FLASHES FROM SATURDAY'S SPORT

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 178, 29 July 1940, Page 10

FLASHES FROM SATURDAY'S SPORT

Auckland Rugby representatives scored a third and most important win of this season when they defeated Hawke's Bay by 18 points to 12 at Napier. The Bay still has a grand pack and its ruggedness in barging through from line-outs and handling in loose rushes were reminiscent of the years 1933-26, when the Ranfurly Shield stayed in Napier. With a front row which included the two former All Blacks £. S. Jackson and D. Dalton, the home side got the ball most in the scrums. Despite this inferiority Auckland forwards played remarkably well and in the final stages of the game against the wind were overplaying their rivals. The backs rose to the occasion, with the captain, If. Pearman, the best on the field, and were superior to the opposition. Though Auckland got only three tries to the four of Hawke's Bay, the splendid goal kicking of W. Hare decided the match. He converted the three trie* and kicked a penalty.

Win To Bf Proud Of.—Setback firwt by the kM of the Grafton half, D. Arkle, who went off with a broken leg a few Hccondu after the kick-off, Auckland B did wonders to pull the South Auckland (tame out of the fire in the late eCagea. Heffernan, of Poneonby, who came on when Arkle wae carried off, distinguished him*e)f all the way; the try he gave Neary followed a perfect dummy. Ourtayne proved an able skipper. The heavy forward division wore down South, and to them the credit ie due, together with Halliwell'e 14 pointe. It would be unfair to single out any particular man, but Auckland's pair of constable*. Cameron, of Shore, and Wileon, of Grammar, were to the fore all the way. Morgan wae nlwaye on the ball. AH round, the game win a thrilling one, and at times being a real thriller. Pukekohe barrackera voted it "beet for yean."

Tall Seerlni.-Halliwett. AncUand B'a full-back, and J. Dunn, the South Aucklander, were the big porat-gettere at Pukekohe in the tall scoring game' which Auckland won by 2ft point* to 30. Halliwell, whose play wae shaky at timet, dropped a field goal at a time when Auckland was sorely in need of points. He later kicked two penalties and two conversion* to make 14 points for the day. Dunn scored his 11 sensational point*', h> the first "quarter hour. Scrum infringements gave, him two quick He followed thie by running Day to a standstill in a brilliant Auckland daub. A few moments later the ball wan kicked over the Auckland line. Halliwell thought he had forced—but he had not, and Dunn dived and got the score. Hβ converted. A tall, hard-running wingei from the Papakura Club, Dunn has played for South Auckland for several years. Had he played in the city he would undoubtedly be one of the really fiwt-claes players in the country to-day. Seemed Impossible.—Even most sanguine Auckland B supporters shook their heads in doubt as South Auckland piled on a big lead. One try, which seemed to put the final nail in the coffin was that of the big eurly-headed forward Reynolds. At halfway he intercepted a passing rush and with a clear paddock he galloped for the line with Auckland's backs pounding hopeleeily ■ along behind. In the South team were the three. Thompson brothers from Waiuku, C, J., and D.—hooker, half and fiiwt five-eighth, respectively. The captain, Laughlin, was a tower of strength at centre. He was the best of the home backs, with the exception of Dunn. Combination Lacking—The match between the Auckland Colte and the Thames Valley representatives staged a* the chief attraction at Eden Perk did not fulfil expectations. Combination was lacking in both teams, with the Colts superior individually. Hie Colte five-eighth line, Stancich and R. Bell-Booth, lacked speed off the mark and paseed poorly. The Thamee Valley rearguard, too, did not handle or pass effectively. Far too much JV c n ,B ? TT»J nd^fid * n by both eidee - Lolte took the honours by 14 points to

