IN THE LAST MINUTE.

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

IN THE LAST MINUTE.

Training College beat College Kiflcs on J>o. 2 ground on Saturday by one point in « V 7 sco ™d literally in the last minute or tho game; and that was just about the tenor of the game. In the first half honours and points both went to the dark blues. In the second spell Training College won the game for themselves. For a start lufios had a comfortable load, and looked as though they were home and dry; but the blue and whites came to light iu spectacular fashion.

Ihere was little between the teams; but Training College won because they threw the ball about more. In the great majority or their tries many men handled. Iu the last and winning try lour did, and they were backs and forwards combined. When they realised that they were getting beaten they threw the ball about more, and the change in tactics spelt victory. There was always someone to back up, whether a back or a forward. In fact the backing-up was the best part of their play. Without it they could never have won. The way in which their pack, that gave away a good deal of weight to the opposition, fought for and won their share of the ball bespoke grim determination and absolute physical fitness. The pace grew very fast in the dying stages ot the game, and Kitles faded a little. Dare was the most reliablo blue and white backs, with Townsend erratically clover. Ho did some great things and gave • shocking passes. The wings are not fast enough. Skipper Pountuey and Gunn were the best of.the pack, though every man gave it all he had.

Rifles did not play with their usual devil. There was something lacking, perhaps training. Their forwards should never have lost sight of the ball: their backs were a better combination, and both wings infinitely faster; but no, it was not to be. Frankham's try was the best of the day, though it was a two-man effort, his and S. Kirk's. He cut through beautifully, and dived under the posts—a piece of good football. Frankham is producing fine form this year. McCormick did quite well, too. Turgia, Bell and Hurt were the best of the pack.