FLASHES FROM SATURDAY'S SPORT

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 190, 12 August 1940, Page 10

FLASHES FROM SATURDAY'S SPORT

The Auckland Rugby representatives had to fight hard to keep their record intact in the return match against Waikato at Hamilton, the margin in their favour being a converted try. There was very little between the teams and more finish by the local players would have carried the day for them. The contest was a good example of a team playing only as well as the other side allows it. Waikato certainly had a monopoly of the ball from the sets scrums—so much that the side should have won—and it is a fine tribute to the defensive qualities Of the Aucklanders that only one try was scored against them... Waikato inside backs made the error of overdoing the short kick. Although this had the opposition obviously worried on occasions, possession was often given away at critical stages. At the same time the Waikato rearguard gave an improved display on that in the first game between the fifteens at Eden Park when the honours went to Auckland by 11 points to 3. Forwards Harried.- The Auckland pack (lid not play with ite usual vigour, nor •lid it pack well in the loose scrums. Herein lies much of the succene of the home pack in flic loose. With the Aucklandere failing to wedge the scrum the Waikato vanguard often broke through in powerful rushes, which took considerable stopping. The Auckland defence vacillated, but always Bill Hare came to the rescue. Auckland all round ivae superior in the line-oiite, but in the loose Waikato held flic advantage through the forwards keeping together better. Generally there were four to five Waikato forwards in the van, whereas the Aucklanders worked singly or in pairs. Hook's Good Game.—Glen Hook, the Ponsonby and Waneanui representative, made no mistakes against Graf ton, and his penalty goal just after the half-time whistle was one of the deciding factions in the game. Though his kicking was not over lengthy, his defence was as safe (is a rock, apd he joined in many passing movements. Ponsonby'e best forward—and one of the best forwards on the ground—• was J. Bourke. Tireless both in tight and loose play, Bourke impressed as a player wcll'wont'h his recent promotion to junior rep. rank. On the Poneonby eide Heffernan wae again brilliant, but as a whole the backs were disorganised by the a.bsence of Tetzlaff (with the Auckland team in Hamilton) and Coughlan (in the Garrison side).

Hard Forward Tussles.—The forward »t'ni«glee were etrenuouely contested. Always to the fore for Auckland were Hull, who played a fine game throughout, Johnson and Gilmour, Nelson, Priest and Moffitt gave fine support. It was not a type of game'which'suited Mille or Smith, but theee t*o players were always handy in «he loose. Aβ in the first match the outstanding forward for Waikato was Macky, who shone in all phasee of play and ecored Waikato'e only try. A splendid type, Macky would surely jbe an All Black if it come to choosing a New Zealand team at the present time.- Farren aleo played a fine game, and Taylor was always in the limelight. Catfley's splendid hooking undoubtedly was responsible to a treat degree for the cloeencae of the score. . Hare's Great Game.—Although for.'once Bill: Hare left hie kicking boots at home— and it could not be said thar .he was kicking ibadlyr-^he,.played a. defensive game, "and really saved the/day* foe hoe side. He wae thoroughly tested throughout the match and gave a faultless display in a' yery heavy afternoon's ■ work." Repeatedly he was called on to stem the advancing forwards, and he never, faltered. Rushine up Jjerwbiild gather the ball, eometimee in remarkable style, >nd cleverlyevade tacklera to get in long, and telling line-kicks.' - With' no prospect of accompliehing thiev he went down at the forwards' feet to stop them, was often heavily iackled, but always came up for more. Hare has never been.'seen to, better advantage, and well oVer-ehadowed hie vis-a-vw, Eneor. " • ; ■ Schubert's Fine. i Tackling.—Unlike • the Waikato wings,., Schtibenf and;., GolmpreWilliame were starved for the ball in passing 'bouts, nnd as a consequence became mere iridivjduah'ste. <Both, djd their work well, ana an outstanding feature of Sohubert's game was iliie eplendid "tackling. He held the' 'fast Perkine, who scored a fine try in the -Eden--Park match, well in check, the Waikato man being bottled *JD during the whole game. At centre for Waikato Aitken tfras, ntfj epeedy .endugh, otihenvise the '■ tables -mielit have ' been easily turned against Auckland. Wiles, wae not up to hie usual foran.v neither handled nor passed with his accuracy.

