THIRTEEN-A-SIDE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 196, 21 August 1939, Page 12

THIRTEEN-A-SIDE.

SECOND POSITION. SHORE IS RUNNER-UP. PAFAKURA'S CHALLENGE. The Auckland Rugby League's senior championship competition, was wound up on Saturday, when North Shore, defeating Papakura by a single point, gained the position of runner-up to Mount Albert. Newton conquered Manukau easily, and Mount Albert proved too good for City. Results were: — North Shore 7, v. Papakura 6. Newton 15, v. Manukau 2. Mount Albert 18. v. City 9. Final positions of the nine teams: — Points Ch. P. W. L. D. F. A. Pts. Mt. Albert .. 10 13 2 1 284 165 27 North Shore. 1« 10 5 1 196 153 21 Newton 16 !> 6 1 188 126 19 Ponsonby ... 15 7 7 1 176 204 15 Manukau ... 16 7 8 1 240 244 15 Richmond .. 15 7 8 - 171 174 14 City 16 5 8 3 137 188 14 Marist 16 6 10 - 189 203 12 Papakura ... 16 2 12 2 132 256 6 MOUNT ALBERT SHADE CITY. Little difficulty was experienced by Mount Albert in defeating City on No. 2 ground. Tlie champions were in great form, and their concerted movements resulted in 10 points appearing on the score board within ten minutes of the start. Five more points were added during the first half, when Mount Albert led by 15 points to City's 7 points. City showed a marked improvement all through the second spell, and better combination, especially among the backs, kept the opposition on the alert. Mount Albert's final score was 18 points, and City added two more points from a penalty to make their total 9 points. It was obvious from the outset that Mount Albert were superior in all departments. The backs and forwards threw the ball about at every opportunity, and the reverse and dummy passes were exploited. All through a game which was noticeable for good football and sparkling back movements, the Mount Albert forwards joined in with the backs in numerous movements. Only once did City succeed in crossing Mount Albert's line. The first few minutes of tlie second half lacked sustained interest, as there was far too much kicking by players on both sides. The Mount Albert forwards were right up to form, and the big men were hard to stop. Tristram, Blucher, Shadbolt, Hansen and Gunning were always in the thick of the play. Donaldson, at five-eighth, kicked splendid goals from near touch. The outstanding Mount Albert back was Hardgrave, who made some brilliant runs, while Walker (half-back), Schultz (five-eighth) and Donnelly (three-quarter) all played very soundly. Silva (five-eighth) was outstanding for City. He was well supported by Smith, the other five-eighth. Brassey (three-quarter) was always prominent. Airey, Thompson and Kindly played a solid game in the forwards, and the half-back (Raesbeck) got the ball away quickly from the scrums.

NEWTON IN FORM. Holding an advantage practically all the way, Newton were much superior to Manukau. The forward play was good, but tin* back play was generally disappointing. At times the Newton backs combined well, but the Manukau backs were rarely impressive in concerted work. W. Brimble and E. Brimble paired w«4l, and gave a very bright touch to the Newton attack, McKenzie, at second five-eighth, was impressise, both in attack and defence, while Denipsey at full-back, played a very clean positional game. Taylor was a brilliant looso forward, and Blacklaws gave a display that was up to the best standard. Nepia played a solid, defensive game for Manukau, Walter Brimble was quick off the ! mark and enterprising in the five-eighth line, while Gregory, a new player from Rotorua, gave a convincing display at centre three-quarter. Mahima played a sound game. After a long absence S. Wlatene again appeared in the Manukau pack. Although he has put on a lot of weight, he played good football, and was a great leader. Compared with some of the teams fielded' earlier in the' season Manukau had a depleted side. Hemi, Chase and Rirlnui are away with the New Zealand team, and on Saturday neither Brodrick nor Marsh was available. For Newton tries were scored by Taylor, Blacklaws and McKenzie. W. Brimble converted two, and Anderson kicked a penalty goal. Nepia kicked a penalty goal for Manukau. FORTUNE FAVOURS SHORE. A rally in the last ten minutes of the game saved North Shore from defeat by Papakura on Saturday. By a single point they won the match and held their place as runners-up for the championship, although as far as territorial advantages go. they had the worst of the game. Papakura forwards kept right on top of the strong opposing pack all through, and the backs, strengthened by the inclusion of the Sydney five-eighth. Gray, combined much better. Crocker, playing a fine game at half-back, repeatedly sent his outside men away, and the five-eighths, Cossey and Gray, made the most of their openings. The three-quarters, however, could not finish off the attacks. Mclnnes was going well at centre, and when Greer retired injured lie went to. full-buck, where he made a good showing. Fogarty and Smith were prominent among the Papakura forwards. When the North Shore backs at last got going in the final stages of the game, the five-eighths, Pitt and Chatham, combined cleverly and showed good penetration. Cheater, oil the wing, was outstanding throughout, while Fields and Mcintosh were the pick of the forwards. I North Shore's only try was scored by I Fields and converted by Coutts, who also j kicked a penalty goal. For Papakura | Smith and Hosken both scored. WAITANGI SHIELD MAORIS TO PLAT BAT OF PLENTY. The Auckland Maori team to play against the Bay of Plenty Maoris for the Waltangl Shield at Carlaw Park next Thursday will be chosen from the following players:— Nepia, Kendall, Mabima, Awhltu, Marsh, Hapeta, T. McLeod, Tristam, Ratu, Wilson, Proctor, Donaldson. Briggs. Just, Shilton, Munro, Housham. Taylor, Walker. Any player who is not available is requested to notify Mr. E. Asher Immediately. The match had been arranged for last Thursday, but was postponed on account of the weather.