard, and' Auckland forced. The kick-out was rushed down by Auckland, Cameron making a very feeble attempt, and Wilkes kicking high, Magee took play to the line. Auckland got poseession from the scrum, and a passing run, Ottersen to Magee, to Power, to Hnrrison, the latter potted at goal, the ball failing to rise, and when Taranaki forced the bell rang for halftime, with the scores: Auckland , 11 Taranaki 3 SECOND SPEIiL.

Hall set the ball rolling, Hill's return failing to find the line, and Harrison kicked out past the centre. Auckland got going from the line, but Tyler's pass to Ottersen was knocked on, and a serum formed. The visitors secured, but their passing was faulty. The forwards, however, got in and took play to O'Leary, whose kick was weak, and Hill, with a fine effort, found the line at Auckland's 25. From the serum Taranaki secured, and Brown sent to Mynott, who kicked high, but gained very little ground. Auckland screwed the ensuing scrum, but failed to take the ball with them, and play was still in their territory. They again screwed, and off-side play by Sheehan spoiled Taranaki. Auckland got some relief in a free kick, but Stohr, with a fast run, put them on the defensive again. They set up a hot attack, and carried the ball over, but Auckland forced in time. The kick-out was rushed down by Auckland, and Maguire was prominent in some fast forward work, and the visitors had a turn at defence. A cross kick by Ottersen was badly missed by Stohr, and Auckland were in a good attacking position, Hall picking up and sending to Harrison, but the pass was forward. Auckland carried the scrum, but Wyllie getting off-side, pulled them up, and gave the visitors a chance to clear. The visitors got away with a passing run, which gained very little ground, and Auckland came away, and Harrison, gathering in the oral, sent to Walker, who was forced into touch. Taranaki now secured, and Mynott picking up quickly, sent to Dive to Cameron, who raced down the field, and outpacing O'Leary, a try looked a moral; but Walker, coming across from the opposite wing with a great dash of pace, threw him into touch at the corner. Auckland's forwards cleared their lines, and took play down field, a mark by Murray gaining them further ground. Taranaki worked play back, and O'Leary's defence was severely tested; but he proved equal to the occasion, saving in fine style. Auckland now took a hand, and Hall came through with a dodgy run and then sent to Tyler to Wilke3, and the leather was in Taranaki's side of the half way. A lot of loose kickin" followed, ending in Maguire marking, O'Leary kicking out well past the centre. Auckland broke away from the throw-in, and Hall made another great opening, but hung on too long, and a chance was lost. Auckland secured from the scrum, but the pases was intercepted, and Taranaki got relief. A rush, headed by Tamu, carried the leather to O'Leary, who failed to field cleanly, 'but recovered himself and got out of the difficulty. Shortly after Wilkes headed an Auckland rush, which gained the locals some ground, Tamu responding similarly for Taranaki, O'Leary saving. Auckland's forwards again asserted their superiority, and Wyllie came through, tat failed to hold the ball, Hill marking. O'Leary returned the kick well down the field, a mark by Brown assisting Taranaki, and play was at the centre. Auckland's forwards came away in another rush, but Stohr saved in great style, kicking to O'Leary, whose line-kicking was perfect, and play went again to Taranaki territory. Auckland broke away with a passing run, Hayward to Ottersen, to Magee, to Power, to Harrison. The latter centred, but Anderson stopped progress in. a nice mark, an exchange of kicks going to the centre. Shortly after Francis got clear and sent to Hall, w-ho made a great opening, and then handed on to Tyler, who got over alongside the corner flag. OTJea-ry, with a great kick, converted — Auckland ... ..-.. 16 Taranaki »....„ 3 Francis returned the kick-off, Mynott marking and kicking high; flay went to Auckland's line. The visitors set up a hot attack, and Dive made a great opening, and set his backs going, but their passing was too slow, and they failed to get over. Another run by Dive looked promising, but he hung on too long, and spoilt an opportunity, but Anderson marked in a nice position; Stohr took the shot, but the direction was bad, and Auckland forced. Auckland came down field from the kick-off, Mynott stemming the attack, and shortly after Stohr marked, and Mynott kicking hard, some j looee play ended in Stohr again marking right in front of the posts. He took the kick, and this time made no mistakes. Auckland ~~ 16 Taranaki „............,>, 6

