BETTER COMBINATION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 202, 27 August 1934, Page 13

BETTER COMBINATION.

By the splendid work of a dashing pack supported by a clever and elusive set of backs, Manukau triumphed convincingly over University in the big match of. the day at Eden Park. It was a patchwork game, which occasionally took on a brilliant hue. Periodically there were glorious loose rushes by the Manukau forwards, with a rare flash of individualism by the two Manukau five-eighths, Brimble and Poulton. Throughout the match the Manukau men displayed fine combination and a better understanding of each other's play, and it was this £nish that led thorn on to victory. Outstanding among the backs once again was Poulton, whose bewildering side-step, speed off the mark and straight running was always a danger to University. Brimble, too, played up to his best form, collaborating cleverly and giving a service that was at all times dependable. Behind tne pact Hatfield sent out long and accurate passes and his covering defence was invaluable. It was Manukau's day all the way. Their forwards, inspired by the dashing work of Pearce and Pepper and given ceaseless support by Kerebpa and Trott harried the University defence, and for the greater part of the second spell hammered away at the line. Some of their loose rushes, when the ball passed from one to the other in faultless fashion, kept the spectators cheering excitedly. There was much ime dribbling work. For University, it was an uphill fight all the way, but they were always gallant. Their forwards started encouragingly, with McVeigh, Sherwood and Boswell in the lead, but they were gradually overpowered, and although their resistance was stubborn their assertion was only spasmodic. It was among the backs that University were a disorganised side. Here combination and understanding were alike lacking. They sadly missed the brilliant penetrative runs of Mulvihill and the cool scheming of Caughey. Seven weeks ago Mulviliiil injured a muscle above the knee, and on medical advice, he will not play again this season.