FLASHES FROM SATURDAY'S SPORT

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 202, 26 August 1940, Page 10

FLASHES FROM SATURDAY'S SPORT

By scoring ive tries to one Auckland left Tit doubt as to their superiority- over Taranaki in the Rugby representative fixture at Eden Park. Playing with a strong sun and moderate wind in the first spell the visitors had all the better of the exchanges, and for the first half-hour continually harried the Auckland defence. During this period the Taranaki forwards adopted a close but very effective loose combination and gained a monopoly of the ball. The outside backs, however, with numerous opportunities, made errors in passing at the vital stage. Auckland's improved defence in the five-eighths line stood the test well. Why the visiting vanguard adopted somewhat different tactics in the second spell is hard to understand. They spread out more and thus allowed Auckland's clever loose forward a great advantage. It was during this period that local forwards handled like backs. Taranaki held the lead at half-time by six points to three (all goals), and went three points further ahead just after the interval, with the only try they scored. From this stage the better team play of Auckland told the tale. Auckland's success still leaves the side with an unbeaten record. Full-backs' Duel.—The duel 'between the full-lxicke. Hare (Auckland)- and Johns (Taranaki) wae one of the highlights of the game. There was a distinct contrast in physique—Hare big and heavy' and Johns much smaller and lighter. Both had a good amount of defensive work, and. cleverly extricated their teams from difficult positions. It was somewhat uncommon that each kicked a penalty goal from near the half-way mark to open their team's account. For all-round, play, with kicking included, the honours go to Hare* Molloy On the Wine.—Playing hie first representative fixture this ''. /year,- last season's Auckland centre, J. Molloy,' came into the limelight with a fine all-round display. He was the only back to' score, and two tries went to his credit, i The cleverness of _ this utility player , enabled him to start and follow through attacking moves. Schubert did not have many real chances. • ' A Polished Game.—Tn spite" of itihe fact that (he woe-..opposed by All Black Jack Sullivan, Alan Wiles played a game at centre for Auckland which had the polish of a much' more experienced player. It is the first season Wiles has represented his province, and be is only 10 years of age. Undoubtedly his positional play, attacking and defensive qualities in this match stamped him as a centre likely to gain the highest recognition in New Zealand Rugby. Sullivan was too well marked to'be very dangerous, although, a couple of times toward the close of the second epell he gave « sample of-.hi*, ability and once narrowly missed scoring. An outstanding feature of hie play was the manner in which he ran his wings into position;, \ Novak Shines.—Taranaki ha» a very promising five-eighth in the ' youthful Novak. He did much clever individual work on attack besides chiming in well in the .back chain. For Auckland Pearman wee very solid, while it wae pleasing. to note an improvement in Barlow'e' defence. There never has 'been any doubt aa to "the latter's attacking ability, and he made a few nice breaks in this department. .... '.'" ..-."' ' Half-back Style*.-The different styles of • the half-ibacks, Tetzlaff (Auckland) and Gladding (Taranaki) Wae .interesting. The former was as solid as 1 ever on defence -and did a great share of this'work fn his accustomed style. He was, -however, too slow in getting the ball away, and this had the five-eighths' line almost standing still on receiving. On the other hand Gladding was quick to deliver, and his speed off the mark and eye for, an opening deserved a better' reward' in the second spell, when some fine chances went begging. Gladding was dii ectly responsible for his team's only try, when he cleverly evaded die opposition in a blind side run. Fine Loose Forwards.—Shining stars for Auckland in the second spell, when the game was more suitable to their style, were Mills, Smith and Barry. The firstnamed frequently started attacking moves, while Smith and Barry were always on the alert, and chimedin splendidly.. Barry's two tries were a just reward for ability all round. Johnson played his best game for Auckland to date. Besides being in the thick of the fray he wae a fine supporter in the loose. For Taranaki Murphy, Walker and Patterson were always in the picture, with Richards shining in the loose.