Dashing Wlnay.— Both tfc* Colte wings, Ray nee and Sellers, showed speed and dash. The former did not handle accurately on occasions and once lost, a try as a result. However,'although-small, he i* » heady player. Thureton, at; centre, made *ome strong dashes, but spoiled his play by over-doing the kick. Witheridge, half, got the ball away well and played a sound all-round gams. - Leadlna Forwards.—Always doing tneir full share of work among the Colts forwards were Cawkwell and Dore, the former also being prominent in the lineouts. White, Walford. Findlay and Taylor worked hard in the Thames Valley pack, which lacked team play. Woodlands, five-eighth, and Baker, wing, were the beet visiting* back*. Bay Ltd Early.—Hawke'e Bay, playing against a etrong wind, got going quickly and scored two tries, one by J. Brownlie, a worthy successor of Maurice and Charlie, and the next by S. X. McKenzie, both forwards. A movement by the Auckland backs started by Wiles gave Pearman a try, and soon after Barlow started (mother, which ended in Nelson scoring. Before the spell ended Hare turned a penalty to account, and as he had converted both rrice Auckland led by 13 to 6. P. Reid, the five-eighth, and S. Reid scored in the neconri half for the Bay, and Wiles for Auckland. OoM Hlfhllfht.—On more than one occasion in his career at Titirangi J. H. Young would have become the record-holder for the course had the events he was contesting been medal contests, which alone count in records. The official record ie ffl), established by B. H. Thomson in the qualifying play of the provincial championship in 103& On Saturday Young was contesting a Stableford bogey in which he scored 43 points, nnd he had to concede ? ne J! o . lnt beca ""e of his handicap of plus 1 ; . V ,, " wn " at th c third hole and he obtained a birdie 4 there. The scratch hXL the course is 74. and Young's n-J2T I!«? 5r and M - Hi " f1 8 ,,r « compsred with the scratch ecore in parentheses were:—Out: 4 (4), 4 (4} 4 d\ \ (37). In:. 4 (4), 2. (3), 4 (5) 5 m (3). 4 (4). 4 (4).4-<s)\ 'i (37).' *

Giving one of their best displays,

the Richmond team had no difficulty in maintaining its place at the head of the League competition on Saturday, when it easily defeated Manukau. The surprise of the day was the defeat of the North Shore team by Ponsonby, the latter leading by eight points at half-time and holding a winning margin to the end. Marist finished with the winning margin after a hard struggle with City, but Newton had things much its own way against Papakura and won by a wide margin of points.

Referee Receives Kick. —It seldom happens that a referee is called upon to blow his whistle to stop play because of an injury to himse,lf. Just such an incident occurred during the early part of the match between Marist and City. The referee (Mr. G. Kelly) got mixed up in the play during a hard Maridt forward movement and received a kick on one of his ankles. He limped around in a circle and the game went on until the whistle Mounded for cease play and the attention of the St. John ambulance man. Although the kick was evidently painful, Mr. Kelly held his post, and lost the limp before the eecond spell was well tinder way.

Husky Forward.—Just before Mclnnee, Papakura's full-back, came on the field to take his place in the came against Nevton, a sturtlily-built man, who has passed the active football stage of life, temporarily filled the position. His name n-as Francis, and lie had been called upon to play for the disorganised Papakura fide. Slow and somewhat stiff at Che start, he quickly warmed up after taking hie place among the forwards. He kept up with the game from start to finish and was always prominent when the Papakura forwards broke away in loose rushes.

Veteran's Return.—Supporters of the Mnrist senior League team were delighted to see R. L. Haslmn, who was recognised as one of the best forwards playing the code in Auckland several seasons ago, take the field with his old team in the match against City. Despite hie long absence from the game, Haslam was in good form. He wae always up witli the play, and scored a fine try. H.-.slam has represented Auckland in the League game and also made his name in Rugby. He played against the English touring Rugby team at Eden Park in 1930.

