Flashes From Saturday's Sport

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 158, 7 July 1941, Page 4

Flashes From Saturday's Sport

RUGBY Takapuna's Win.—More scoring versatility than it had formerly shown in its gi.mca at the park wan displayed by Takapuna in the narrow win over Marwt. Ewert signalised his last game with the team by smart strategy and well-placed kicks that ,ed to the three tried scored, and Titebener's dash finalised two of the tries. Ewert 'a kicking otherwise was not ii]) to his usual standard ui accuracy, and ii couple of "pots" went astray, "partly because lie was closely marked. A tower or strength to his side in attack and defence, Brinsden was not. however, able to find his usual scoring loophole near the serum, where Mills and Co. blocked his good intentions. Neary was the xMarist chief score-maker by smart work at centre alter ruck play, though he has not yet mastered the art of effective centre plav in orthodox attack. But it was the forwards 01 both sides that gave the game the tliriil that had partisans in a state of delirium time and again. The Takapuna pack just had the edge on the rugged -Marists everywhere but in the scrums, and made the win possible. On the run of the play I'akapuna would have been unluckv had Marust succeeded in turning the tables in characteristic style through the services of an efficient goalkicker. 1 Foot-slogging.— The early start of Grammar and '.technical Old Boys' game plunged the players into conditions in which someSouth island teams would have revelled, but for which most Auckland teams are quite unprepared by experience ami training. A misty rain, and a ground sodden and slippery, with a modicum of mud, I create a trap into which headlong placers fall with errors, but which come as a treat to forwards trained in the art of weaving steadily through the opposition with the ball at foot and under control for either solo or concerted drives downfield. It was, however, no treat for the Grammar and technical vanguard, and the game developed into a duel of direct foot-slog-ging and of scouting for a luckv break. A burst ot sun near half-time, with a freshening of the breeze, made the ball visibly drier, and then the Grammar forwards worked breakaways from the line-out with the ball _in hand that had plav near technicals goal when the defenders "ave f w ? y a penalty from which R. Proctor kicked the winning points.

Boots-Somewhere about a dozen penalty kicks at goal in the two matches on the main ground at Eden Park on Saturday went astray, and the only penalty goal kicked was a match-winner—for Grammar by R. Proctor, who scored full marks by getting over his one attempt after J. Giimour had missed in three or four shots In the other game P. Brady and D. Ewert.' tor Takapuna, and R. Soreuson and J. ■llogan, for Marist, failed altogether with penalty shote at goal. The Quarter of the wind had a little to do wifj it, but the chief trouble was getting the distance with a heavy ball. In provinces where rains are general in the football season most goalkiekers see that their boots are specially braced for driving a heavy ball in goalkicks. It often adds a yard or two to the range of the kick.

f«?£ bur a S Winning.—Maintaining its improved form. Suburbs continued its winning way bv downing a strong Army fifteen in a fast op*n (KrS i, held the interest of the onlovkers thp rpnma Thc s e was n °t 'he difference between indicated by the score of 13—6 in ho.. J favour, but the winners were quicker and f. tl ' e 5 „ m 'stakes by their opponents hLiff i? th^ n was the case with the Army , .f rrOI S passing at the critical stage and at other times splendid defence and anticipate" v - Underwood, the Suburbs' full-back who often got the man, ball and all, were factorin Keeping Army down to one try in the flrsl spell. During this half a fine intercep'ion by Young (wing) led to a Suburbs try, which was converted. Suburbs added another converted tr l ' in the second spell as the result of good team play and a penalty goal to Army's penalty goal. Keen Forward Straggle.—There were some keen forward struggles in which Suburbs, except in scrummaging, stood up well to its experienced opponents. Among the Army forwards who stool aVi H ' P ' McLean, former Auckland and Ail Black representative, and Massey, formerly of North Shore. Massey was in everything, while McLean, who scored Army's only try, is playing as well as ever. He was unfortunate to receive a cut over the eye in the second spell and had to retire. Snappy Bark Play.—Both Army and Suburbs threw the ball about in convincing style and only sound defcnce kept the scoring down. Some of the Suburbs forwards were inclined to overdo the spotting tactics, especially in the first spell, when Army gained a lion's share of the ball. Margisson (centre.) watched his vis-a-vis for the Army, Perriam, well and played on top of him. Margisson. however, was helped to a great extent in this respect by Reid, second five-eighth, unloading to Perriam when the Army centre was in a worse position than Reid himself. Denny Brady played on outstanding game for Suburbs at second five-eighth, his clever work often changing defence to attack. Southern Highlights.—The features of Rugby games in the South were the defeat of the leading XV.'s in Wellington and Otago. In the capital Marist conquered Athletic 13 —6; while at Dunedin the club of that name won from University A, 21—18. The other Wellington results were: Hutt 6. Oriental 3; St. Patrick's Old Boys 19, Poneke 11; Petone 3. Johnsonville 3; Air Force 7. University 6; Wellington 6 Eastbourne 0; Hutt (Army) 6. Wellington College Old Boys 3. SUCCESSFUL AIR RAlDS.—There were two surprises in the second division, when the Air Force., teams scored victories which put their opponents out of the running for promotion. Hobsonville beat Grafton 7—o, at Eden Park, and Whenuapai won 9—6, against Garrison Artillery, at Devonport. At Eden Park the opening points came from a potted goal by W. Van Pragg, then followed an unconverted try by T. de Lacey. REPRESENTATIVE ENGAGEMENT.—At Sol way Hawke's Bay was beaten &— 3 by Wairarapa. Mahupuka and Thompson scored tries for the winner, and Delamore a penalty goal for the Bay. which led at the interval. The teams had played a drawn game at Napier earlier in the season.

