FLASHES FROM SATURDAY'S SPORT

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 160, 8 July 1940, Page 10

FLASHES FROM SATURDAY'S SPORT

Technical did the unexpected when they defeated Marist in the Rugby championship, but there was no fluke about the win, which was by a margin of 14 points. It was a day when the Marist fOl wards were beaten, and when a full-back, Rosenfeldt, oi Technical, had a day with accurate kicking. It was largely through the 14 points contribution of Rosenfeldt that the leaders in the competition were beaten so substantially. The results of the day's play left Marist, Grafton and Otahuhu level at the top of the ladder with 12 points each, but Otahuhu have played one match more than the other two teams.

Never Behind.—Technical's first try came from a forward movement that finished with Dykes scoring, but soon after Hardy equalised with a try for Marist. In quick succession .Rosen f eld t then opened his tally of 14 points for the day with two penalties. He brought the team's total to 13 at half-time with a splendid drop-dick from 40 yards out, and at the spell Marist were 10 points behind. Technical at this stage had Marist badly bustled, and, headed by the Auckland representative, Ryan, the forwards held on grimly. Nor were they by any means finished. McAdam's was the next try from another forward rush, and Rosenfeldt converted. Marist came again, and the centre, R. Bell-Booth, cut through nicely and ran from halfway to score handy, but the kick was astray. And last came a fine try by Mclven/ie for the winners; the forward snapped up in the loose not far short of halfway, and catohing Marist right out of position, he swerved over and gave Rosenfeldt his second conversion. The remaining three points for Marist went to the forward. Bond, as the result of faot following up. Technical's win by 23 points to nine was a popular and welldeserved one, especially as their star fiveeighth, Sutherland, was out of action through illness. At one time, when McLean, their half-back, was injured, Techni-cal-were actually playing three members of their junior'grade team.

Fr#m the Juniors.—Rosenfeldt, who was the hero of the match, is a player who has worked his way to senior ranks by way of grade football for the club. On Saturday 'his tally consisted of two penalties, two. conversions and a drop-kick. Three -easons ago Rosenfeldt was a member of the champion Technical third grade side. In his career with the club he has played full-back and wing three-quarter.

Martin Too Wide —The margin of eight point* in Suburbs' favour against North Shore was not a real indication of the trend of the play and three points would have been a better reflex. Smart defence by the North Shore backs in the first spell and fine play in the loose by the forwards had the opposition worried and the losers had a lead of three points at the interval. Suburbs improved in the second half and Mowed better team play, but during this period North Shore was unlucky on two occasions in just missing tries—once when Raynes missed in a dive to touch down and again when Robertson went over in a tackle, an opponent also having his hands on the ball. The Suburbs' vanguard played with more dash and held together in the tight to advantage in this half. Their superiority in hooking, with the two Bradys well in the picture, led considerably to the team's victory.

Th# Bradys Shine.—The Brady brothers, Charlie, half, and Denny, second fiveeighth, were always in the picture. Charlie did fine work on attack and was always handy when it came to defensive play. This diminutive player is speedy add a splendid tackler._ He has shone in tackling on several occasions thin season with only the line between himself and an opponent whom he has chased and lowered in brilliant style. Denny is beginning to reveal his best form. He went through the defence in speedy and incisive thrusts several times and his cleverness led to the last try by Nelson, whom he sent over unopposed. It is a pity that these two players are not available for representative matches.

Dashing Win|t. —North Shore has two very promising wing three-quarters in B. Robertson and A. Raynes. The former is well built and a determined runner, and wastes no time in going for the line when he gets possession. Raynes, of small build, but very speedy and elusive, is a brainy player who would always be a most dangerous scoring man on the end of a good combined rearguard.

Tho Full-backs. —Both full-backs, Ward, Suburbs, and O. Sheehan, North Shore, played well. Ward was very unlucky in not scoring in the first spell when he ran up to support Underwood, but the latter held possession. Sheehan kicked accurately and except for a few errors in. ground fielding he gave further promise of developing well. Mistakes in this respect appeared to be caused through his being a little too casual.

Half Plays Well.—The North Shore halfback, D. Arkle, placed a good game. Especially in the firwt spell he shone on attack, while in the second half he did a lot of effective work on defence. A. Slyfield, the second five-eighth, was also responsible for a good all-round display. He was adept at taking the ball off an opponent on defence and starting a counter-attack, while he tackled splendidly at other times. » His heady play on attack was also a thorn in the side of the opposition. His partner, R. Stancich, again played a good game.

