RICHMOND ASSERTIVE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 178, 31 July 1933, Page 12

RICHMOND ASSERTIVE.

On the run of the play Richmond" Unci (no nuinv guns I'm- Newton. The match revealed 'the wonderfully improved calibre of forwards developed in Auckland recently. The Richmond pack worked with better collaboration at the start and soon found a weakness in the opposing inside back line. Though the Rangers were faced with a 21-polnt defcit by half-time, they soon demonstrated that the position was not hopeless. Then spectators were regaled with ii period »t inspirational play, whieh opened when the first penalty goal was registered by Newton, who threw the ball about with a delightful abandon back and forward in a series of flashing attacks from all quarters of the field. :<'or a time the Rovers were rather nonplussed, but were steadied bv the defensive and initiative of Prentice and Coefce. Newton's last dash culminated in Bright sending the newcomer, Sellars (Kaipara) across for a very dashing and determinedly sained try at the corner; but this proved to be the Rangers' final effective thrust, for Richmond added a couple of tries as if to emphasise their mettle. Generally speaking it will bo conceded that Richmond were the better team on the day, lor their forward spearhead was resourceful in hooking the ha'l and breaking out into fast Hashing forays, keenly supported at the rear In tho tight work and serums, Newlon had a definite say, hut: not the driving power to sustain advantages gained. I lie fact is that Porteous, who received a serious hip injury during the week, was not lit to take his place behind the scrum. 119 was not a shadow of his usual thrustfulness and versatility, and, after the matcti, was sent to hospital with his disability accentuated. He was slow in getting the ball awav. and this tended to make Bnmblo run erosslield. Pope, who sometimes was mishandling shockingly, tried in vain to straighten up the attacks and, in com. - onence neither of the wingers, Stephens and Sellars was well served. However, this pair, together with Bright at centre, responded well in the second stanza and showed that thev are valuable acquisitions to the club. Stephens and Bright are Papakura boys. With a little more experience, the former will go far in the game. Sellars. who belongs to a well-known Helensville family, is the player who last vrar starred at Bdcn Park in the North Auckland team which defeated Auckland. He made a creditable debut, but gave the impression that he would have been moro dangerous nearer the serum. His try was a gem Dempscy, under severe test, more than measured up with his vis-a-vis, Mfc Outstanding of the pack were Nathan, Ball and Blaeklaws. The last-mentioned, tall, powerful and untiring, gave a fine performance He is the type of Armbruster, the Queensland and Australian player, now in England, with Rochdale. Satherley and I awless were splendid forwards for Richmond'in a solid sextet. Powell was nippy behind the serum. Prentice played brilliantly being (lie best back on the ground. He was splendidly supported by CooKe. Young was erratic at the start, but settled down to good play. The wingers, Marshall and Abbott, answered all calls. Mansts will have to be at their very best to deal with the Rovers.