Suburbs Too Fast.— Playing its first game since promotion to fhe iirst division of bile isenior chain pionehip, Taka.puna struck Suburbs at the Showgrounds, and it proved too biff a hurdle, superior speed giving Suburbs the win by 15 points to nil. Early in the first half Takapuna was coneistently on the attack, but after D. Brady hail kicked a penalty and Green scored with a perfect field goal, Suburbs appeared to have too great an advantage. Dinny Brady was the mainstay of the side all the way. Gallaher Shield Surprises.—Poneonby suffered a loss by 6 points to 3 against University in the Gallaher Shield series played in addition to the representative game on Saturday. Though Ponsonby was a weakened «ide, it wae an encouraging event for University in ite firet game in the first division. Another surprise was the big margin of points by which Grafton went down to North Shore. There was 16 points difference at the end, at 25 points to 9- Marist beat another weakened team, Training College, while Otahiihu, which had to draw on a number of junior players to make up a eide, were beaten easily by Technical. Peace Cup Changes Hands.—At Matamata on Saturday, the challenge by Waihi for the Peace Cup was successful, the visitors beating Matamata by 11 points to 8. The half-time score was Matamata took the trophy from Morrinsville (11—8) on July 22 Inst year, beating the side that had held it for a briof period only after taking it from Waiuku at the end of the 1938 reason. Southern Champions.— Beating Inverenrgill 27—25, Mariet won the Galbraith Shield, emblematic of the Southland Rugby championship, for the first time. In the capital Athletic (12) beat Wellington (7) in the Rugby premier-slip final. Thistle and Y.M.C.A. met in the Soccer curtain-raiser at Blandford Park, the game providing an even contest throughout. All four goals were scored in the -first half, and when the whistle sounded for time the scores were still level—2 goals each. As the match was also for the Falcon Cup, as well as the championship one, an extra 15 minutes each way had to be played, and although both sides fought hard to gain the decision they had to be content with a draw after the extra period. , .; Shore's Gooff Floht. — Poneonby accounted for North Shore to the tune of five goals to two, proving too experienced and heavy a side for the young local team, who had to field several juniore from fourth grade upwards to complete their team. Of the juniore Balmain, HigBott, A. Biackie and Gilbert rendered good service, the , latter playing an especially good game at left? half. ■ Shore played a spirited game and did not ollow tfhe opposition to take' things too easy. - James held •one team together well..- in. the pivot position, with C. Blackie and Cooper giving a first-class ( display in , the vanguard. Grice was the 'shining light in the Ponsonby attack, getting three good goals- He wae well supported by McKay and Innes, with Haggett and P. Blackie standing out for consistent good work in the rearguard. Death of Airman-Footballer.—The club flag at Blandford Park was flown at halfmast on Saturday in honour of Sergeant J. S. Brennan, of the Royal Air Force, wfho was killed in a landing accident whilst on active service. Sergeant Jack Brennan, who was 22 years of age, was the eon of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Brennan, of 7, Bennett Street, Mount Alber*. He wae educated at Grey Lynn.primary and Mount Albert Grammar schools. He joined the R.A.F. shortly after the outbreak of war, and after completing his preliminary training at Palmerston North sailed for England last March. He wae a regular member of the Grey Lynn Soccer Club's senior XI. A Good Referee.—Mr. F. Green, who controlled the main gams at Blandford Park, was making his first appearance at headquarters in a senior match. He handled the game with great confidence, his rulings always being quick and decisive. He was always up with the ball, and several of his decisions were very favourably commented on after the game by .both players and spectators. Aβ a player Ponsonlby was his club, and although he never played for the senior XI. he was always one of its stauncheet members. Wiseman In Good Form.—Playing at centre half for Thistle, Wiseman proved ■himself a very able substitute for Morris, wiho is on 'holiday. Wiseman, who usually plays at left half, seemed quite at home in hie new position, and was always on the spot. He was a tireless worker both on the defence and attack and was right at the top of his form. Kennedy scored Thistle's two goals, both being nice effort*. The first was a header from a good cross by Woods, while he added the finishing touch to a centre by Xamie to register Thistle's second goal. Alleop and Davies made an excellent pair of backs in a game which was always hard. Waterslder's Hat Trick.—Leading 4-1 at the interval, Waterside (Wellington) beat Mosgiel (Otago) 6—2 in the Chatham Cup final at Basin Reserve on Saturday. The Otago side started Watersider's hattrick when the Wellington XI. won 4—o in the 1938 final, and Western (Canterbury) fell 4 —2 last year.