The Suburbs Style.— The Otal»uhuSuburbs gamC- at Eden Park was notable for the success attending the ibrand of football which has been developed by Suburbs—-e combination of Rugby and American basketball. It i<s a spectacular style oi game, whose success depends on ability of iSi'e inside backs to seize anopening and give purpose to the maze of passing once it haw got the opposition out of place. On the other hand it has the weakness of giving almost equal opportunity to smart snipers in the opposition. On Saturday the Suburbs attack of the kind was given sting by the way in which l>. Brady and Margieon snapped through openings. Ward, at full-back, showed a weakness' in wrongly anticipating the bounce of the ball, buf lie also did a lot of great work in running his backe, into position. For Otahuhu, in the same position, Pearson, in his first, game of the season, wae an ever present help to his side in time of need. A feature of the same was the constant ..backing up ctf .the Suburbs forwards, and Coxhead's flash of Eu ?e i. mn h S "cored. Oiahuhu's pack got tihe ball regularly, but the backs failed to bake full - •.dyantaee.v of this, though brought Oβ, «ad made one try.

Old-timers Turn Out.—The PonscrabyGrafton game on Saturday saw the return of several players who were bitf names a few years back. Grafton was led by All Black H. F. McLean, who announced his retirement at the end of last season, and on the same side was Frank Pa ton, who has played in every code, and rendered good service to all of them. A pair of Ponsonby wingers who were "stock" players a few years ago also turned out—"Moe" Ramsey and Ken Carter. Ramsey had the misfortune to be injured. Aβ "old-timers" go, however, Bill Roddick, of Gx-afton. cannot be left out. Roddick has been playing great Rugby for years, and his exhibition on Saturday was a typical example. At a time when Grafton had two players short in the second .spell, Roddick kept the pack together, and he and McLean were largely responsible for the inspiring period in the second spell in which Grafton battled resolutely. A Bright Five-eighth.—The second fiveeighth for Waikato, R. Everest, caught the eye for heady play. Tricky and speedy, he cut through the defence in some incisive burets and placed hia kicks well. He appeared a player likely ro shine in better company. Inside him hie brother, J. Everest. • and Brown, half, were on the slow side. For Auckland Pearman played a solid all-round game. He defended stoutly ami his grubber kicks when the Waikato players were on top of him were a source of worry to the home team. Barlow flashed into the picture on occasions in some good thrusts. On one occasion he spoiled a splendid opening by passing t'he wrong way. Little Between Them. — University Rugby team won their way info the top division against , Manukau on Saturday, but only just. A margin of 13 points to 12 tells the story of a game which was mostly a matter of Manukau forwards against University backs. Time and again the University backs took play up to their opponent's quarter,, where, from a centre kick, their forwards made a dash which brought a. try under the post* on two occasions. The Manukau forwards again and 'had the opposition pinned on their line, and they also got two tries, but one was too far out for conversion. Takapuna, who- maintained their unbeaten record by beating Eden 28 to 3, go up into the senior division with University. Wellington avenged their English trophy, defeat in Auckland by taking '*&tiij» Campbell 7; RoW ; Bowl from their rivals at the Basin Reserve. As in the game played here a few weeks ago. there was only a goal between the teams, but this time it was big scoring, sto 4. It was claimed on behalf of Wellington that when they came north they were at a disadvantage because of the heavy state of Blandford Park. The conditions at Basin Reserve were no better, as rain had made the ground, muddy and a strong wind made conditio&e more difficult. Wellington snatched victory "in the last fevr: minutes of ■-'pla'y. ' : ;. ; : .. :f?%&-- if. _Auckland .Leads 3 to the first half m ' it B aine ' Au c k land, with the advantage were continually attacking and scored three goals to their opponent's one; had it not been for the briliance of lurkington in goal the score would have been bigger. Auckland scored eleven minutea after the start, Masters the winger, netting. Walker evened the score, but Auckland had much the better of the rest: of the half, Fyfie and Francie "coring.} On the change round Wellington attacked strongly and evened the score again with goals by Hatchard and Baker *our minutes before time Francis capped an Auckland sortie with his second goal and the visiting team led 4—3; ] n a sensational finish Wellington stormed the goal and Baker scored twice, the winning shot being just before the whistle. Gorman. Scores for Losers.— After mak">«.several, good attempts to reduce the ™w k,< ! n ? ?5, ad ' Gorn,an wa9 at tot rewarded with a goal from a penalty kick. 'Zw* %°^ d d- n * he P«»alty area and 5-took.the ball, himeelf to give Cocker no chance of saving. Gorman was a tirclces worker ae.also were Taylor and Stewart but frhey -to lack that finishing touch when in front of goal. A. Crabb both ehowed a turn of epeed on the 'wings an* gave their inside men "onje.good crosses. . Bassiek was the pick of the South Auckland* halvee. L'e*» al centre playing well. — Grifhtiis and Brown had a very busy time at fullback, but made a creditable showing, whilst MountfoL-d-in jgoal) could not be blamed for any of the goals that passed Him. ' -\. .-. . '.-,.-,.; .. • :-> t Ambulance on Playing Field.— An unforaunate accident occurred in the -nutoh between fourth grade representatives and secondary school seniors when R. Speechley sustained a broken leg. Play wae held up for some tinie while the St. John mtn rendered first aid. When the ambi-linee arrived it drove.dowh the ramp and ou to the playing area—thus saving any unnecessary jolting'by moving the player from the field to the ambulance. It is the first time that an ambulance has actually been on the playing field at Blandford Park and the care taken l>y the first aid mcj was much appreciated.

