SENIOR B TEAMS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 102, 3 May 1927, Page 14

SENIOR B TEAMS.

NEW TEAMS SHAPE WELL. ELLERSLIE HARD PRESSED. The features of the Senior B matches on Saturday was the good showing made by the new teams. City had a comfortable win over University T, Technical Old Boys used their speed in getting a 15-point margin over Tramwyas, who appeared to be short of training, Otahuhu pressed Ellerslie close, and Takapuna made a creditable showing against Marist B. Manukau's combination triumphed over Newton's superior weight. On the first day's showing, it looks as if there will be some excellent competition in this division. Suburbs have yet to show their strength, but it is estimated that they are well up to last year's strength, and : the outlying Icoal centres should see some good football as the season profresses.

Tramways showed good form in the opening stages of the first quarter, but after a short spell of close play it was clear that Technical held the upper hand. The game was fast and open throughout, and some fine passing rushes by the Technical backs at times gave the impression of representative football. The score at half-time was Techinal 10, Tramways 3. After the interval Techinal displayed top r form, and had their opponents, who. were evidently suffering from lack of training, defending their line almost throughout the spell. The Newton team is a very heavy one, but lack of combination spoilt many good chances to score, a fact of which! Manukau took full advantage on Satur-1 dayy Tkeir forwardt held their own in'

the tight work and played very well. The following gave some good glimpses of form:—Callaghan, Simmonds, Jenkins, McElwain, Griffiths, and Sullivan. Superiority among the backs gave City a comfortable win in their game against University B, which has a solid, hardworking pack, but lacked combination in the rearguard. Jacob, from the King Country, proved a rare find, being a fullback whose display was worthy of the

top grade. It had to be, for in this position he displaced J. Mnasell who played some excellent full-back games in the League code last year. Jacob is a custodian who is expected to receive consideration for rep. honours ere the season is over.

The Manukau team has altered much from last season. Lipscombe, Laird andPert, all third-graders last year, have been promoted, while Kahu, a King Country rep, who tips the beam at 17J stone, locks the scrum. Rata and Te Paa, both Northern Wairoa reps., have filled the vacancies in the backs.

The forwards are very light but fast and nippy. Housham (their captain), Brimble and Slatherley were the pick. Their backs were brilliant and their inpassing was a treat to watch. Amouhanga, at full, was brilliant, and Albon, Rata, Te Paa and Pert showed up in some fine handling bouts. Next Saturday Manukau plays City, the new Rugby team, and on appearances a great game should result. The Portites are very confident, and judging by their practices at their training shed they will put up a great fight for championsip honours of the B. section. After a hard, even game on their home ground Ellerslie defeated Otahuliu by 3 points to nil. During the first half Otahuhu had Ellerslie on the defence, but failed to score. On resuming, the home team improved, and from a nice dribbling rush Panaha scored a try, which Cohen failed to convert.

Of the home backs Cohen played well at fullback, Green and Richards being best of the others. King, Short and Bevin were the best forwards. Arnold, Todd and Williams, in the forwards, and Roberts and Muir (backs) plaved well for Otahuhu.