ARMY SIDES MEET.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 97, 24 April 1940, Page 17

ARMY SIDES MEET.

CAMPS' TRIAL GAME.

NGARUAWAHIA SUPERIOR. 11-POINT MARGIN DESERVED. Auckland is to see some fine military Rugby this season if a conclusion can be drawn from the play yesterday between the Ngaruawahia and Papakura Camp teams at the Epsom Showgrounds. The game was a trial one, with a view to selection of the aide to meet the Maori Battalion in Eden Park's main fixture next Saturday. Ngaruawahia won by 14 points to 3. The stand was packed with spectators and the men on leave gave a loud welcome to the teams as they marched out, led by two former All Black forwards, SecondLieutenant C. S. Pepper (Ngaruawahia) and Corporal Swin Hadley (Papakura). Unfortunately vaccination during the week caused defections in both teams, J. J. Best, the All Black forward, being a notable absentee from the Papakura pack. Several Third Echelon men had therefore to be called upon. Ngnruawa Ilia's 11-polnt margin was a good Indication of the merits of the two tennis on the day. Their advantage forward In the first spell was marked. The pack hunted together, and though the scrums were indecisive, the backs got a fair share of the ball from line-outs and loose rushes. Watson's try, the first of the game, came from an irresistible forward rush. Ngaruawahia's backline was functioning well at this stage, apart from a tendency by the inside men to hang on a little too long and a failure to take play to the wings. Had they lined out deeper they would have proved a more formidable combination. Early In the second spell Hadley rallied his men, and for the first time Papakura took the up|H-r hand. For some time they held their opponents hemmed in their own half, but the finishing touches were not there. They were unable to score, and their only points came from a pennlty by Shalfoon, whereas Ngaruawahia were able to add six more points with two good tries. Pepper, and the Wellington forward. Crawford-Smith, were the pick of the Ngaruwahia forwards. Pepper's leadership was a prime factor in the success of his team, and the two together were in everything. Crawford-Smith's try between the posts early in the second half was the result of fine following-up. Johnson, the ex-Ponsonby hooker, played well, too, though he had by no means a big advantage over Hadley in hooking. The Ngaruawahia centre, J. Campbell, former New Zealand League representative wm the outstanding back of the day. His opportunism and eye for an opening resulted in at least one try. At full-back Kinder was in form, handling well and making sure of his line in kicking. Cossey, who was actually the only wing man on the ground to get a decent run, showed dash and determination in scoring the last try of the day, diving past three men to score In the corner. I. G. Stirling, also a New Zealand League representative, was the better of the two halves. There Is no doubt that, given the opportunity. the Papakura second five-eighths, K. J. Hanna, would have been an outstanding back. As it was. lie was the only Papakura back to really show up. though -Shalfoon did some good individual work. D. Flett. former Auckland representative threequarter, had few chances to show his exceptional speed. Despite the fact that he has been out of football for several seasons, Swin Hadley played a fine game and the failure of the Papakura pack was none of his fault. The game was played with a tine spirit: hard and clean. Both si<U-s looked fit. and Auckland can look forward to excellent Itugby wlieu the Maoris come up on Saturday. For Ngaruawahia Watson. CrawfoniSinith and Cossey scored, while Evans kicked a penalty and converted a try. Shalfoon kicked a penalty for Papakura. Controlling the game was Major J. G. C. Wales. N.Z.S.C.. a prominent Auckland referee for One of the line umpires wal Sergeant Major Frank Solomon, former All Black forward.