The kick-out ended on Taranaki's side of the half-way. A free kick to the yellow and blacks was rushed down, and Ottersen'e kick rebounding, Tamu looked like scoring, but slipped at the critical moment, and an almost certain score was lost. Taranaki were now making desperate efforts to add to their score, and Auckland were hard pressed, Harrison saving. The visiting forwards were putting a lot of dash into their work, and broke away with another great dash, only to find CXLeary an insurmountable obstacle, the Auckland full-back getting the line well past the centre. Another spell of even play, and then Osborne headed a likely-looking rush, but the Auckland defence was good and they cleared. Whittington was next responsible for some good forward work, but Walker got in and removed the danger. A free to Taranaki was marked by Murray, whose leg was palpably giving him trouble. Another exchange of kicks, and play was back at the centre. Hill was next in the limelight, running down field, but Auckland retaliated. Taranaki made another attempt, Murray marking and stopping progress. The next few minutes play was fought out in neutral territory, but the home team gradually worked operations into their opponents' quarters. In a twinkle the visitors turned the tables: Brown snatched up the U-ather, and. making a good opening, passed to Dive, and the latter to Cameron. The ball ewiftly moved from one hand to another, and Cameron being cornered, centred beautifully. Tamu Tushed up, but was seized as he

got the leather on the bounce, and'passed out to Hill, who tooK the pass while at top speed, and crossed the line at the corner. Stohr failed with the difficult kick at goal, the score ending — Auckland 10 Taranaki .. 0 NOTES ON THE GAME. From a spectacular point of view the game was much better than that against Wellington, and there was a lot of line open play. The game will always go down in history as O'Leary's match, and deservedly so, for a finer exhibition than that, given by the Auckland fullback has never been witnessed. Probably we have seen as good, Lusk's game against the first English team, for instance, but better never. The visitors were popularly regarded as being weak forward, but this proved a fallacy, for 'their vanguard fully held their own with their renowned opponents, and although one gives the palm to Auckland on general plaj-, there was very little in it. One surprising feature of their play was that when they were expected to die away in the concluding stages, they stayed on in great style, and were going as strong as Auckland at the finish. Ihe backs on both sides got plenty of opportunities, although Auckland were hampered to some extent by Murray, who was palpably upfit to play, his leg going back on him in the first stages of the game. He made no serious mistakes in fielding the 'ball, but could never keep up with the play, and it was a great pity he was induced, to take the field. The visitors failed to give the display expected of them. Dive, Mynott, Stohr, and Brown were fairly good; but Cameron was a huge failure, and considerably below the form he showed ia Auckland last year. The pace from start to finish was fast, and the stamina of the forwards thoroughly tested. O'Leary's splendid line-kicking was of great help to the Aucklanders, and it must have bern heart-breaking to the visiting pack, ofter gaining ground, to be sent back down field by a mighty boost of the Aucklander. In line-kicking Taranaki were inferior to Auckland, and it was the superiority of the local team in this department that greatly assisted Auckland to victory. A unique feature about the game which ono cannot recall to mind as ever witnessing I before was that in the first ten minutes no less than nine points were scored — I six points to Auckland and three 1o • Taranaki—by penalty kicks. The score i about represents the merits of the teams. Of the individual players, Hill, at full-back for Taranafci, suffered only bycomparison -with O'Leary. The Taranaki man is a distinctly promising player in the position. Of the three-quarters, Stohr was easily the best, neither Cameron nor Anderson showing prominently. In the five-eighths line both Dive nud Mynott played well, the latter retaining his form in a surprising manner. Brown, at half, was in good nick, and gave his backs plenty to do. Of the forwards, Tamu, Boon and Whittington were probably the pick, but the whole lot are deserving of the greatest credit for the great fight they put up. For Auckland, as before-mentioned, the illuminating light was O'Leary, and nothing need 3to be added to that already written. In the three-quarter line the wings suffered somewhat by Murray's indisposition, but both Walker and Harrison gave good displays. The latter scored a brilliant try, while Walker's great pace in getting across and.stopping Cameron at the corner was a fine effort.'-" Magee was probably the best of the five-eighths, but no fault conld be found with Power, while Ottersen was an improvement on Morse behind the pack in the matter of feeding the backs. The forwards were all prominent at various times, and are a most even lot. THE NEXT MATCH. CANTERBURY V. AUCKLAND. Mr. D. Gallaher has chosen the following team to represent Auckland against Canterbury next Saturday:— Full-back: O'Leary. Three-quarters: Harrison, WalkeT, Woolfgram. Five-eighths: Magee, Power. Half: Ottersen. Wrng Forward: Hall Forwards: Tyler, SeHars, Francis, Cunningham, Maguire, Hayward, Wylie. Emergencies:

