HARD FOUGHT ALL THE WAY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 132, 6 June 1932, Page 13

HARD FOUGHT ALL THE WAY.

Even when the final hell had runs the issue in the Newton-Marist match was in doubt. Newton were three points down, but they were in possession, and backs and forwards alike tried to sweep the Held from end to end. The play veered to the sideline, and when it swung across, with Newton driving desperately ahead, Marist tackled man for man in a frenzied way. The final effort and the final tackle took place a yard from the line. It was the end of n wonderful effort to pull the match out of the fire, a sustained endeavour that aroused the spectators to great excitement. As a match it did not reach the greatest of heights in that the rhythm of the play often faltered, but it was high speed all the way, with occasional brilliant Utile interludes of concerted play, while the final and long-drawn phase of the game was hectic, incessant attack being met by gallant defence. Both teams resorted to swift covering defensive methods when their opponents were in possession, and for that reason it was difficult for either back division to play to (heir wings. This year Newton are a very niueli Improved combination, all for the reason that they have started team-building on the surest of foundations—the blending together of a sido in which golden youth predominates. And on the full run of the play the teams were remarkably even. Up to one stage it appeared that Marist, with power and weight, would get a comfortable lead, but when, urged on by the crowd. Newton took a new lease of life and played With dash and abandon, Marist had to light their hardest to keep their line intact. The real honours of the match went to the forwards. In Hall, Kirknp and St. George, Newton had a great trio, with Hall a master of the code's finer points and a great exponent of positional play. Brimble was the best of their inside backs, taking all sorts of passes and handing the ball on unselfishly. With the exception of i'orteous, who played a fine game behind Ihe scrum, the other Newton inside backs found it too hard to break through, nnd thus the opportunities for (.'rooks and Patterson on the wings were limited, although both showed splendid dash in attack. Dempscy played soundly at full-back, but lie was overshadowed on the day by Campbell, the Marist custodian giving a faultless exhibition, cool and collected always, fielding with certainty, and kicking with fine length and direction. Marist missed Brisbane and his strategic play, but Dunne coloured the picture on occasions, and Hassan, tip to the time he was injured, did all that a good serum half could do. I..ist ran stronglv in the .centre, but would probahlv do better on the wing, while Median was'decidedly impressive when there were anv scoring chances offering. Clarke was the best Marist forward in tho loose, although good games came from Iveson, Thompson and Johnson.