Two Good Goals.— Dowler was in excellent form at inside right and scored two really good goals. This player seems to be right at the top of hie form at present, having played most consistently for'the last few weeks. A. Francis also scored a good goal for Auckland. C. Blackie, on the right, and Callaghan, on the left wing, also iput over some nice centres to. .complete a- good froEt line. Fincham worked very-- hard at centre half and waa ably supported by Hutclnn&on and K.eyr. C. Ekinan and Ziebell were a safe pair oi backs and Cocker marie some excellent eaves in the Auckland citadel. Challengers Defeated. — At filaa&ford Park the Auckland B representatives successfully defied the challenge of Soiith Auckland for the Hallyburton Johnstoue Shield, winning by 4 goals to 1. Although South Auckland put up a stubborn figlit it was the superior finishing movements of the Auckland forwards that gave their side a comfortable : yrin. -■ ':' The line plaj■ cd together really well and was always mote dangerous when in front-of goal than the opposing one. Bennett, the Y.M.C.A. ■captain, led the line- in fine fashion, giving his wing men some good passes and combining well with his irisides, Dbwler and A. Francis. His goal was a good one and he was a trifle unlucky, thjat his tally was not more -for- he got his -head to qne -or two centred only to "miss the mark" by incb.ee. ■•.-■..-.

There was no real element of surprise in the Auckland Rugby League's senior matches on Saturday. Richmond, who have a clear lead of three points in the competition, showed better finish than Ponsonby, and got three tries, the latter score being made up of three penalty goals. Mount Albert outpointed Newton, and North Shore, after a strong rally, finished well ahead of City. Marist found their task at Papakura, against the home side, an easy one. Shore's Recovery.—There was a lack of finish in City's play in the second spell of the encounter with North Shore. This was quite a reverse to the side, and although the whole team fought hard to avoid defeat they failed to stem the repeated North Shore attacks. North Shore looked like a beaten team at the end of the first spell, but the tables were quicklv Turned after the resumption. City fielded a strong team. Simpson played a line game m the rhree-quarter line, and he was well backed up by Hughes, while Raisbeck. the halfback, got the ball away cleanly from the scrums to feed his supports. As usual Clarke played a very sound game in the hill-back position. Before the change over City had a lead of four points. Combination and. speed by the Shore backs kept City busy defending for the greater parr of the second epell. Wilkie, Donaldson and u. Scott harassed the opposition, the former being outstanding. Both Wilkie and Donaldson were in top form,' and excellent in brilliant attack and defence. Outstanding in the forwards were Field, -Mackintosh, Graham and E. Scott. Judged on ,r V orm sh< " vn a N through the second half, .North Shore deserved their win by 17 points to 8.

South Auckland Too Good.—Except for a brief period midway through the second ape]], when backs and forwards combined m a characteristic way, with Chase and Hemi being the particular shining lights and rattled on 13 points, Manukau were definitely shaded by a Huntly team which they met at Waikaraka Park. The visitors were well balanced and as a teaih appeared to have a weight advantage over the heavy Manukau thirteen. Thoee 13 points scored in as many minutes wiped out all but two points of a deficit, and seemed to be the turning point of the game. However, the visitors quickly settled down again and profiting by mistakes by the opposition coupled with alert opportunism, they went on to win by the clear-cut margin of 23 points to 131 Solomon Constructive.—The outstanding back in the match between Richmond and Ponsonby was D. Solomon, the Richmond five-eighth. It was Solomon who habitually did the right thing in attack, with always an eye for the opportunity of the moment, and appreciation of the fact that there were other players to support him. When rhythm of mob movement faltered, it was generally Solomon who wae there to give it fresh momentum. In defence he always seemed to bob up in the right position, either to tackle -well or get in a clearing kick. Solomon on the day gave a remarkable demonstration of positional play.