Newton's Easy Win.—Aside from the fact that Papakura fielded a -weakened team in their encounter against Newton in the early. game on No. 2 ground at Cnrlaw Park np Saturday, the game lacked polish. The Papakura side suffered by the absence of such solid '• players through sickness as the Halsey brothers, Cossey, Fogarty. Evans and Hutchinson. Mclnnes (full-back) again showed good form, while Hocken played a fine game in the threequarter line. A hard-working pack was well led by Milliken. There were several changes in the Newton side. Kendall played in the three-quarter line in place of the absent Mackenzie, while Proctor and Ginders were missed from the forwards. Dempsey played a safe game as full-back for Newton and accounted v for eight points, three conversions and. one penalty goal. Papakura started the game one man short, but was at full Strength just before half-time. Taking into account Papaknra's weakened state, it was not surprising that Newton won by 29 points to 8.

Speed From the Mark.—Prominent in the Poneonby team which met North Shore wns A. Kay. the Auckland and New Zealand representative player. It was Kay's great speed off the mark which enabled him to make good openinge for the rewt of the Ponwnby backs. He showed the gift of acceleration of pace, which is a big asset in taking the gap, drew hie markers well, and sent on good passes. Outside Kay there were players of pace 5

McManus and Nurse, the latter being particularly dashing.

Return of J. Hemi.—Hemi appeared foi Manukau in the match against Richmond and played a good game in the five-eigliln line, both in attack and defence. l ie kicked one, splendid penalty goal in typical.'fashion, but was not successful with following efforte. Hemi received a leg injury in the earlier part of the season and has not yet quite recovered.

Teams Well Matched.—The encounter between Marist and City on No. 2 ground, at Cnrlaw Park was not a bright affair. Xo doubt the sodden ground and heavy ball had a lot to do with the absence of those spectacular movements the public like to see. There was very little between the teams, although the Marist backs showed better understanding than the opposing rearguard. Glover was missing from the Marist full-back position. His place was taken by TJhlmtinn, who filled it very capably. Wyberg made a reappearance after a long absence, taking Hudson's place in the three-quarter line. The outstanding player for Marist was Matthews, who showed great pace and scoring ability and proved an elusive runner. For City the full-back (Clarke) again gave a fine exhibition. He was always safe and frequently set his backe in motion and taking a hand in the movements. Simpson was outstanding in the City three-quarter line, and Thompson and Matoira were outstanding in the forwards. City lost Thompson just before the end of a hard game. He suffered a head injury during a melee in City's territory, and received treatment in the St. John Ambulance room. The merks of the teams are shown by the fact that Mariet had a five-point margin at the finish.

Again a Full-back.—After being experimented with at five-eighth. J. Smith was back in his proper place at full-back for North Shore against Ponsonby. There Smith gave a fine showing, fielding , cleanly and kicking with good length and judgment. Smith's positional play was pood all •through the match, and his defence was always above question.

Sound Defender. — An exceptionally sound display wr.s given by W. Tittleto.i. the Richmond centre tliree-quarter. piaying against Manukau. The Auckland aid New Zealand representative played a gre-.t pivotal game a-nd always improved tje position in attack and revealed strong defensive powers. For sheer, solid defence rittleton hae no superior in Auckland League football. Tittleton gave his LcJt display of the season on Saturday-

Smooth-working Backs.—Perhaps for the reason that it had its foacke arranged differently, Richmond showed splendid combination m iUs match against Manukau,. C. representative half, sent passes away witii celerity; Solomon, in his proper place at first five-eighth, played constructive football of a high order; Graiham and Tittleton, next in the chain, were at the top of their form, while there wae a very speedy and dashing pair of wines in L. Milfe, the representative player, and Harrison.

