CHAMPION BEATEN

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 109, 10 May 1943, Page 5

CHAMPION BEATEN

LEAGUE COMPETITION OTAHUHU'S FINE DEBUT The Auckland Rugby League's senior championship was carried a further stage on Saturday at Carlaw Park when the second series of matches were played in good conditions. The general standard of play was better than on the opening day, and in two of the matches the winning margin was a single point. Results were:— Richmond 8, beat Manukau 7. Otahuhu 19, beat Newton 18. City 20, beat North Shore 5. Mount Albert 20, beat Ponsonby 2. Maoris Go Down. —By a single point Richmond (although vanquished a week ago by JMewton), beat Manukau, the 'Senior club cjhampion of the season. Manukau did not settle down to consistent team-play on Saturday, and the best efforts were of an individual nature. Inglis played well at first five-eighth, but the backs did not combine. In the absence of Hemi and Chase, the kicking was done by Butler, and he put a couple of shots over the cross-bar. As there was a forward short, Steve Watene turned out, and "played a good game. Mullins Scores 13. — In addition to playing an outstanding game in the five-eighth line for Otahuhu against Newton, J. Mullins gathered 13 points for his team and put his side a long way on the road to victory. His try came from a passing run by the Otahuhu inside, and he beat a couple of opponents by crisp swerving before he crossed and scored. He showed wonderful accuracy in his place-kicking and landed five goals. Newton Re-shuffle. —The town thirteen's backs for the match against Otahuhu were re-shuffled. This caused a lack of combination, and before the match was finished Ivan Gregory, who started as a three-quarter, went to the five-eighth line to aim for better results. There was some bright solo play on the part of Newton backs and a spectacular try by Gregory, who eluded a midfleld defence before getting clear on a long run to the Otahuhu try line.

Ponsonby Shaded.—Mount Albert's victory over Ponsoriby came as a surprise, and at no stage of the game was the result in doubt. The winning backs showed vastly improved form from previous efforts. Clements, at half, gave a highclass display of varied tactics, which paved the way for most of the tries. The five-eighths, H. Zane and Jones (a promoted junior), greatly assisted towards outplaying the Ponsonby rear division. Moore, on the wing, gave his best display for some time, while J. Zane, usually at five-eighth, made a success of the full-back position. Ponsonby backs must get the ball from set scrums to be match-winners.

Fine City Winger.—The good impression made by young players ■in ihe City thirteen was ■ a. feature of a clear cut victory over North Shore. Edwards, at lull-back, did his work well, and sound tackling was always his forie. No back on the ground made a better impression that James, the City winger. He showed plenty of speed gild determination. He has a promising future. A. Donovan was again in the limelight as a points getter, and he looks likely to be the first player to top the century. SOCCER SERIES The second series of A.P.A. games saw Papakura and North Shore meet in the main attraction. This was the first appearance of Papakura this season, and It gave a creditable performance to beat the young Shore XI. by the odd goal in three after a fast and exciting game, in which plenty of clever Soccer was witnessed. The Papakura side included several provincial representative players. The "star" of Saturday's play was Wilson, the ex-Mosgiel and Otago representative, who played a brilliant game at centre-half. Todd, of Hospital and Wellington, was in good form at left-half. Reid, an exAmateur Irish League player, led the vanguard in fine style and his winning goal 'was a beauty, from over 20 yards range. Going at full speed, he sent in a magnificent "daisy cutter," which hit the net just inside the upright, leaving Scott (Shore goalie) hopelessly beaten.

Sharp, the inside-right, is from Wellington, and is another provincial representative. He combined cleverly with Yates, his winger, and had a fine understanding with Reid; he was unlucky on a couple of occasions with good shots. Donaldson, the right-back, was at top form and made some clever saves—his kicking being most accurate. Flyger, ex Metro-College, started at inside-left, but went to left-back in the second spell and gave a good account of himself. Yates (right) and Buchanan showed plenty of speed down the wings, but were inclined to place their crosses too far ahead for the inside trio to make best use of them. Buchanan scored Army's first point with a screw shot. Dick, exOnehunga, is also well known to Auckland supporters and he played a solid game, whilst Wylie gave a good' account of himself in goal.

Plucky light By Loser. —The Shore XI. put up a plucky display against heavier and more experienced opponents, and it was anyone's game until the final whistle sounded. Scott gave a good display, although he ran out of goal a ■ long way on several occasions to effect saves. Christie was solid at right-back, and was ably partnered by Holland. Murray and Hodgson were the pick of the halves, and both players got through a lot of hard work. The forward line is nippy. It showed plenty of pace and clever combination, but Just lacked the finishing touches. Several good chances were "ballooned" over the crossbas, which robbed the side of victory, or at least a draw. Mason and Gilbert make a clever left wing—Mason especially looks like becoming an excellent winger. Price (who scored shore's goal) and EKman both played gruelling games, and did everything but score; whilst Wood, on the right wing, has plenty of pace and crosses well.

