MATCH IN REVIEW.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 208, 3 September 1934, Page 14

MATCH IN REVIEW.

HOW NORTH RECOVERED Memories of some great North-South struggles were revived when the teams took the field, and it was apparent • that the South elect were not,as rugged-look-ing as some predecessors, this being more noticeable regarding the forwards, although they were a fairly even and solid lot.Taken as a whole the game was a thrilling spectacle, and, up to half-time, the visitors threatened to prove the surprise of the year—a repetition of the Southern win Of 1929 and that wonderfully telling drawn battle of the following season, when breakaway Eckhoff (Otago), combined with the Canterbury man, E. T. Spillane (now in England), to smash the North Island attack. The whites played likei champions in the first half on Saturday,! and the speed of the contest was such as] to make spectators question whether sueh| long and fast rallies of resourceful and clever play could be maintained, with the 1 visitors holding quite a shade of advantage through their monopoly of the scrums. Apparently matters were seriously considered at the interval by North, and it «*as soon observed that Hutt had taken aver hooking • duty vice Q'Callaghan. pirectly the blacks commenced to get a iair share of the ball a change came over %e trend'of play, and the North "inside ~:>?. j -■;;■} r ■■. '.

backs broke into brilliant passing bouts. For a short time the South defence held them out, but with Prentice and Cooke varying their methods, and Walter Tittleton taking up the running as becomes a thrustful centre, the South resistance was gradually overtaxed, although the match was still being waged with surprising pace. When Cooke obtained his classic try and enabled Smith to land the goal equalising the points—l 3 all —the whites again delighted the crowd by some glorious rearguard moves that had the homo side seriously troubled foir twelve minutes. Two of the turns deserved every reward. The efforts petered out and the real form, power and speed of the Northerners became manifest. They asserted definite mastery, and, in spite of a stubborn defence, always capable of striking back, as the South's final try of the match denoted, there was no doubt about the merits of the North success. It may be said that the South Island team revealed more football ability than many Southern combinations of the past, and this is a very important aspect. As fast and hard as the game was, there were practically no casualties, and it says much for the teams and the code at large, that such an important fixture was so remarkably free from a blemish of rough play, particularly when so many of the players were making an initial appearance. . . . Condition and scrum success were the deciding factors of a match that will be long remembered for its thrills and general brilliance. The Northerners were able more to capitalise the backs rising to the occasion in grand 6tyle. Hunt (Taranaki) justified his inclusion as full-back, revealing a sound positional knowledge and a capacity to run his backs into action, several tries resulting from his work. McKenzie (Inangahua) was completely overshadowed, and is hardly up to inter-island standard. Yet, he did some very clever and heady things, twice saving his side from certain tries and on another occasion showing astuteness on defence, but he is not a good tvpe for his position. The North threequarters, with W. Tittleton, the star, in the middle played well, though more was expected of G. Tittleton (South Auckland). The left winger, R. E. Smith, is the makings of a good player, but will i require to improve his tackling. A fine type of three-quarter is Morris (luangahua), who has vastly improved since he was here last season with the West Coast team which returned South with the Northern Union Cup. Strong, and with an elusive, dashing style of running, he should develop into a winger the calibre of the famous All Black Jack Steele, of the Coast. Ayres, at centre, was not unduly impressive, and his defence was below par iu the second half. The play did not go much the way of Wellsmore, the Canterbury winger, but he gave several indications of exceptional pace. However, allowance has to bo made for the youth of these players. J. E. Amos, at second five-eighth, played a towering game right up to reputation, and showed that he is one who benefited by the 1930 tour to Australia. Some of the moves he worked were most intriguing, and, no doubt, with better support, the result might have been more effective. P. Scott, the Inangahua first five-eighth, was another who showed undoubted skill, and in the first half he co-operated most creditably with O'Connor, the half-bacn, who, whilst well worth his place in firstclass company, disclosed a tendency to go on the blind side too much. Powell was great behind the Northern pack, and right from the opening of the game he made'-repeated gaps in the opposing lines, and on occasion .ran a trifle too far before parting with the ball.. Prentice and Cooke, becoming clubmates, went like clockwork, and Tittleton, although he yet has something to learn, appreciated the chances made for him to show his worth. Gly nn (West Coast) was the outstanding Southern forward. He was always in the thick of the fray, and his speed enabled him to give fine support to his colleagues and the backs. He was up to score two good tries. Hamberger (C.) and M. Smith (C.),.R. Ward (C.) and Gray Scott (West Coast) were other willing stalwarts in the ruck. The last-mentioned appeared,; however," a little short of "the form" he disclosed in Auckland "last year. Wehrner did not lit into the picture too well, and, though fast, is hardly furnished enough or sufficiently robust for a South Island forward set. The white vanguard played well together to a man, Satherley being outstanding, while Hutt, Timms, and Clarke were keen in the rucks. The Taranaki man McLeod did not shine as last man ; down, but did his part well in other directions. ' The other newcomer, O'Callaghan, of Northland, did not justify inclusion as a hooker. Nevertheless, he used his weight well and revealed a readiness to handle the ball well in the loose. In dribbling the ball, with control, the Southerners showed more skill than their opponents.. The Otago forward Ginders was not called upon. He looks a likely sort of player. The Southern leagues should give more attention to the j types of players for all positions.in their teams, having; regard to the general distinction between forwards and backs. The teams were the guests of the Auckland League ladies' committee at a very successful dance social at the Carlton Cabaret on Saturday, evening. The South Island team and members of the North Island team left yesterday.

PHELAN SHIELD.

An uninteresting game in which the pace off the Newton rearguard-was too much for the Devonport side resulted in a win for. Newton by 11 points to 8. Faulty handling by both sides ruined what appeared likely to provide an excellent curtain-raiser. Shore, failed to reveal anything like tßeir true, form, and did not look likely winners at any stage. Cameron ; scored three brilliant tries for the winners, and Blacklaws verted one. • Shore's tries were added by Hunt and Millar, while Laing converted one. • A hard forward tussle, In which department the teams were equal, marked the match between Ponsonby and City, won by the-former by 13 to 12.. The .game was keenly 'Contested right- through, -with- Ponsonby holding a slight territorial advantage. Kay, Kecsing and Sherer scored for. Ponsonby, while Jones. kicked two goals. City's points were added by Johnson and Saunders, while Wiberg kicked three goals.

GAMES IN THE SOUTH.

CHRISTCHTJRCH. Hornby 25, heat Linwood 8. Addington 20, beat Sydenham 5. Ruru 38, beat Brighton 3. DUNEDIN. Christian Brothers 21, beat City 11.. Pacific 11, beat Athletic o. Christian Brothers again won the Maxwell Cup.