LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 246, 18 October 1927, Page 14

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

SOUTH AUCKLAND'S SUCCESS.

DEFEAT OF CITY REPS.

A MERITORIOUS VICTORY.

History has repeated itself. In the 1923 season when the South Auckland representatives came to Auckland to play the elect of the city for possession of the Northern Union Cup, the prospects of the country players were so lightly rated that after the match, which resulted in a South Auckland victory, a car had to be despatched to gather the trophy, in order that the new holders might take it home with them. Similarly the average League follower was not prepared on Saturday to see Auckland once more lose possession of the emblem of League supremacy, at least, not until the game had been going for about minutes. Not only did the Waikato mtfj win a clean-cut victory, but they played all the way through like men with a mission, and the scoring of one try was only an incentive to strive for more.

Without in any way disparaging the South Auckland achievement, it can be stated as a matter of cold fact that the display of the Auckland representatives was very disappointing, and they were a disillusioned side long before the end of the game came. Forward a great weakness was revealed. The team started under the handicap that there was no regular hooker on a job, a somewhat remarkable fact seeing that there have been thirteen senior teams operating during the season. Again, when Payne was injured, there was no forward to replace him. It led to the advent of Seagar. at five-eighth, a player who undoubtedly did his best, but was unsuitable for the position. Failure to get the ball from the set scrums at will placed the Auckland backs at a disadvantage. When in possession they threw it about freely, but faulty play, bad passes and dropped passes were always in evidence, and the lack of finish told the tale when aggregate points for the day were assessed. The South Aucklanders had easily the best pack, and their work was dashing and effective right through. As individuals, their backs also played well; had there been real combination in attack they must have won by a wider margin.

During the game the South Aucklanders chopped their back formation about, Whorsky and Raynor both appearing at both fullback and in the three-quarter line, and Graham and Smith as halfbacks, the latter coming on to replace the former. The outstanding player was McDonald in the five eighth line, who played for the city club a few seasons ago. He made some wonderful openings for his backs, yet some of his passing was weak. S. Miki was impressive at wing three-quarter, running with fine resolution, and on at least one occasion displaying a knowledge of the dummy pass which left his opponents lamenting. In the centre Everest played well, and in getting one spectacular try showed plenty of pace. Timms was the outstanding South forward, and for that matter was the best forward lin the game. Jackways, Farrell and ! Stephenson were always prominent.

Of the Auckland backs Wetherill and List were the only two who were really impressive. Crewther, who got a game in the five-eighths line in consequence of Gregory's absence, failed to come up to expectations, and his inability to team with the others seemed to have an upsetting effect. On the wings Wilson and Hardgrave played brightly in attack, but Dufty at fullback was patchy.

There was a suspicion of staleness about the Auckland play, and on the day there were no stars.

Schoolboys' Match. In the primary school match between the Ngaruawahia and Onehunga Convent representatives, a good exposition of the code was given. The latter won by six points to three, but on the day there was little between two well balanced teams. The best players for Ngaruawahia were Tittleton and the Mcßurnie brothers, W. Mcßurnie getting an excellent try. For Onehunga Convent Tonquist and Wiberg were the outstanding players, both getting a try. The standard of the play in the primary schools of the South Auckland district is improving, visits from Auckland schools having had a good effect. There will be an additional number of Auckland primary schools playing next season, when it is proposed to have a weight limit.