Good Team-play.— Although ' Richmond held no real advantage over Ponsonby at Carlaw on Saturday, they showed the necessary finish when it " came to gathering points. In the Richmond forwards they had an outstanding player in Devine to hand out long passes from the loose play, and a back line in Williams, Graham, Solomon, Tittletou, Mills and Bramley who worked like a machine when they got a real chance. Safe Full-back.— The City eenior reserve League team possesses a very eafe fullback in T. Maher, who put over five splendid goals in the game against North Shore senior reserves on No. 2 ground at Carlaw Park on Saturday. He has been playing for about ten years, and retains remarkable form in epite of the fact that he ie over the football epan of life. Maher played for R.V. senior B for a season, but returned to the City side later. While his football is not brilliant he is a very solkl man in the full-back position, and ie an ' aeset to hie team because of the fact that he. Ie a good goal kicker. Kay's Treble. —Solo scorer for Ponsonby in their match against Bichmond was A. Kay; the Auckland and New Zealand representative fivfteighth: He kicked three penalty goals. a fine achievement, but there were some penalty chances he missed, and had that not been the result would have been closerl A couple .ot missed chances were from relatively eaey positions. Apart from kicking Kay played a brilliant attacking game, and the Richmond backs paid him the compliment of keeping close watch on him. Best Mount Albert Forward. — Best Mount Albert forward; in'the mat?h wil!i Newton wae J. Gunning, whose ulay at the moment ie well up to representative standard. / In both close and open play he was prominent and always a searcher for opportunity, as he showed on one occasion to be right on the ball at the right moment to get a try. Two Good Full-backs. — The League match between Newton and Mount Albert to notice the good play of the full-bacKs of the two sides. C. Dempsey, of Newton, never put a foot wrong, kicked with good range and discretion, ana repeatedly extricated his team from difficult positions. McLachlan, for Mount Albert, was faultiest, just ae eure in result an Dempeey, although lacking a little of the artistry that characterises the displays which the Newton man gives. Verdun Scott Returns. - After an enforced epell of three" weeks, Verdun' Scott donned die 'black jersey to take hie former position ae full-iback for North Shore in the game against City at Carlaw Park ;on Saturday. -An injury received when playing tajrie tennis kept Scott out of the game. He was in great form on Saturday,, and pleased the crowd ,wit.h his kicking judgment. : . . " ' . Though the hockey leaders, United, played a drawn game with Somerville it increased its lead in the championship by. a point. This s « was in consequence of Grammar Old Boys and Training College, the next pair on the ladder,, both being defeated. The championship is. still interesting as St. Luke's, University A and Grammar are level in second position, three points behind United, with Training College a point behind the other three. . Grammar Outclassed.- When the Albertiau team sprang its surprise victory over Grammar Old -Boys (1930 hockey, ohanipione) to the tune of 5 goals to 1, it was th,e winners' forward Ike that deeervttl credit for the win. Strengthened by the inclusion of •C. , Eloytl, the ex-Auckland representative, it had plenty of penetrative power and all five forwards , played sparkling hockey. N. Bennett at cenhe proved devastating once play reached the circle and he was responsible for scoring four of hie side's tally.

Improved Stickwork. — The outstanding feature in the University-Mount Edon game was the improved stiekwork by both sete of players. Some of the stopping was very clever and made play riot only more open but faster. The use of the llick stroke waa another improved factor aud none used it to greater advantage than Rowse, University, and T. ' Horspooi, Mount Eden. .

An Expensive Save.— During a veiy ptrerietent attack by the St. Luke's forwards Fie-hei-, the Training College goalie, made a great eave by kicking the ball clear.' In his efforte. he dropped hie stick and the breach cost a penalty bully against him. This Corin, the opposihj| centre forward, turned to its full value'by netting a. goal.

Safe Goalkeeping.— One of the best displays of 'goalkeeping'seen for : some weeks waa given by E. Appleby, the St. Luke'e custodian. He 'did tofcome out, gaining the advantage to clear?with hk stick, arid when" uhdier pressure he *howe4 the value «f usiog hxs |eet.