THE LEAGUE GAME.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 108, 10 May 1927, Page 14

THE LEAGUE GAME.

OPENING CLUB CONTESTS.

CITY MAKE A GOOD START.

DEVOXPORT'S DESPERATE EFFORT

Metaphorically, Devonport went down to City with their flag flying, after one of the most desperate games that has been seen on an Auckland ground. It was a battle of styles, a deadly duel between two teams which set out to force the pace, and maintain it to the end. Right up to the last moment the issue was in doubt, the climax being an intensive attack • launched by Shore which City, although pressed extremely hard, managed to frustrate. The game did not produce the most spectacular features of the code, as the team-work of the respective sets of backs was not up to concert pitch—perhaps that was too much to expect in an opening game for most of the players engaged—while relentless, hard tackling played havoc with good intent to proceed by the progressive-pass 1 method.

The brilliance of the City backs in attacking work is acknowledged; therefore Shore made' a concentrated effort from the outset to reduce lustre to the common place. Playing magnificent foot ball in the open, Shore dominated the play in the early stages with sheer pace and mobility, and they forced a defensive role upon their opponents. Nor was it a pointless offensive, as the eeasidera broke through to establish a double figure lead. Although outclassed at this .stage, the City rather unknown quantity—were fighting hard to stem the Shore flood tide of success, and when they held the Shore sp<. "head even temporarily the City backs a>. once took up the running, and the collective pace I began to make itself felt. City made a big recovery before the end of the first half of the play came, and the scores were level with sixteen points. In the second half City added two tries (one converted), while Shore's share was an unconverted try. The goal shot was missed, although both the goal and the shooting season were open, so on the full run of the play a single try virtually settled the issue. Right through the game forward play was relatively superior to back play, although when the backs got a chance to operate .there was . more scoring facility amongst the red and blacks.

L. Brown revealed exceptional pace in the City three-quarter line, and stood out as the greatest scoring player in the game. Wetherill played stylishly and attractively, made nice openings and tackled fearlessly, although he overdid the exploiting kick, the result generally being that he generally gave possession to his opponents. Perry, a Rugby recruit who partnered him in the intermediate , line, made a successful debut with bril-

liance in attack, his one noticeable fault being a tendency to go too far by himself, a quite unnecessary proceeding with a top-notch threequarter line following him. When he learns team work and the requirements of the backs he is now associated with, he should be one of the heft inside backs in the code. Davidson played nicely in a subdued light, although he has not yet reached his plane of last season. The others amongst the City backs played up to club standard. The City pack played evenly and well throughout. It was a well balanced sextet, and removed any misgivings that the club supporters had. Hadley, back in the League fold after sampling the sister code, was prominent in the open play. Amongst the Shore forwards O'Brien stood out for wonderful allround play, but splendid support came from the others, St. George

ranking with a larger share of success than his vis-a-vis. En passant it might be added that the scrum work left something to be desired, and if referees are prepared to tolerate the present tricky little ways when the packs go down, half backs will have to ponder over the subject of getting the ball in. Collectively the Shore backs did not impress. There was not sufficient penetrative skill on the part of the inside men to force a passage, at times the handling .was faulty, and passes were recklessly given. Thus the wing threequarters had a lean time. This was a pity, as Scott was in brilliant form, and Beattie, on the other wing, grasped every chance that came his way. There were some who cavilled at Webb's selection in the New Zealand team. He has returned a greatly improved player. At fullback he played a magnificent game, a display that was marked by flawless handling, resolute tackling, and judgment that was never at fault.