ROLLER MILLS SHIELD.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 200, 24 August 1937, Page 15

ROLLER MILLS SHIELD.

PRIMARY SCHOOLS' TOURNEY. THREE AtrCKLAMD VICTORIES. WAIPA AND S.A. ALSO SUCCEED. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WHANGAREI, this day. . The provincial primary schools Rugby tournament which opened at Whangarei yesterday, and which will continue until Friday, was notable in two ways—it was the first such event to be staged in North Auckland, and wae the largest in the history of the competition for the Northern Roller Mills Shield. The three Auckland teams at once proved their mettle, Auckland Central (last year's winners) and Anekland North showing the beet combination in the opening games. Out at Kimo, Auckland" East also had a comfortable win, although six of their nine points-against Rotorua came from penalty kick's. South Auckland (lower Waikato districts) was another team which .impressed by reason of good penetration and handling among the backs. However, they played with a comparatively dry ball. Rain was falling when Waipa met Whangarei in a stern forward duel. The boys from Te Awamntn have a serviceable pack and several back players of some brilliance. The rain came at the wrong time for Whangarei, who have splendid scoring nnils in their outside. backs. On the play they were unlucky at least not to draw. Played under dry conditions, the match between Thames Valley and Bay of Islands was one of the best of the afternoon. The Bay boys;- who made a draw of it, S-a.ll, were the only Northerners to keep their colours flying in the first round. Rodney made a gallant showing against the heavier Auckland Central side. Both Otamatea and Hokianga are new to such competitions and ran into strong opposition at the outset. To-day is the biggest day of all, and the only occasion* upon which two full rounds will be undertaken. Yesterday's results: — Section I.—Auckland East 9 (two penalties kicked by Kelly and a try by Roberts? r beat Rotorna 3 ; Bay of Islands 5, drew with Thames Valley 5; Auckland Central 22, beat Rodney 3. Section 2. —Auckland North 19 (tries by Easson. Sorbey (2), Lowtber. Harold, two conversions by Mullins and" Easson), beat Otamatea 3 (penalty by Palmer) ; South Auckland 22, beat Hokianga 0; Waipa 6 (tries by Kay and Edwards), beat Whangarei 3 (try by Moloughney).