Hopkinson's Great Goal.—The main attraction at Blandford was ihe Falcon Cup and championship match between Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys and Abels. A very interesting game resulted in a win for the Old Boys by 4 goals to 2. Hopkinson scored first for Grammar. He received the ball from Woodhall and shot from twenty-five yards range with his left toot to beat Cameron- with an excellent shot. The Old Boys' second goal was also the outcome of another long range shot—this time Ward being the scorer. Needham notched the third goal when he ran in to score with a nice shot from his right foot while Fyvie got the final one after a scramble in front of Abel's goal. The Grammar vanguard was always dangerous, with Hopkinson and Fyvie always showing to advantage. Hutchinson was again in great form at left half and was the pick of an excellent middle line. Speed played a great game at back, and Yeomans was as safe as ever in goal— making several magnificent saves. Robinson Shines.—Robinson was at hk best for Abels and his goal wa« the result of a good solo effort. He showed a fine turn of speed and put over some nice crosses for his inside men. E. Ekmart wae the other scorer—making no mistake with a penalty kick awarded Abels for hands. Hamilton worked hard at inside right and gave Robinson pome nice passes. Blake at centre-4inlf played a very solid game, whilst CJ. Ekman and Bowmer made a good pair of backs that had a very busy time. Bowmer proved himself a versatile player by taking the left back position tlus week-nas last week he played at inside left and outside left for his club. Rollins-Bennett Combination.—The two goals scored by Y.M.C.A. were both the result of combination between Rollins on the left wing and Bennett at centre forward. The Y.M. pivot fed hie wing in good style, and Rollins p'jt over eome great centres. Bennett heading the two goals scored for Y.M. as a result of this combination. Dowditig at outside right was also in form. Bell, the Y.M. centre*alf was the pick of a hard working middle line, while Veart and Brown were a safe pair of backe. Three Brothers.—A feature of the ShorePoneomby Soccer match was the presence of the three Blackie -brothers, F. Blackie, ex-New Zealand and Auckland representative, was on the Poneonby eide, while C. Blackie, who has afeo gained Auckland representative honours, and his younger brother A. Blaekie, were in trhe Shore tfeam. all three playing especially good eames for their respective eid««. A general reshuffling among the leading teams in. the hockey championship was caused by results of Saturday's matches. United, however, still retains the lead, with University A holding its position next in order. St. Luke's move up to* third' place, and the defeat of Grammar Old Boys by 'Varsity lowers the 1 939 champion's position to fourth. A Consistent Wing.— There is no more consistent right wing forward in the senior competition than McKenzie, of Albertians. On Saturday he led attacks that harassed the College defence, amd was unfortunate in having several of his shots deflected from the goal net. Appleby, the St. Luke's goalie, continually upset the calculations of the University B forwards. He frustrated their chances of shooting by coming out and -turning the , attackers aside circle edge. '"■''': '*•■'■■ '*. Veteran Forward.— Corin how ranks as the veteran of the St. Luke's line, but on Saturday he was seen on the top of his form._ He made many fine openings for the Kne, but one of his best efforts wae a solo run from the hair-line to the circle. Although he got into the scoring list it was unfortunate that the time whistle sounded as he took the last shot that found the net. Prolific Scorer.— Z,. Wyatt, the Auckland representative inside left, scored the only two goals of the niatdh when Somerville defeated Mount Eden on Saturday. This player has proved the most prolific scorer for his team, and with a tally of 16 goals to his credit in - championship matches easily heads hie club's list. He is the Eden senior cricketer, and a brother at; Auckland Grammar netted many goals when that school won the New Zealand secondary schools' hockey championship last week. Grammar's Late Run—University A repeated its first" round success over Grammar Old Boys', laet year's champions, but this time the result was much closer. Putting on three goals in a row University ■had its opponents worried. Grammar rallied late in the second spell to play some sparkling hockey; but was unable to bridge the gap, and lost by the odd goal in five. In the closing -stages of the game Roughton made some devastating onslaughts on the University defence, and .three times he successfully pierced it, but was unable to find the net with his shots. Waikato Rep. Reappears.—F. Forster, the Waikato representative now in camp at .Narrow Neck, made his appearance as inner left for Albertians. He topped off a splendid game by scoring a good goal to open the team's account.

- In defeating Richmond, the champion League team of the season at Garlaw Park, the visiting Huntly team had a win full of merit. The visiting forwards were a shade too good for the city pack, and all the team threw the ball about with great freedom. In the inside back play alone was Richmond superior to its opponents. Playing with great dash, Manukau eclipsed North Shore; City got home ahead of Newton; Ponsonby beat Harist by a wide margin, a similar remark applying to Mount Albert's victory over Papakura, at Powlds Park. Owing to injuries, however, Papakura had only eleven men on the field after the interval, at which stage the score was 29—22. Colourful Wing.