O'Brien, Wilkes, and Morse. The team will meet for training at the City shed on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. WHANGAREI V. AUCKLAND JUNIORS. This match was played as a curtain raiser to the big match, the teams being as follows:— WHAjSGABEI. Pull 'back, Eweu; three-quarters, Beamish, rvignnn, Massey; five-eighths, Storey, Waichoren; half, Dickey; wing, O. McLean; forwards, McClure, Prideau, Jack, ■Hill, Anderson, Armstrong, Massey. ATJCEIiAyNT}. Full back, Hines; three-quarters, Ifwerson, Lonergan, Cross; five-eighths, Fisher, Weston; hall, Webb; wing, Walker; forwards, Basmussen, Douglas, Harper, Campbedl, Comes, Fountney, Shaw. Whangarei won the toss, and played from the western end, having the sun at their tiacks, and the advantage of a moderate south-west wind. Campbell set the ball rolling for Auckland, the return finding the line past the 25. Auckland broke away, but their 'handling was faulty, and Whangarei relieved, a free kick giving further relief. Auckland were soon back, and setting up an attack, Webb made a nice opening, and sent to Weston, °svho hung on too long, but Fisher following up fast, scored. Ifwerson failed at goal. Auckland 3 Whangarei _ O Auckland were soon toacs, ana throwing the ball about in great style, Ifwerson potted at goal, making a good attempt, and Whangarei forced. The kick out gave the country players very little relief, and Uonergan getting away with a tricky run, was only stopped on the line. Whangarei again forcing. Auckland continued to attack, but eventually, the visitors cleared, and Auckland had a turn at defence. They •failed to maintain their advantage, and Auckland cleared, but were forced as the result of a long kick. Whangarei were now playing together much better, and Storey set Ms backs going, a pretty bit of passing resulting, the attack just being stopped on Auckland's line. Ive'eping up the pressure, Whnngarel we: ■ awarded a free right in front of the posts, but Beamish made a very poor attempt, and Auckland forced. The visitors continued to have the best of the play, and a forward rush took the ball over, but they lost the leather, and Auckland again forced. Auckland rallied from the kick-off, but they were over eager, a free kick pulling them up, and transferring play past the half way. Whangarei again took a hand, and Watchom started another nice passing run, but they failed to pierce the defence, find Auckland cleared, taking a hand in attack, 'but a pass forward pulled them np. Keeping. up the pressure, Webb got possession, and sent to Fisher, to Weston, to Ifwerson, who. with a great burst beat beat Erven, and scored. Auckland 6 Whsngarel ..^. o

Auckland ■were scon back, and some fast ■work was witnessed, play travelling up and down tlie field, Auckland eventually forcing, as the result of a. long kick. At this stage Massey retired, 'Woods taking his place. Whangarei again attacked, and Beamish had a pot at goal from a free kick, which went wide, the bell ringing lor half ■time with the score unaltered.

The exchange of kicks ended past Auckland's 25, Auckland being first to get going, a free kick pulling Them up. For came time play liuug about the centre, the pace being a bit slower than In the first half. After a lot of loose play, Auckland attacked, but the passing was faulty, and WutchoTn intercepting a tpass, removed the danger, and sent the leather to the centre. Jlnother spell of even exchanges, then Auckland attached, a mark giving the visitors relief, Hlnes potting at goal from the kick out, and "Whnngarel forced. Auckland returned to the attack from the kick-off, but their passing was faulty, and several good chances were lost. Keeping up the pressure, Ifwerson made a fine opening, and then passed infield to Lonergan, -who got over, but was called back for a tnrow forward. Auckland were not to be denied, 2nd Jfwerson with a short dash scored. His kick failed. Auckland . l> Whangarei 0 Auckland were beating their opponents badly, their next score coming immediately after, Fisher scoring after a dodgy run. Lonergan converted. Auckland ..-.- 14 Whangarei ~. 0 Whangarei rushed down the kick-off. Auckland got relief in a force. The effort was a short-lived one, for Auckland were back again, and Rasmussen came through with a fine dribble, and beat Ewen, and Ifwerson, picking up, got over. His kick failed. Auckland 17 Whangarei 0 Tie locals were having much fhe best of It, and were continually attacking and cross-centring. Fisher pick up and scored his third try. Lonergan converted. Auckland 22 Whausarel 0 Auckland pressed hard from the kick-oil, and a pretty passing run ended at Whangarel's Hue, the visitors shortly after be ing forced. Whangarei made a final rally. Storey making a nice run, but Auckland relieved, and the bell rang with, the scores as above.

PUBLIC SCHOOL FOOTBALL (Finals).

Devonport defeated Pitt-street by 6 to 3. For Devonport, Dacre scored a try and Perritt kicked a penalty goal. For Pittstreet, Devauey scored a tiy. Normal defeated Graftpn by 13 to nil. Tries were- scored by White (3), two of which. Tugby converted. Napier-street drew with Bayfield, with S points each. For Nnpier-street, Nicholson scored a try, while "SVhlttney scored a try for Bayiield. Newtpii East won from Ponsonby, by default. Devonport have now won the A grade; Normal the B grade; and Ellerslle the C grade. TERRITORIAL UNION. No. 3 Co. Engineers (6) defeated No. 2 G.A.V. (0). Tries for Engineers were scored by Lee and- A. Elliott. OUTSIDE MATCHES.

THAMES CATHOLIC CLUB V. AUCKLAND MAKIST BROTHERS.

The Auckland Marjst Brothers' Old Boys' team defeated the Thames Catholic Club by 32 points to 9. Tries were obtained for the winners by Delany (2), J. Harris, T. Harris, Hayes, B. O'Brien, Nolan, and W. Little, four being converted by Delany, Dervan, J. O"Brien, and W. Little. For Thames tries were scored by Corbett Brownlee, and McClenr. Mr. P. McKamee was referee.