PENALTY ON TIME COSTS DIVISIONAL ARMY THE MATCH

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 199, 24 August 1942, Page 5

PENALTY ON TIME COSTS DIVISIONAL ARMY THE MATCH

The latest contender for Rugby sunreniacy in the Auckland province had hard \Vni, not t!" . I)eat thc strong Northern ai> district XV. (practically the ™ representatives) at Kden Park on Saturday. After Divisional Army iet the home side get away with an early lead of o—o, the visitors rallied, and at one stage led 11—5. This was reduced to ll—io at the interval, but Northern io ri. vere in front again 14—10 and 17 "wo penalty goals, however, turned the scale against Divisional, one of them being scored as the referee was waiting; lor the ball to become dead in order to call time. And so the gallant invaders ~V- 19 — 17 J ust as victory appeared within grasp. 11

Scott, the Northern custodian, who kicked the winning goal, also landed another and converted two tries, thus scoring 10 points in all. The winning side .scored three tries (two converted) and two penalty goals to the loser's four tries (one converted) and a penalty goal. There was so little difference between the teams that a draw would have "been the more satisfactory result. Gallaher Shield matches were also continued, C.R.O. causing a surprise at Northcote by downing Garrison, which was close up in the percentages to M.T.P., the leading team. Results:—

C.R.O. 17, beat Garrison 8. A.S.C. 24, beat Air Force No. 2 10. Manukau 3, drew witlr. Grafton-Pon son by 3.

Technical Old Boys won from Ranfur lys by default. a bye.

Outstanding Flayer*.— File, the Divisional half, played a fine all-round game, and Bayliss (first five-eighth) was a tricky and dangerous attacking player. The last-named made the opening for the first try, and later scored a good one himself. Wiles (tho former Ponsonby and Auckland representative) defended well at centre, and for tne most part held Gregory safely in check. Le Pine, full-back, was responsible for a sound allround display. Scott, the Auckland full-back, made some errors in handling; he could be excused for these, as he was playing with three stitches In an Injured finger.

ALL SQUARE FOR AN HOUR

The Auckland Rugby League's senior competition was finalised on Saturday at Carluw Park, when interest centred in the meeting of Manukau and Ponsonby for the Victory Trophy awarded to the club obtaining most points in the third round. Ponsonby put up a good fight against Manukau. With only ten minutes to go the score was a goal a-piece. Over the last lap, however, Manukau ran over the opposition. Results were:— Manukau 28, v. Ponsonby 2. Newton - Mount Albert 8, v. Richmond 2. City - Otahuhu 33, v. Marist - Shore 5. Ponsonby Recruits.—Announced at the last moment to play for Ponsonby against were two Rugby players, Pat McKenzie. of Ungton. and K. Ward, of Hawke's Bay. ; former was a Wellington B Rugby representa..,e and weighs 15st Sib. Ward is last 61b. and is a forward of the fast type and usefui in open play. Both the newcomers showed up well in tha loose, handling cleanly • and McKenzie sending out long passes for his backs to collect. R. Hull, who was playing his third League game, gave a fine exhibition of solid play, and in the set scrums added a lot of solidity to the pack.

Maori Stars.—ln the final phase of its match with Ponsonby the Manulcau team gave a remarkable exhibition of Interplay, and in a series of raids forwards and backs thrust onward in a way that made the Ponsonby defence, which was excellent up to that point, crumble in such a way that the score mounted rapidly. Murray, whose sharp penetration was a feature of the game, got two tries: Thompson, with fast and determined running, got two more. and. finally. Te Tai ran through a shattered defence to add another one. T. Chase's contribution was four goals. Hemi was also tried as a goal-kicker in the match, but he had no luck. In his field kicking he surprised the spectators on occasions with the remarkable length he got.

Mmtaira Turns Out.—City - Otahuhu. reinforced by Hawea Mataira, who has not played since the end or the first round, and f*. Johnson (a fine forward) were too good for Marist-North Shore and ran up a big score. The winners gave one of their best displays since winning five successive games earlier in the season. In the second half particularly the City-Otahuhu backs (A. Donovan, Hutchinson, Gould and Simons) combined effectively. Hughes, who hooked with success, was in every back movement, and there are few better club men than this all-rounder.

McKay a Try From Fall-back.—The NewtonMount Albert imcks gave a better display to just shade the Richmond set and gain a well-deserved victory. There was periect understanding between Clement (half back). Zane and Cowley. The last-named is fast getting back the good form he displayed last season. McKay, full-back, deserved the generous applause which hailed a very fine solo try. It was a really splendid effort.