RUGBY LEAGUE Narrow Richmond Win.— One point down at half time, Kiehinond had to play all out to beat Manukati by 9 points to 7. The Kiehmond backs saved their side from defeat. The outstanding player was Solomon, who showed great cleverness in changing the play. Solomon got a great try with elusive running and a final dive to score. With the only real chance that he got, A. Sttyers used his great speed to the best advantage, and managed to throw himself over by the flag to score as a converging defence closed on him. Deputy Half-Back.— lt was Manukau\s misfortune that for the match against Richmond Oliver, the regular half-back, was not available, and \V. Shilton was the deputy for the day. Shilton is a good forward, who consistently plays well, and in a new role lie did his host lie threw good passes, but Manukati did not hare the sharpness of play necessary for a key position, and Oliver's absence was severely felt. Mount Albert Fare Badly.— At no stage of the game did Mount Albert look like seriously troubling North Shore. On Saturday R. Shadbolt. one of the best of the Mount Albert forwards, was absent, and A. Mclnnai ney was in khaki. Last season Mount Albert had a talented pair of five-eighths: in Banhain anil Onto, and in the previous season another exceptional five-eighth in Donaldson. Another loss this season has been .1. Gunning, who on last season's form Has easilv one of the best forwards in Auckland. II is possible that Gunning may again he playing this season. Ponsonbv Team Work.—Behind the Ponsonbv pack Williams cave a display equal to anything seen at Carlaw Park (his season. He mode several clever openings and paved the nay lor at least three tries. Williams moved fast from the base of the ser.im. and this is a decided advantage to half-back play. Good team work was a feature of Por.sonby's success over Newton. Superior speed and good handling paved the way for five unconverted tries. The Newton backs were actually outclassed, and no blame for '.he defeat could be put on Quirke, who hooked well lor Newton. Playing at centre tor Ponsonby Can- showed up well on attack, and by strong running he gave Murphy, the wing, great scoring chances. Carr is improving with each game. Murphy, the Ponsonby winger, was in the limelight against Newton by scoring three tries. He has plenty of speed and has a keen sense of anticipation. GOOD GAME B¥ CHASE—Ooori form was shown by T. Chase, at full-back for Manukau. against Richmond. Sure-banded, he was never at fault in fielding the ball, end his kicking was well directed. Twice, in the late stages of the match. Chase tried to !tnd a field goal, and both efforts were exceptionally good. Chase is a versatile player, but possibly would be better positioned at left wing threc-qu"r*er, where his rapid sidestep and attacking skill could be used to best advantage. Smith's Six r.«»R—Fplendld goal-ki-king by J. F'rMth. assisted North Shore in defeating Mount Albert by 30 points to 8. Anciss did not worrySmith. He converted five of the six tries that ohore scored, and. for good measure, added a penalty go.-.1. In the absence of v. .1. Scott, who lias pope to camp. Smith was in his old place at full-back, where he fielded in a faultless way and played a great positional game. New riaver for Marist.—Making his first appearance at Carlaw Park on Saturday was Taripo. a rpcent arrival from the Islands. He appeared in the five-eighths posKion for Marist in the game against Pap?kura, and made a favourable impression, although he did not p?t many opportunities. It will be interesting to see how Taripo shapes on a dry ground. HOCKEY