Soecer Championship.—Excellent - team work by Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys wae the feature of the main game at Blandford Park. The whole XI. showed a perfect understanding, their ball control, combination and passing being one of the best exhibitions of the Soccer code seen at the Park for eome time. Yeoraans was very safe in goal and made some brilliant saves. Speed and Sims were a good pair of backs, Speed heading out a shot from Callaghan when a goal scorned certain. Hutchinson played excellently at left half and gave Needham eome fine openings. Ward and Woodhall completed the half line, both playing well. Ward, however, went to outside right position after the interval. The forwards were in greait form—Needham and Fyvie being a very dangerous left wing. Hopkinson led the line in good fashon, giving eorao welltimed passes to his wingers. Irvine at outside right was only making his second appearance in the senior side, but merited hie inclusion by scoring a nice goal and putting over some fine centres. Cherry, who partnered Irvine, got through a lot of work to complete a great forward line. Goals for Old Boys were scored by Needham, Irvine, Ward and Hopkinson. Grice scored Ponsonby's only goal and led his forwards well. Dow'ler and Oallnghan both played well on their respective wings. Rouse at left half was a hard worker, but the whole of the Ponsonby half-line scorned to be lying too deep, thereby leaving too I much ground between themselves and their forwards. Gavan gave a good display in goal—preventing the Old Boys from winning by a larger margin..

Vard and F. Blackie Injured.—Both these players were temporarily knocked out when they met in a head collision when jumping to head the ball, and had to receive first aid from the ambulance men. Blac-kie had to leave the field, and wae replaced by Chapman. This meant a rearrangement in the Poneonby team. McKay going from- inside right to right half and Chapman taking McKay's position. Blac-kie suffered a slight concussion, ■but witnessed the game fi*om the et'and after receiving further treatment. Ward continued to play, but was late in coming out after the interval. He wae evidently etill feeling the knock and went to outside right position, but soon made his presence felt there to score the Old Boys' third goal.

Fraser's Hat Trick.—ln the curtainraiser at Blandfurd between Abels and the XI. from Papakura Camp, who were making their first appearance at headquarters. Fraeer crrtainly had his shooting boots on to score 3 goals for his eide. Hie best goal was his first, which came from his head when he connected with a good centre. Adams scored Abels' other goal. Abels played one man shore throughout the game—Davis playing in the dual position of right Ji.ilf and right full-back. The Papakura side contained one or two wellknown players. Graham Sims. their centre-half, who played a very solid came, was remembered as the old Y.M.C.A. centre-half, while J. Walker, their goalie. represented Wellington in their Flygw "Cup teams against Auckland in i'he 1938 and 1939 seasons. Stevens scored for the Army side. W.ilker, right back, ami Binnie, right half, put up a very stubborn defence. The camp team is being coached by Mr. P. N"eesham. former Auckland selector, wlho is an officer at Papakura.

A Good Leader.—A draw would have been a good indication of the merits of the Y.M.C.A. and Eastern Suburb* Soecer teams', but as it so happened Y.M.C.A. won by the odd goal after a bright game. Early in the second half Suburbs had a lead of two goals in four, but Y.M.C.A.'e vanguard worked untiringly and added three to win. The Y.M.C.A." skipper. Bennett, accounted frr threJe goal* and ),e left his side with ability. His vis-a-vis, I\. Welch, was, as usual, a tower of. strength and he goaled twice to bring his total icr the season up to 19. In B. Dickey aud A. Welch Suburbs had a pair of backs who effected xuaxij saves.

An All-St. Heller's Team.—For the first time Eastern Suburbs has now what might be termed an all-St. Helier's team, all members residing in the district. In the past the men for this Soccer eleven have been drawn from various districts, but the club now has a wealth of promising young talent to draw upon. In its team on Saturday were no fewer than eix promoted juniors, all of whom gave a good account of themselves. Playing his eecond game in the eenior division this season was J. Cowie, the former Auckland representative. Shore's Revenge.—Shore avenged their previous six-goal-to-two defeat of the first round when they met the Air Force team in their second game, winning by 3 goalii to 1. Gollop gave a great display in the Air Force goal and with Burrows in the backs and Waters in the forwards wa.s the outstanding player in the airmen's team Gollop often thrilled the spectators with his clearing either by hand or foot and the only two shots he missed were wide of the goal. Shore's teamwork was first clae*. Potts and Chamber*, were prominent in the forwards, and Bleckic and Clayworth. tflione out for consistent good work in Lue Viui.guard. Veteran's • Sporting Gesture.—Emerging from retirement when hi* < lub, Onelninga, wa.s one man short. Bob Morris took his place between the goal pouts and pave a clever exhibition of 'keeping. He showed no hesitation in scrambling at" the feet of tilie Thistle forwards, and several times 'hugged the ball in the mud until there was a favourable opportunity to clear his goal mouth. Incidentally, the regular 'keeper. McGillivray was moved up to centre-forward, v here he- showed versatility in heading in one of Onehunga'e goals.

