FINAL MATCH.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 89, 17 April 1939, Page 13

FINAL MATCH.

SYDNEY TEAM WINS.

DEFEAT OF MANUKAU.

REAPPEARANCE OF G. NEPIA

Playing better football than their opponents, the Eastern Suburbs combined team from Sydney concluded their New Zealand tour at Carlaw Park on Saturday afternoon by defeating Manukau by 23 points to 10. The game was fast and open, but seldom rose to a consistently high standard.

The Sydney players showed the effects of a programoie ot four matches in a week but. Ulieir teamwork was reasonably good' and their back play was greatly superior to the ragged exhibition given by the Mamikan baekhne, which at no sta<* e was able to combine. Forward the teams were well matt-lied and the two packs put up a hard battle all the way. When it came to tme backs to take a hand the Sydney ineide backe generally were ablo to make the play for the men outside them, and occasionally surprise luetics and the scissors pass were in evidence. Manirkau errors gave the visitors a start -ot two converted tries. There wits a period near bhe end when Manukau were on top, but the iesue was never seriously in doubt. Strong Manukau Side. Manukau put a stronger team on the field compared with the opening match of the season, but some of the playeire have jet to strike form and develop their team play. The reappearance of George Nepia at fuM-back wae of interest, and hie play was closely watched. Xepia has slowed down a lot, but his defence is ae great as ever •wihen he can get to the man or the ball. Hemi reappeared in the Manukau threequarter line, but has yet to strike form. lanapa and Wiberg were not a happy combination at five-eighths. M&hima at half-beck and T. Ohase on the wing gave Manukau good service. Brodrick was the outstanding forward of the match, and wiae an inspiring leader for the Manukau pack. The play of the others was even and good, Gault and Kirinui playing particularly fine games. Sharman, with pace, good hands and a strong sense of positional effort, plaved an attractive game at fujl-baek for the Sydney team, Tottey maintained hie brilliance of form on the wing, and Quealey and Thompson (paired well close in. The latter showed a great buret of speed off the mark, and hie attacking play was in keeping with the best traditions of league back play. Determined Forwards. As in their earlier matches the play of the visiting forwards wee of the robust .'mil determined order, the best men on the day being Stehr, Griffiths and Arnold.

For Eastern Suburtw Combined tTies were scored by Tottey (3), O'Loan and Thompson, the latter converting four. For Manukai} W'hye and Wiberg scored tries. Hemi converted one and kicked a penalty goal. The vieitom found their torn* very ihaxd, and their players were handicapped by !■- tli illness and injury. They did not, in iiekland, play the football that was exited of them, but their 'best wae colour--1 League of the ibrigM and open kind. "ii- attacking methods -were in keeping th the best etyle of Australian (play. i ■ leseon for Auckland football was their iid pasting and intenmve backing up in ick, and planned, tiwiti covcritjg defence, fn defence ,Wae necesßary. •. ■ '.• "lie tourisfe' won -two of'"^sfiKS" I*fonr1 *fonr Loheft they played in Auckland, the ■ilto 'being:— -. Mariet, won, 32—0. v. Richmond, lost 16—17. v. Mount Albert, lost, 11—Iβ. v. Mamritau, won, 33—10.