B SECTION GAMES.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 209, 4 September 1928, Page 13

B SECTION GAMES.

ATHLETICS UNBEATEN RECORD. MANGERE BEAT OTAHUHU. The final game in the second round of the B section was played on Saturday, when Athletic won the grade honours with an unbeaten record. The winners have had a lot of luck throughout the season, but their team work has been a big above the average, and keenness has played a big part in their success. Several seasons ago Athletic held a prominent place in League circles, and prior to the departure of the New Zealand team to England in 1926, the blue and golds could boast five Dominion representatives. When Avery, Dufty, Mason, Wilson-Hall and Te Whata either gave up the game or eought transfers elsewhere, it was a hard blow, and eventua ly Athletic had to be content with playing in the B section. However, their turn may come again, as there are some keen supporters and players willing to assist the club during its lean seasons. On Saturday at Victoria Park Athletic got a mild surprise from Northcote, and the champions were lucky to win by hine points to five. In fact, it was Athletie's worst performance this season, and the game was ragged throughout. The blues failed repeatedly to open up the play, and at no stage were they superior to Northcote. Lucas made a big mistake in winning the toss and kicking against a strong wind. His action is hard to understand. It would have made matters easy to get whatever advantage was offering in the first spell. Without Longville, Athletic would have been beaten. He played a brilliant game, and his try was the gem of the match. One of Longville's runs completely beat the Northcote team, and he should have scored. Haydon played well on the wing, and shows promise of making good. Paltridge was a failure at half-back. E. Brown had to retire with an injury to his knee, and it was apparent that the full-back's absence made a difference to Athletic. Gork was Athletic's best forward, and scored his usual try. May, for Northcote, played a great game, being the best back on the ground. His try between the posts was the result of individual brilliancy. E. Eobertson played soundly at full-back. His fielding and kicking were excellent. W. Robertson was clever on attack, besides, doing good work behind the scrum. The vanguard gave Athletic a good fight, and all played well. It was a surprise to see Kingsland default to Parnell, only eight of the maroons putting in an appearance at the Domain. Whatever may be the cause of Kingsland'? default, it can be expected that they will field a thirteen hard to beat in the knock-out competition which commences next Saturday. Mangere proved too good for Otahuhu in a fast, open game, played ■at the Domain. The Maoris threw the ball about in great style, and were often dangerous. Otahuhu put up a good showing, and there was little to choose between the two teams. Mangere were better able to finish off the play of the five-eighths who made several nice openings. On their day, Mangere are hard to beat, and they may beat each team in the knock-out competition. Wilson played a fine game for the winners, as did Lipscombe, who was hard to stop.