FINAL MATCH.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 241, 11 October 1937, Page 15

FINAL MATCH.

LEAGUE SEASON OVER.

MAORIS DEFEAT AUCKLAND.

HIGH SCORING GAME

Tn weather more suitable for cricket than football the Auckland Rugby League season was brought to a conclusion on Saturday with a gala day that realised td44 tor the injured players' fund. For a real trial of playing strength the match between Auckland and the Maori team was i™!? tno ,atn ln tne wwon- The match did not provide a good exposition of the best features of the code, but there were some bright movements in a game which the Maoris won by 43 points to 21. At one stage ln the second half Auckland got the lead but the native players rallied and then freely added points. Auckland had a big advantage in the fact that they got repeated possession in the set scrummages but their inside backs could not rise to i. 1 . *S a ~ he ball ""ely reached the wings. Similarly the Maori inside backs did not blend. Xeariy every Maori score came from loose piny by the forwards, the ball was thrown about with freedom and the back- 1 !?* iV p _ wa ? excellent. In that respect the Maori play was an object lesson to the Ancklanders.

Probably most Interest centred In the appearance of George Nepia at full-back for the Maori team, but he did not reach the standard of his play in the matches against the touring Australian team last July. His taking of the ball was faulty ? i t l me ,l an<l on wasions his kicking lacked direction and length. Brlmlde gave a sharp and good service rrom the scrum and Bickerton and Chase were prominent on occasions, the latter Thill good determination in going for

Mitchell gave a brilliant exhibition of loose forward play and Tristram was always at hand when a chance was offering.

u he A Anckla, »<l forwards were relatively better than the Auckland backs. Leatherbarrow took the hooking honours in a game Where possession counts for everything and -!„v Sot n, go i d J .*i ,ppo . rt from * ™Jr even pack. Black did well at half-back, Mldgley f°£ ." srin5 rin " nt trT » » nd Glover's play at fall-back was In keeping with his consistently good displays In club matches.

LOWER GRADE RESULTS.

Senior B Final.—ln the senior B grade flnal Papnkura beat Green Lane by 19 points to 7.

Schoolboys' Game.—Newton and Mount Albert combined 14, l>e*t Ngaruawahla 8.

VARIED PROGRAMME.

In a varied programme at Carlaw Park on Saturday, a mock court, In which justice was not tempered with mercy, proved highly profitable, while a burlesque football match also amused the crowd. In an American basketball match Auckland A 32, beat Auckland B 18. A relay race was won by the Martst representatives, with North Shore second, and Manukau third. During the afternoon presentations were made to J. Anderson, of Martst, who has scored 154 points In the season, and K. J. Smith, of North Shore. The City Silver Band played selections.

DELAYED GOAL SHOT,

An Incident without parallel occurred at Carlaw Park on Saturday in the representative match between Auckland and the Maori team. In the last minute of the game Mitchell scored n't the corner, to make the scores: Maoris 43, Auckland 21. Spectators Immediately streamed on the field, and most of the players, after exchanging jerseys, walked off. The shot at goal was not taken, and that appeared to be the end of the match. Later, however, it was decided that the goal shot should be taken. Mitchell then took it and missed. Had the ball gone over another two points would have been added to the Maori team's score.

KANGAROOS WIN.

DEFEAT OF WAKEFIELD.

LONDON, October 8.

The touring Australian Rushy League team defeated Wakefield to-day by 17 points to 10. The weather was fine and cool and there was an excellent attendance.

Wakefield won the early scrums and attacked at n fast pace, Australia scored after the game had been in progress 12 minutes as a result of an opening made by Thompson and Reardon. The game then developed into a battle between the forwards. Wakefield made a determined attack early In the second half, but Ward revealed a great defence at full-back. Wakefield continued to hold a territorial advantage, bnt it met with solid opposition. Australia made several raids into Wakefield territory, some of which were successful. Australia bad a secure hold on the exchanges at the flnal whistle.