I Try From Full-Back.—:Past and present 'students of Seddon Memorial Technical (College distinguished themselves on the ■ Rugby field on Saturday, Old Boya beating ' tiie holder of the Gallalier Shield and the College XV. playing a draw with Sacred ' Heart College, 1939 secondary schools' champion. The hero of the collegiate con- • test, played as a curtain-raiser to the ' Tnkapuna-Mount Albert game at Alexander Road, was Technical's full-back, Rich, who gave a fine exhibition of kicking and tackling. It was Rich who scored his side's try, and the best that Sacred Heart , could do to equalise was a penalty goal Iliv Maxwell a few minutes before time. Thin made the third occasion this season that a full-back ha* scored a try.

Scgre Flatters Grafton.—lt was only in the last fifteen minutes of each spell that Grafton got the points enabling them to beat Grammar 5. In the first spell their inside backs made every mistake imaginable in handling the ball for the greater part of the time, and then had an inspired period when they clicked in everything they did, and two tries went to Schubert and one to J. Dick. Before that the whole burden had been carried by the Grafton forwards. Grammar's one try was a fine individual effort by Reid. Grammar forwards made their bid in the second spell, and had a lot of bad luck in just failing to get points, and then the Grafton forwards reasserted themselves and Tannahill scored two tries in quick succession. It was a closely-contested forward game, but Grammar backs did not rise to the occasion, except in the matter of checking their opponents in the early stages of the game. All the same, Grafton's score flatters them somewhat.

A Dull Game. — Although Otahuhu defeated Papakura Artillery by eight points to three at Sturges Park, the home side displayed none of its previous week's brilliancy, the game being almost devoid of incident. Artillery had the advantage of weight and gained a feast of the ball, but could do nothing with it. Their fullback, Duigan, gave a fine display of fielding and accurate line-kicking. A. Finlay, Otahuhu three-quarter, showed some of his form of two seasons ago, and his try was gained through his speed and clever swerve.

A Match-winner.—Ten of the thirteen points scored by Traiiiing College against Papakura Infantry at the Showgrounds were secured by ileard. who was recently transferred from Wellington, where he played as junior representative. Early in ■the game he lauded a penalty goal from close to the half-way mark and later, selling a perfect dummy, he sailed through the opposition to score under the posts a tiy which he converted himself. He also converted the other try scored i>y the winger, Day. Throughout the game Beard was prominent for resourceful play, kicking and running with excellent judgment. Tall and slimly built, he appears to have all the attributes for a good scoring back. Beard and H. McMillan recently had their twenty-first birthday, and before the -match were presented by the captain. H. Colinore-Williams, with miniature footballs autogrrplied by the rest of the team. It was a good talisman for Beard.

Takapuna for Promotion. — Although there are two more series of games to be played in the Rugby Union's second division, Takapuna is certain to be one of tue teams to be promoted for the next round of the Gallaher Shield. 'Varsity is runnerup to Takapuna, with ll points, at the end of the actual first round; while Air Force, Garrison Artillery and Manukau are a tie for third, with 10 points. Takapuna missed the maximum of 16 chnmpionship points only through the no-score draw with Manukau at Eden Park on June 29. Indicative of the Takapuna Club's chances of winning the Gallaher Shield was an excellent performance at Talioroto Park on Saturday, when, owing to Navy defaulting, Corner, Hadley and Co. met I'onsonby. the bye team in the first division. Each side scored three tries and the margin of victory was the conversion of l'onsonby's lot by A. Wiles. Two of the losers' tries were gained by D. Logan, a Milford five-eighth, who has risen through the grades from the Palmer Memorial Cup competition.

Southland v. Army.—Fielding a magnificent pack of forwar.ls, who more than held their own against the heavier Southland pack, the Burnham Army put up an excellent performance in a patriotic Rugby match, which was won by Southland by 13 points tfo 8. The Army team made much of the play and for long periods dominated the exchanges. Several Southland players and All Blacks were included in the Armyteam. In both teams no fewer than 19 Southland representatives played. For Southland Raymond and Manony scored, Mahony converting one try, wfliile Grace kicked a penalty goal and converted a try. For Army Ling scored, Wesney converting and kicking a penalty goal.

Grammar Old Boya retained their position at the head of the hockey ladder with a convincing win over Somerville, bnt Training College had the moat handsome win of the day, scoring six goals. St. Luke's maintained their rnn of drawn games at the expense of United, bnt the latter are still second in the competition. This is in consequence of the association having decided to give United and University wins against Papakura Camp by default. R. Roughton, the moat prolific acorer of the seaaon, added three more to his tally, and he was responsible for Grammar turning the tide decisively against Somerville.