Grammar's Sterling: Pisolay.— The match between Grammar Old Boys and University A—the two leading teams in (he D.vvis Cup hockev championship—was full of thrills lor the whole seventy minutes of play. Grammar, by judiciously using the pace of ils wing forwards, was able repeatedly to penetrate into the University quarter, and had the opposing dciertce not been quite so stubborn, these tactics might easily have turned defeat into success. Smller's Heady Play.—Althounh Broun notched both of University's scores, the credit for his second goal is really due to Sinilc-r. that hefty Maori forward who played such a dashing game in the inside left position Smiler played a heady game throughout, making some clever runs which were characterised by unselfish play when in or near the circle. Ke nearly always finished up with a neat wristy flick pass which s-nt. the ball on to the stick ot one of his team mates who was in a better scoring position than himself. It was from such a movement that University's second goal was scored. Unitcd's Uphill Fight.—Playing three men short in its match against Albcrtians. United was somewhat unfortunate that, it did not share the points, especially after equalising the score at three all. Turner the Albertian centrc-forward. scored the winning goal almost on time. Albertians, too. had a measure of bad luck, or perhaps it would be more correct to say bad play, for McLisky. the inside left, missed two "sitters" in the second spell when he had. on both occasions, an open goal but "loozied" the shot. Mount Eden's Best Effort.—The game between Mount Eden and St. Luke's provided a strenuous contest marked with splendid slickwork and at times clever tactics. It was the combination among the forwards, and the understanding between the backs and forwards, that gave St. Luke's its slight advantage over Mount Eden. This performance of Mount Eden showed that the team has at last moulded a same tha't will prove difficult to combat. The main weakness was a tendency to dally in the circle. Although at one stage it locked as though St. Luke's would enjoy a safe margin of goals, in the last quarter Mount Eden fought back gamely, and was just a trifle unfortunate in not bringing the scores level. Teachers On Defensive.—ln the first spell of the game between Training College and University B it looked as though the teachers vvould enjoy a big win. but after the change over the University forwards, supported by the half line, played an attacking game that came as a big surprise to the teachers. It was then that Mc'Ewan and Yorke. full-backs, and Burkett. centre half, were tested to the full. They managed to stem many attacks, but the younger University forwards succeeded in improving their good tally.

\SOCCER i Weak-Shooting North Shore.—The main attraction between Comrades and Xorth Shore provided a fast and exciting contest, with Comrades winning by 3 goals to 1. The score was not a tru« indication of the run of the play, as the .Shore eleven certainly had far.the better of the game in the second half, but its lorwards wasted numerous chances by overcrowding and weak shooting. Haycock in goal for Shore saved brilliantly from Evans and Kennedy in the early stages. Evans was playing a good game on Comrades' right wing, and Kennedy, who was making his debut at centre-forward, led the line in good style. The first goal of the match came from Masters' boot alter about 25 minutes' play when a misunderstanding between the Shore defence let him through, and he gave Haycock no chance with a good shot. Shore equalised almost immediately when Blackie placed a corner kick perfectly from Valentine to get his head to and beat MeCaniish. Blackie played a fine game on the Shore left wing, his corner kicking being particularly accurate. Masters gave his side the lead with a nice drive just before the interval. After the change of ends Shore had the advantage and Berry tried hard to equalise, without success, Richard on the right wing for Shore made some good dashes down the line to put over some excellent crosses, but the inside forwards had left their shooting boots at home. In the concluding stages of the game Kennedy converted a good pass from Evans to assure Comrades of victory. For the winners Fincliam played a solid game at centre-half, while Kiggans and McKenna made a safe pair of backs. McCamish in goal saved well. Evans, Masters and Kennedy were the pick of the forwards. For Shore Haycock excelled in goal. West and Booth played well at back, whilst A. Blackie, Richards and Valentine were the most conspicuous of its vanguard.

Angus Reappears For Thistle. —Angus, who is at present on leave from Air Force duties, made a reappearance at Blandford Park when he led the Thistle front line in good style against Abels Angus has put on condition, but is remarkably fit and will be available for Thistle again next Saturday. The game was very even and a draw was a good result. The Thistle vanguard was a good line and showed excellent combination with Angus, Woods and Denis being the most outstanding. Constable played a solid game at centre-hail and was well supported by Wiseman at left-half. Davidson and Davis tackled well and made some good clearances at back. For Abels c Ekman returned to his usual position at right back and played a fine game. Ekman la of more value to his side in this position and should always play there. Rutherford, his partner, was ' n p and made some nice clearances Kitchingman was the pick of the middle line w?,h rTi Pl s yed f 4 °" tslde Ie » 'Of the first spell' Richardson in his usual position on the right u after the Interval they changed over and Robinson showed that outside right Is his fhe'ttine m tmaking, some fine dalhes down he WII U- Meek played another good came at inside right, while bowser was always a trier at centre forward. Uier at