RAGGED RUGBY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 190, 13 August 1934, Page 15

RAGGED RUGBY.

WIN. AUCKLAND LACKS WEIGHT. A GLIMPSE OF BRILLIANCE. Once again an :old >Rugby axiom—that a team can-rarely give'a stone all round to the opposition" and win—was forcibly proved when Auckland were decisively beaten -by North Auckland in the annual fixture at.Eden Park on Saturday afternoon. For the fourth time in five years victory has gone -to North Auckland, this time by 17 points to 6. About 7000 watched the match. Overshadowed by heavier forwards, who were allowed a good deal of latitude, the Auckland forwards gradually faded until they were at the mercy of the Northlanders. They did not have the weight; they could not win the ball. Added to their disadvantage in the first essential, weight, Auckland were further hampered by the fact that the pack carried one or two passengers. Hardie, of whom good things were expected, disappointed his admirers by a most half-hearted exhibition, while Pearce, who has earned the name of the "Headlock King," lived up to his name.' On the other hand, a trio of fihe battlers who did "much praiseworthy work were Finlaysbn, who captained Auckland, Bush, playing for the first time as a representative forward, and the youthful Locklngton. One of the many things that impressed during the game was the remarkable difference that three forwards of class make to the Auckland pack. With fine forwards like McLean, Knight and Hadley in the pack, it might have been a different story. Occasionally there was a rare flash of brilliance by Auckland that was encouraging, but it was not sustained, and for the greater part of the game Auckland looked and played like an inferior side. Hedge, the young Otahuhu first five-eighth, did several clever things and showed speed oil the mark and elusiveness that was refreshing. Even if his passes were erratic at times, which they were, he is one of the very few five-eighths in Auckland who show any real promise. Last year he played . third grade. Glimpses of Ability. Once or twice during the game the Aucklanders revealed the coaching and the tactics of Mr. V. R. Meredith. When Hedge carved a way through in lightning style, the forwards had raced into planned position waiting for the pass from the five-eighths. On that occasion, a knock-on when the second forward took his pass stopped a try. Again, a minute later, came one of those dazzling movements that delight the heart of the Rugby follower. From a scrum near half-way, the ball travelled along the line of backs to Hammon, on the wing, and with a brilliant swerve, he beat his man. The defence raced hard across to cover up, but Hammon sent an infield pass to Pearson. When the centre's way was blocked, he returned the ball on the open side to Hammon. who sent it in again to Murdoch, for the five-eighth to crown a brilliant piece of passing and inter-passing with a try. The Northlanders were a virile lot, their forwards holding sway for the greater part of the game. Among them were three fine forwards in McDonald. McCracken and Fitzgibbon, and these three were given fine but sometimes offside support by Cooper. Two fast wings in Davis and Franieh were fielded by the Northerners, but they had to make their own play, for the men inside them were, in attack, at sixes and sevens. Lawrie, the five-eighth, Was by far the soundest of the North Auckland backs, always a danger with a neat cut-in when near the line.