Stirring Finish.—Although Grammar Old Boys quickly took control and opened a two-goal lead, Somerville gradually steadied play, and just on half time were •having their share of tlie honours. With only ten minutes to go of full time it appeared as if Somerville woukl make a drawn ga.me of it. Suddenly the Whirlwind tactics of Grammar reappeared and Roughton put the issue beyond all doubt with two quick goals. The centre-forward was seen to greai'er advantage than m several past games, while this goal-shooting was the result of hard-driven strokes. Oriclvton, on the right wing, calls for special mention; his'goal was a beauty. .G. Twigden reappeared as right half and indulged in some clever stickwork. He was fortunate in not being penalised in the second spell for obstructing his opponents. Brown, goalie, made some great wares, and his efforts contributed greatly to the difference between the scores. Archibald, left wing, was Somerville's outstanding forward. He made many openings, which fcli£ inner forwards did not accept. Swinburne was sound at centrohalf.

McCormack's Come-back.—When St. Luke's held United to a two-goal draw at Fowlds Park, D. McCormack, the ex-Can-terbury. an<l Auckland representative forward, made a reappearance for United after a season or bo in retirement. Although playing in a strange position at full-back, he acquitted himself well and proved an able support for hia partner, H. Jones. The match was productive of hard hockey and the determined attacks of both seta of forwards were fully met with stubborn defensive tactics. Incidentally, Saturday's game marked the fourth draw registered by St. Lnke'a.

Williams' Bustling Tactics. — Albertians wore perhaps junt a little unlucky when they had to submit to the 'Varsity A hockey team by the odd goal in tive. They playeu with great dash and the for'.var.ia exploited the open name often to keen the 'Varsty defence guessing. It was the bustling tactics of the inside light, Williams, who was untiring in his efforts to upset the defence of the students, that earned them their two goals. This player demonstrated the effectiveness of fast following in in the circle and both hi.s goals were scored in this manner.

Five Goals In Half.—University Whippets were very disappointing against" Training College. Five goals were stacked against them in the lirst half, but in blie second spell the defeine stiffened and was pierced only once. Ked.miood and I"oldham were tilie best of the teachers' front line, Speight gave a splendid centre-half display, and Yorke's lull-back efforts repeatedly upset the opposition. Davies, right full-back, stopped and cleared in fine style for the Whippets. l'ulton, centreforward, Mas always to the fore. He led many splendid attacks, but 'his shooting was erratic. and Perry, the respective wingers, always drew tilie defence well. but should have gone in when they found their centres were not bernc accepted.

When half-time was reached in the English Trophy Soccer match at Blandford Park it appeared that Wellington were likely to break Auckland's long run of success. Wellington had played the better football with real understanding that the home side could not combat. Though they lost opportunities frequently they scored a penalty goal, the just reward of a foul in front cf the posts. Home supporters sensed a Wellington victory unless Auckland could improve their team play in the second spell. But it was not long before the change came. Auckland adopted bustling tactics, and the halves and forwards worked better together, with Masters playing brilliantly on the left wing. It was from one of his centres that

Hopkinson evened the points.

Excitement Runs High.—A draw would have been sufficient" to enable Auckland to retain the trophy, but the decision had been by no ux ans reached as Wellington came l>aek to the attack. There were some anxious moments in front of the loeal goal as the defence of tJlie full-backs was none too souud, and their clearing kicks uncertain. Auckland asserted themselves again and the highlight of the game was their second goal, which made possession certain. It was a masterly bit of work between the two wingers which brought the goal. Blackie, the right 'ha If, sent the ball along tk> Robinson, on the right wing, and this player outwitted Turkington, the defending goalie, by crossing to Masters, wlho shot the goal. Clever Half-Back.—F. Blackie was undoubtedly the best half-back on the field. He was always in the right spot whether on the defence or attack and has rarely, if ever, played a better game. Several of his passes to Robinson on the Auckland right wing were excellently judged and it was from one of these that the movement was started which resulted in Masters scoring Auckland's second goal. Yearbury was safe in the Auckland goal, whilst Speed was the pick of the Auckland backs. Ward, the Auckland captain, played a sound game, showing much improvement in the second half. The forwards were a good line, although their combination was not so good as that shown by the Wellington front line in the first half. The most dangerous man was the left wing, Masters, Fyvie was brilliant at times. Masters scored Auckland's second goal and was unlucky not to got his third, having just found the net after the referee's whistle blew for time. Hopkinson was a good pivot, whilst Robinson, on the right wing, was occasionally dangerous, but did not exhibit the same ball control as did Masters. Hard-Working Centre.—The Wellington centre-forward, Baker, was certainly one of th" hardest-working forwards on the field and the way in which he kept the Wellington vanguard together, especially in the first half, was worthy of better results. Wellington had far the better of the exchanges up to the interval and were unlucky that their lead was not greater than I—o1 —0 at that stage. Baker has scored considerably more goals than any other senior footballer in Wellington this season. Hatcliard (captain) and Patterson, the: two inside forwards, gave Baker every | assistance, whilst Hickmott and McCarthy were good wingers. Calder was the pick of the Wellington half-line. Harris and Bolton were a safe pair of backs. Both ! these players are members of the Watersiders' Club and have a good understand- j ing. They are both possessors of two ' Chatham Cup and championship medals. Turkington. who is no stranger to Auckland. played his nsuai safe game and was a trifle unlucky when colliding with Harris to drop the ball for Hopkinsoa to score Auckland's first goal.

