MANUKAU AND GRAFTON DRAW.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 178, 31 July 1933, Page 13

MANUKAU AND GRAFTON DRAW.

In a well-fought, even game Grafton caught up with Manukaii in the final stages and. made it a draw at 17 points all; There was very little between the two teams. Roth gave a bright display, which was, however, marred by a lot of wild passing and faulty handling. Tlie Grafton pack held a slight advantage, but there was not much difference- until the lust <|uarler of .an hour, when the black and whites commenced to take charge s of the game. After trailing Manukau for most of the game they made up the leeway with dashing play, and looked like winning. Howeve.', the referee's whistle blew six or seven minutes earlier than most of the spectators apticiuatcd. much to the disgust of Grafton supporters, who were becoming confident of a last-minute victory. Though less solid in tlie pack, the country team gave a tine exhibition, playing with rare dash from start to finish.. Hadficld was in his best mood, and'fed his backs well, besides kicking judiciously and making several snappy runs. Brimble was always conspicuous. Berridge was brilliant on occasion, and Heazlewood played up to his reputation. The <Trop-kick with which be placed his side in the lead was ope of the best efforts seen at Eden Park for some time, as he took his kick from about 10 yards from the half-way mark. Spectators gasped when they noted the audacity of the effort, and supporters of both sides cheered at its superb climax. This great performance was. if anything, excelled by the (irafton custodian, for Tat.on kicked three penalty goals, and converted a try. ■ An excellent record for a windy day. The last goal which equalised the two teams' scores was kicked from an acute angle, the ball being placed close to the sideline. Ciirrio scored two tries for Grafton. For Manukau Johnson, Wiklund and HadlieM scored tries, and Rerridge potted a goal. Mr. C. F. Fowler was referee.