NORTHERN UNION.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 208, 2 September 1919, Page 9

NORTHERN UNION.

The Australians will be up here well before .Saturday. Some of them >are due to come with the Auckland quota of the Xew Zealand boys itihait Mr. A. E. Powell, one of the" managers, is bringing back, but it is doubtful whether Mr. Movie, the other manager, will be coming. Three Southerners, S. Trud-o-eun and J. Scott (Wellington), forwards, and G. Bradley, the Wellington back, are coming up for a game in the third test cniateh on the Domain on Saturday. Apart from these three, the third New Zealand team will include mostly Aueklanders, and it will be stronger if anything than the thirteen* wbich have met ifihe Aussies down South. While it is generally conceded that the visitors were not playing up to the standard that has made them so famous, it came as a surprise to a multitude of enthusiasts here to find that New Zealand had beaten them after their decisive win in Wellington, but in a private letter Mr. Powell pointed out a handicap the Dominionites were under for half the Wellington game, because both I-ang and Neal. the two halves, were injured. The enthusiast from the Shore was confident of a win at Christehurch, given fair s/haTe of luck, and he got it. The win and the loss makes it more or less of an even chance what will happen in tlie game here next Saturday, but the Aussie bavks appear to be a fine, fast set. and given good conditions and good form, this third test should be a battle between giants, wi*h public opinion just a little in favour of the Australians, as must be confessed.

After the third test there will be a fourth on the following -Saturday, and after that the match Australia v. Auckland. Opinion is divided as to how that will go. but many League followers con--an Auckland team will have a greater chance than a Xew Zealand one. They sire about half right. An Auckland team will bare as good a chance, but not a better one. None of *jie Southern members of the New Zealand team are poor players. Tho man notified to keep in tTaining for next jgamc, besides those already away, axe

McGregor, W. and G. Davidson, B. Laing, Walsh, Stewart, Cloke, Lowry, Haddon, Avery, Mitchell, Somers, and Rukutai.

The joint entertainment committee of the New Zealand and Auckland Leagues has announced that a civic reception iwill be given the Australians on Saburday by the Deputy-Mayor and City Councillors.

Walters played a very fine forward game at Christehurch on Saturday, and his four trias are -probably a record for a forward in intercolonial League. He is playing at the top of his form now, and in Australia was considered the: finest of tlie New Zealand pack. Ifwer-j sen was as brilfiant 'as usual, and Brad-1 ley and Ilea were both well up. lies/ tho Newton three-quarter, was on the wing opposed to Horder, the Australian flier, and his work seems to have been especially good. The tackling of the New Zealanders has been commented upon. THE ROOSTER, The dismal weather on Saturday made the Roope Rooster final a poor eiiarity match, but the game itself was weil worth watching. Both Newton, tlie winners, and Maritime played splendid football under tihe •circumstances, though Newton put up the better showing, and their win by eight points to five was justified. In particular they shone over the men from the waterfront in the handwork of their backs. Towards the end of the gaane they made very few mistakes with the slippery, greasy ball. Maneall, the full, was distinctly clever, and he had luck with him too. Cloke made a good showing, and Condon, Lovett, and the two Keenans nearly as bright. Newton has a fine pack of forwards, witfli Sontens-, Bass, Newdick, Ivil, and the two James a little behind them. Bass distinguished himself by his grand tackling. On the Maritime 6ide Sutton, at full, was very often in difficulties. Neither his band, foot, nor headwork was always tound, and often he put his side into deep waters with his line-kicking. But it must be admitted that conditions were vile and sadly against him. Robinson toiled to better effect, but Delaney, drey, A. Sutton, and Lunn were the best of tlie backs, and Cargill easily tho pick of tlie pack. ASSOCIATION. The challenge match .between teams representing Kohimarama and St. Heller's Bay, took place on Saturday at the Recreation Reserve, St. llelier's Bay, and resulted in a win for the latter by G goals to 2. Despite the weather conditions the ground was in fair order and .soane good .play was witnessed. ,1. Diamond, for St. llelier's, played a fine game, scoring some pretty goals. Will McLaren, for Kohimarama placed well scored both the goals for his side. Another match is to be played at an early d"te.