-One of the playere for Huntly in the match against Richmond wae L. lukere, a speedy and dashing wing three-quarter, who has been an outstanding player in the Lower Waikato for several seasons Tukere ie 24 years of age and weighs 11 stone. He made a good impression when playing for the South Auckland representatives at Huntly against the touring English League team in the 1936 season, when he disclosed remarkable speed and a clever defence. The visitors regarded him as one of the best backs they met on the New Zealand tour. Solomon Outstanding.—Outstanding back in the matdh between Huntly and Richmond was D. Solomon, in the five-eghth line for the letter side. It wae Solomon who gave attack fresh impetus when attack faltered, and it was he wiho did extraordinary things in covering defence. He may not be regarded as a sprinter, but he knows how to get off the mar and in a 30yds dash his pace is quite impressive. Sound Custodian.— A good interpretation of full-back play was given by T. Shaw, for Huntly, in the match against Richmond. He was extremely safe with his fielding, showed a good idea of positional play, and kicked with good length and direction. Shaw is the South Auckland representative full-back. He played in the New Zealand trial matches last season and the soundness of his form wae then commented upon. He is also a reliable place kick. Hooking Specialist— The fact that the Huntly backs got a good share of the ball from set scrums in the match between Huntly and Richmond on Saturday was largely due to the clean and swift raking by J. Brooks in their front row. Robust in build and weighing 13% stone, Brooke gave his team splendid service and wae always up with the play. He played in the New Zealand trial matches in Auckland last season. • Representative Thirteens.—Proceeds of the annual fixture between the Auckland Rugby League representatives and the Maori team, to be played at Carlaw Park next Saturday, will go to the injured players' fund. The teams are: — Auckland.—Pull-back, V. Scott; threequarters, J. Smith, A. Kay, A. Graham, R. Nurse; half-backs, It. Banham, Williams (Richmond) ; forwards, L. Davie, H. Flanagan, D. Shadbolt, H. M. Milliken, J. Gunning, E. Scott. Reserves: Fields, Taylor, Cowley, Mclnnarney. Maoris.—Full-tn-.i-k, Martin ; three-quar-ters. Chase, Hemi, Butler; five-eighths, Solomon, Donaldson ; half j back, Miihima; forwards, H. Mataira. W. Mataira, McLeod, j Mitchell, Kiriniu, Tristram. Reserves: W. Brimble, Broughton, Te Tai, Shilton, Briggs, Kendall. Players not available are requested to notify the secretary of the Auckland Rugby League, Mr. I. Culpan, immediately. Both teams will train at Carlaw Park to-morrow and on Thursday. Good Combination.—Combination and speed by the Ponsonby backs were the outstanding features of the encounter with Marist on No. 2 ground at Carlaw Park. Much of the credit for Ponsonby's good win must go to the backs, who snapped into their task right from the etart, and who always ehon-ed clever play. The Marist backs Showed something of their old form, but they were not up to the standard of fehe opposition. • Play was brilliant most of the time, with Kay, Jordan, Nurse, Riley, Dunning, Briggs, Bakalich and Laird always prominent for Ponsonby. On the Mariet side Chalmers, Hughes, Matthews, McWilliame, Exnslie, Haslam, Finlayson and MeLeod all filled their places with credit. The outstanding forward in this match was Briggs. Good Manukau Form. —Playing one of •their best games Manukau- had all the better of the match against Ncrth Shore on Saturday. There was unorthodoxy in the Manukau methods and plenty of dash. In the Manukau backs Mahima played soundly at half-bnek, and had gifted supports in J. Hemi and T. Chase. Hemi kicked a wonderful length, and often gained for Manukau. Ragged Game.—The game between City and Newton at Carlaw Park calls for little comment, as the play was ragged all through. The Newton, side came on the field about 20 minutes late and big changes had been made, most of the backs being switched round. Stephens was ' injured early in the game and was replaced by Riki Brimble in the three-quarter line, while Kendall, Sander and Silva all filled different positions. Several changes were also made in the City team, Barton and Nesbitt going into the five-eighths lime and Simpson taking a three-quarter position. The Maori forward, H. Mataira, took his old place after a spell of three weeks, and showed good form. He scored a fine try. Simpson and J. Gould were the best of the City rearguard, and Clarke played his usual safe game at full-back. At no stage of the game did the play reach brilliancy, but City was the best team on the run of the play. Return of Brian Riley.—A welcome addition to" the Ponsonby senior eide in the encounter with Marist at Carlaw Park oil Saturday was Brian Riley, a former New Zealand and Auckland representative. It was his first game this season and he showed some of his former brilliance in the three-quarter line. Riley was one of Ponsonby's most brilliant backs last season. ■ Unfortunately he was not available for the New Zealand team Vhioh went to England last year. Player With a future.— A player of ability. made his first appearance at Carlaw Park on Saturday.' This was L. Jordan, the Northcote five-eighth. He played brilliant football for the Northcote senior B side this season and transferred to the Ponsonby senior team last week. It waa his first senior game in. the fiveeighth line on Saturday and he certainly showed that he is a player with a future. In the. game against Marist Jordan made repeated openings, showed speed and resource. Half-way through the second spell he made a beautiful swerving run of 40 yards to score his first try as a senior playerv U.&A. Tennis Doubles.— Beating Mulloy and Prusoff, 6—4, B—6, 9—7, Kramer (U.S.A.) an* .Schroeder (Sweden) captured the United "States lawn tennis doubles won last year by the Australians, Quist and Bromwich. The victors beat Parker and MeNeill, 10—8, 2—6, 7—5, 6—3, in one semi-final, while the losers vanquished Bobbit and Guernsey, 9—7, 4—6 17—5, 6—4, in the other.