Four Goals in Twenty-five Minutes. Star of the winning Thistle team againet Onehunga on Saturday wae W. Kennedy, a versatile player of that club for several years. Though usually a half-back. Kennedy proved ihat he is at home in any berth by scoring four successive goals, when his eiih? were two goale down quarter-way through the eecond spell.

HEAVY GOING.—A. Browne, the winner, trudging through the mud on the lake circuit during the provincial cross-country championship.

United'B easy win over- University B enabled it to remain at the head of the hockey championship and Grammar's defeat of the Camp team places it second just one point behind. Training College has to drop back on account of its defeat at the hands of University A, while the teams in the other two matches have to share points on account of drawn games. "Draw" Contest. —It would appear that St. Lriike"s and the University Whippets are staging a contest to see which team can finish up with the most drawn games in the hockey competition. St. Luke's by its one-goal draw with Mount Eden on Saturday haa now five such decisions to its credit, but the Whippete' team is running eloee with a tally of four.

Pivot Of Success.—The University centrehalf Kowse has given some goo<l displays this eeason. but he eclipsed all previous efforte on Saturday againct Training College. His stick work left little to be desired. He broke up the opposing attacks, cleared with well placed hits, and the team'e success in the final stages was due to the manner in which he kept the attacks sustained.

Speedy Wingers.—MeKenzie (Albertians), Archibald (Somerville), Bopue (Training College) were the outstanding wing forwards at Hobeon Park. They each made the most of their pace, maintained pood position, drew the defences and roc-ked in splendid centres. Foreter gave an excellent display at inside left for Albertian6.

In Scoring Mood. — Coldham, who notched the four goals for Training College againet University, also gave a sound, unselfish display of centre- for ward play. He maintained splendid position throughout.

Veterans Stage Comeback.—By quickly adapting their tactics to the prevailing conditions a£ Fowlde Park, the United players retained their lead in the hockey championship when they ran up the big tally of 7 goals to 2 against the University B team. J. Cooper, the winner's centreforward, showed that hfl 'had losr none of hie dash, despite his absence from the game for a season or eo, for he notched no less than four of his side's total. Another United player who has made a welcome reappearance is MeCorrnick; hie display at full-back on Saturday' eh owed that hie ' resourcefulness is , an asset whether he is playing in bis usual position in the forwards or filling a gap in the backs.

Harrier Championship. —The Auckland provincial cross-country championship was won in most convincing style by A. Browne. The course of 10.000 metres included a little over two milis of road, and the remainder was a double circuit of the old Lake St. John. It was a very gruelling race ae the circuit was for the most part ankle deep, in mud. After about a mile Browne "went to the front and from then on the- race was a procession. With half the distance covered the tail enders had drifted back a mile and a lot of them seemed to treat the event as just a work-out. They had no pretensions of winning and made no effort to go the pace set by the leaders. A. G. Koefoed went a good race and followed the winner for the greater part of the race, though he did not look like catching Browne, who won in the end by over a furlong. Along the final stretch of road, L. Watters finished well and moved up from fourth to second place to defeat Koofoed. L. Clarke, one of the few who tried to go the pace set. ran a good race for fourth place, while of the others who showed anything like championship ability were A. McCutehan. G. Sinton. C. Jones. J. Howells and J. Xeil. The lastnamed was the early pacemaker, but thei mod beat him.