One of the most unusual incidents in Rugby League senior football occurred at Carlaw Park, the Papakura team, captained by H. Milliken, the well-known Rugby and League international player, walking off the field fourteen minutes before time. The Papakura team took exception to a decision given by the referee, Mr. 0. Chalmers, and at that stage Richmond were leading by 32 points to 2. The matter will officially come before the Auckland Rugby League when the referee reports in writing.

Mount Albert, champions of last season, showed a return to form, and defeated North Shore, the leaders of the present season, in a convincing way, after a hard and fast game.

Manukau, after being twelve points down, staged a remarkable recovery to beat City, and Newton was defeated by Marist. Thus, the first matches of the second round leave North Shore still in the lead by a single point, with Manukau and Richmond level.

Newton's Fourth Defeat. —ffhe Newton side appears to have lost its form of the early part of the season. The team had to bow to Marist in the early game at Carlaw Park on Saturday, this being tue fourth defeat of the season. It was a hard-fought game and at one stage it appeared as though Marist would have a good margin of points at the finish. The Newton side, however, combined much better in the second half and ended up only four points behind their opponents. Notable absentees from the Newton side were Proctor and Cinders (forwards) and Kendall (full-back). Hadley and Quirke joined the forwards, and Tredrea, of the three-quarter line, filled the full-back position with credit. Richmond's Backs. — Richmond's back division gavo a good all-round display of accurate passing against the weaker Papakura side. Solomon again proved that he is in a class by himself. He made many clever openings for Tittleton and Mills to bring success. These three were always prominent, as were also Harrison and Graham (half-back). Pack Played Well.--Although North Shore were beaten by Mount Albert their forwards did not let them down, and collectively gave one of their best displays. This season they are without Ross Jones, who was outstanding, and a New Zealand rep. They have an even and tireless six, with two very talented players for the open work in E. Scott and C. S. Petersen. Marist Blend Well. —Marist showed a return of their old form against Newton. The side turned to account manv good movements, and in the end beat the former leaders in the championship by a margin of four points. The Marist side underwent several changes. That steady fullback, Glover, was absent. Ulilmann, whose position is the three-quarter line, filled the breach, and made a good job of it. He was replaced by McWilliams, who was also sound in his new position. The game lacked thrills, but nevertheless there were bright flashes of individual play. Crash Methods. —• Peter Ririnui was prominent with crash methods playing for Manukau against City. He gave a virile display, deviated -not one inch from the straight path, and gave tacklers the full benefit of his useful weight of 16.0. But good City low tackling toppled the massive Ririnui over. There were occasions when a timely pass might have served his side better. Opportunist Forward.—A fine exhibition of loose forward play was given by J. Gunning for Mount Albert and his sharp and swift raiding brought constant trouble to the Shore defenders. Gunning is just on 14.0 in weight, has speed, handles well and is one of the greatest opportunists in the game. Great City Forward.—Hawea Mata.ira, the heavy-weight Oitv forward, and Rugby and League international, played an outstanding game for his 6ide against Manukau. He is one of those rare players who does his part properly in the set scrums, and in the loose play is also outstanding. He did not plav in the 1938 season, but returned to the game last fjeason and was chosen to go with the New Zealand League team to England. Brodrick Can Handle. —Two characteristics mark J. Brodrick, the Manukau forward, who played a grand game for Manulcau against City. He fields a ball like a first-class slip in a cricket match, and he knows how to lengthen his stride to get over the ground. Brodrick was one of the star forwards who went to Australia with the Maori team in 1935.