SECOND DEFEAT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 86, 13 April 1939, Page 21

SECOND DEFEAT.

LEAGUE TEAM.

MT. ALBERT VICTORY.

PLAY BELOW STANDARD.

The Eastern Suburbs combined touring League team was defeated for the second time in three matches yesterday at Carlaw Park, when the visitors played Mount Albert and were beaten by 16 points to 11, scoring which indicated which was the better side on the day. It was not a high-class exposition of the code. The play was fast, there was individual brilliance on occasions, the tackling generally was sound, but the backs of both teams did not play in a constructive way in attack, method was often faulty and there was much mishandling at times From the spectators' viewpoint, the failure of the back play in the attacking work was disappointing, as the ground conditions for an exhibition of progressive handling could not have been better. Great Forwards. Mount Albert's victory was due'to the magnificent work of their forwards, who played with a tireless energy all the way, and it is doubtful whether any other club side in Auckland can field a better pack Shadbolt was the leader of a great six, and Gunning and Hansen were nearly as food Probably when the Mount Albert backs settle down they will do better. Banham who came fronx Sydney to coach last season, showed a good sense of positional play, and Donaldson, despite a 'leg injury, gave glimpses of fine constructional play, and several times saved his side with good tackling. Hardgrave rarely got a chance on the wing, while at full-back McLachlan fielded in a faultless way, and when it came to tackling showed man-stopping abilitj which saved certain scores on several occasions. He shared with Donaldeon the real honours of the back play. Not Convincing. The display of the Sydney team was not as convincing as in the earlier matches. Their forwards played solidly in the tight work, gave their backs the major share of possession from set scrums, but they seemed to lack devil and dash in the open work. , The Sydney backs handled in a lively way, but combination was often faulty, and handling was below standard. Pickup, at stand-off half, and Tottey on the wing, showed great speed in possession, but Tottey had much the same experience as Hardgrave on the Mount Albert side, in that the ball rarely came to him in such a way as to give him a real chance. Share of Troubles. Since coming to Auckland the Sydney team has had its share of troubles. Two of their best backs, Hyde and Mitchell, have been ill, and their full-back, Sharman, is badly troubled with a leg injury. Yesterday their team, was completed with difficulty, and a forward had to be played in the backs. In the match yesterday the visitors held a one-point lead at half time, but the dashing and sustained effort of the Mount Albert forwards was the factor that turned the scales before the match was finished. Unlike the previous match against Richmond there was no bold Sydney effort for recovery near the end. They were a beaten team. For Mount Albert tries were scored by Herring and Hardgrave. Herring converted one and kicked a penalty goal. Banham kicked two penalty goals and converted a try. For Eastern Suburbs Combined team tries were scored by O'Loan, Watt and Pickup. Quealey 'kicked a penalty goal. Ten members of the Eastern Suburbs League team left for Rotorua this morning and will return to-morrow evening.

MANUXAV TO MEET SYDNEY.

SENIOR DRAW FOR SATURDAY. In connection with the game between Eastern Suburbs and Manukau at Carlaw Park next Saturday the Auckland Rugby League has also arranged senior fixtures. Draw:— Eastern Suburbs v. Manukau, Carlaw Park No. 1. 3.15 p.m., referee Mr. S. Blllman. Championship Games.—Newton v. Mount Albert, Carlaw Park No. X, 1.30 p.m., Mr. J. Hawkea; City v. Papatoura, Carlaw Park No. 2{ 3 p.m.. Mr. G. Kelly; Ponsonby v. North Shore, Carlaw Park No. 2, 1.30 p.m., Mr. A. Klnnaird. Linesmen.—Carlaw Park No. 1, Messrs. J. Donovan, E. Mincbam; No. 2, Messrs. D. Taylor, A. Appleton. Reserve referees: Mebsrs. A. Smith, A. Pearson, T. Evana. Blierslie Domain, senior game; Mr. A. Simpson.

ELLERSLIE CLUB.

Game* arranged by the Ellerslie United League Football Club forvSaturday* Senior B.—Ellerslie v. E.V., Ellerslie Reserve, 3 p.m. Third Grade.—Ellerslie v. R.V., Ellerslie Reserve, 2 p.m. Fifths and Sixths.—Ellerslie Reserve, 1.30 p.m. Schoolboys.—l p.m.