LEAGUE THRILL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 167, 18 July 1938, Page 12

LEAGUE THRILL.

GREAT RECOVERY.

AUCKLAND ON TOP. NEW ZEALAND OUTPLAYED SPECTACULAR FOOTBALL

The feature of Auckland's victory over Xew Zealand by 21 points to 13 at Ca.rlnv Park on Saturday was the remarkable recovery which tlie home tfeani made after they were seven points down at half-time. The Kiwie were the more convincing team in the opening phase of play. The collaboration of their backs produced a sharpness of play iti attack and a rhythm in passing that w;ie to be expected from a team that had been on tour with the opportunity of training and match play in company. There was danger for Auckland whenever the Kiwi backs eot possession.

But the second hair saw thirteen outelaesed Kiwis. They still played well, but just ae well as their opponents allowed them. The Auckland forwards won the match—there was no doubt about that— and a contributing factor was the Auckland back rearrangement.

Triee for Auckland were scored by Petersen (2), Campbell, Gunning and Banham. T. Chase converted one ami kicked a penalty, and V. Scott aleo made a conversion. New Zealand's points came from tries by Smith, McLeod and R. Chaee,vand two conversions by Hemi. Form of Players. In the Auckland backs Banham stood out with a magnificent exhibition of positional play, and ability to improve the position for his colleagues.. With a splendid service—long, sharp passes from the base of the scrum by Mahima—the Auckland attack was frequently launched in a way that promised well. ' But the Auckland centre ,play lacked speed, and the wings were not carried into position with the sharpness that wae needed. TMe. however, was remedied in the second half when T. Chase was shifted infield to exchange places with Scott, and it was from that point the tide began to flow strongly in Auckland's favour. It was then that T. Chase rose to dazzling* heights, and his mercurial dash and sidestep often got the New Zealand defence in a sad .tangle. The colt. Campbell, got one fine try for Auckland, while at* fullback, Glover, although not touching the Hemi standard, got through a hard day in good style.

The real praise goes to the Auckland forwards for their good play in the first half, and the remarkable vitality they showed in the second half, tfhen they were on Jop of the Kiwi six all the time. Petersen was truly great and the outstanding forward of the match. But it was a great six and a greater six than the New Zealand vanguard. Hemi's Fine Defence. Of the Kiwis, Hemi gave a brilliant display at full-back for New Zealand, with an unwavering defence, and ability to

kick huge distances. There was consistent smoothness in the New Zealand three-quarter line. Kay showing brilliant speed and penetrative ability, and Tittleton, without showiness. playing in a flawless way, and setting hie man always in defence. R. Chase disclosed a nice eye for an opening and wonderful ability to take the pap or change the trend of play, while .T. Smith, who went on tour at a full-back, hae materialised into a dashing wing of the opportunist kind. The Bi iml)!e pair fitted well into the New Zealand scheme of thing!!, -although they did not supply the colourful combined touch that was expected of them.

The Kiwi forwards played solidly ill the way through the hard work, but they were not immersive in set scrummaging, and the Auckland six fully held their own. McLecu was the beet, and his display was in keeping with his fine form in Australia.

CLUB GAMES. THIRD GRADE. K V. 17. brat Xortbcoto 12. Mauukau 1">, beat City 5. FOURTH GRADE. Mount Albert 9, beat Manukau 3. FIFTH GRADE. Mount Albert 29. beat Papakura 0. SIXTH GRADE. Ponsor.by 31. beat Newton 0. Richmond 10, beat Avondale 2. SEVENTH GRADE. City 0, drew with Papakura 0. SCHOOLBOYS. INTERMEDIATE. £ Ponsonby 20, beat St. Patrick's A 0.