AUCKLAND TOO GOOD.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 183, 5 August 1935, Page 12

AUCKLAND TOO GOOD.

Although sorely nonplussed by the speed and dexterity of the Auckland combination in the dying stages, the Taranaki representatives made a brave showing in the featured game of the day and tor almost hrre-quaners of the match kept the home side bUBJ'. Lack of experience and lin< sbe at the business end and the tact that they were not as lit as they required to be to keep up witli the pace of play at <-arlaw 1-arK, told its tale in the end, however and the visitors were overwhelmed by .Si points to 11 Tara.iaUi, true to tradition, fielded a. set of forwards which was the equal of the Auckland sextet, with the exception tb-it they did not possess the same appreciation of team work as the latter and rarely indulged in the passing bouts initiated among the backs. In every other department they gave as niucn as they rVielved battling bard in tight and loose, winning a good%bare of the ball in he scrums: dribbling with artistry and l>rebbing home territorial advantages won by the backs The main weakness was among the backs who worked more as individuals than as a team and were bewildered by the scissors and reverse passing or tne Vucklanders when they got properly under "way Keogh, the lirst the eighths, was one of Taranakl'a best backs, being thrustful at times and defending souudly. Bedford was solid rather than brilliant at centre. Mc.orhead, the half-back, worked with a will to open up the play, and it was unioruinate that he was forced to retire at the end of the tirst spoil. His absence necessitated a rearrangement of the backs, and lhe combination in the second spell w;i not nearly as effective as It was in tne early stages, especially so far as detence was" concerned. Tamatea, a stocky Maori, did splendidly on the wing wth hunted opportunities and when he was in possession he was always dangerous.

Mincham was the scintillating star of die Auckland backs, his speed, sure handling and team work with his centre, Lou Brown, bringing a rich harvest of tries for bis side. Brown was also in form, being sound both on nttack and defence. Bright, the remaining three-quarter, had fewer opportunities, as most ot the action was on the opposite wing, but he did al that could be expected of him and showed up occasionally for determined running. Kay and HrinimV were not the happiest of live-eighths combinations, but improved as the game progressed. Powell got the ball away smartly from the scrum and generally cave a good' account of himself, but some of his parses were erratic and made things difficult for Brimhle. Campbell was safe and sound at fullback and overshadowed the Taranaki custodian. C. Hunt.

Of the forwards J. McLeod. Pavison and Yeates were outstanding for Taranaki, and they were always well supported by Leatherby and Lewis. C. Satherley was a t.nver of strength to Auckland. He was never far away from the ball, and usuaUy un witli the play, whether it was fast tol1. wing up or backing up that was required. Mutt.was a grafter, while others who were prom incut were Quirke and Laird. The Play Described.

I Taranaki were lirst to score, Bedford I kicking n penalty before the game had 1 h..,-M ion- in progress. Then a n»c bit of I™ work between Brow,, and Mineham outwitted the defence and Powell polished off the movement with a due try. Satherley'H kick failed. Again Brown and Mlnohani got under way, this time for the winger to scene after a thirty yards dash. Saiiicrlev goaled from straight in front. Shortly "afterwards a short punt following a penalty ciiught Auckland napping, and Hunt was able to gather and send Keogh over Bedford converted. The score was made 10—8 In Taranakl'e favour when Scott bullocked his way across following vi melee on Auckland's last line tor an hiiconvertcd try. Then llutt paved the wa> for another try by Mlncham, Satherley converting. Just before the spell Bedford kicked a beautiful penalty goal from near half-way for Taranaki. and the halt-time score was Auckland 13, Taranaki '2.

Immediately following the change-aver Qulrke broke away to send Satherley raciii- across to convert his own try. lhen came Tarnnaki's Inst points of the match. Bedford again raising the Hags with a penalty kick. The score at this stage was IS to i-1 in favour of Auckland. Thereafter it was lust a question as to what the nual score would be, for Auckland were now teaming splendidly and the visitors were tiring Before the game ended llutt, Kny C>), Mineham and Herring added :ries for the home side, Campbell and Satherley each converting a try. Mr. l>. Rogers was referee.