Comrades Win Comfortably.—Another fast and interesting game was the curtain-raiser between Comrades and Eastern Suburbs, the former winning by three goals to nil. In spite of the score, Suburbs had quite a fair share of the game, but faulty shooting spoiled its chances. For the winning XI., McCamish was safe in goal. Matthews and Mitchell were both in form as bacte: Fincham was the pick of the half line, and he scored the third goal for his side with a good drive. The forward line again played clever soccer—Fleet was at his best and scored the first two goals and should have got his hat trick. Green, at centre, 1«1 the line cleverly, distributing the ball with judgment; whilst Evans, Boyd and McGee all played well. For Suburbs Graxton made many good saves in goal. He has had a wonderful career a3 a goalie, and is over 50 years of age. R. Gay (right-back) and Smith (left) made some 'fine clearances. Esple, R. wt-lch and Gilbert were the pick of a hard-working forward line.

Garrison Easily.—The other Shore XI. proved to be too tough a proposition for the young Mount Albert B side, and won easily (10 to two). Garrison was seven up at the interval but an improved showing by Mount Albert saw the opponents held to a one-goal margin in the second half. Mount Albert has some promising material In the side; Garrett. Turner, T. Walbran and Ryan showed up well. The other two senior games resulted:—MetroCollege 3 (M. Speed 2, Hope-Ede), beat Ponsonby 2 (Grove. Rouse), at Western Springs; and Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys A 3 (Wilkinson, Clark, C Ekman), beat Training College, at Fowlds Park.

Wales Improves.—A London cablegram states that Wales beaten 5—3 by England before a record wartime crowd of 75.000 at Wembley in March, made a better showing in the return match last Saturday, the result being a one-goal draw. Other British contests were:—Colon League Cup: North Blackpool 2, beat Sheffield, Wednesday, 1. Lancaster Cup: Manchester United 3, beat Liverpool 1 Scottish Southern League: Bangers 1, drew with Falkirk I, Rangers taking the cup on corners. Combined Counties Cup: Huddersfield Town 4. beat Sunderland 1. Scottish North-east Cup: Aberdeen ! 0 drew with Raith Rovers 0. East Scotland Shield: Hearts 1 drew with Hibernians 1. The two lastnamed finals were abandoned with the scores level. HOCKEY BULLIES OFF Keen enthusiasm marked the opening of the hockey season. At Papatoetoe, where four of the five senior championship matches were played, the games were closely, contested. Wesley-United had a clear-cut win against St. Luke's (2—o), and Grammar Old Boys gained the decision over Papakura by the odd goal in nine Draws resulted in the other two encounters, when University met SomerviUe (2—2) and Mount Eden played A.S.C. (2—2). In a high-scoring match'at Walker Park, Training College ran out winner against Owai Rovers by 10 goals to 6. With the half-time score at 3—2 to favour of Training College, it looked as if the younger team would hold its own, but the teachers took control and put the issue well- beyond doubt before the final whistle. The scorers for Training College W ere:—Morris (4), Wyatt (2) r Pybus, McIHwray, Foreman and Black; while Pye (3), Priestly (2) aiid McGregor found the net for the loser. .-•'..

O Jaine in Form.— University (last year's championship winner) ran up a two-goal lead in the first half of its match against Somerviile, but in the second spell the honours were reversed and the score equalised. In the closing stages the Somerville vanguard set upa. detereain'the lead. Jaine made a name for himself If-the goalkeeper for the Auckland Grammar =chool in the secondary schools' tournaments and Sives promise of developing into a sound last Une of defence for the University seniors. O Slaney Scores a Brace.—The 1942 Devonport Shield and Kent Cup winner, Wesley-United, "had the edge on" St. Luke's in a keen game. No doubt the lack of cohesion between backs and forwards could be attributed to the inclusion of new players in each team, and a definite lack ol practice. O. Slaney scored the only two goals of the match—the result always being in a handy position to snap up opportunities. Evenly Matched.—The drawn game of two goals arciece was a true indication of the Mount EdenA S C. engagement. The first spell was in Mount Ede£s. favour, and in the second the Army XI held sway." The best incident occurred when Smith (Mount Eden) scored. Although Nairn should have let the ball go to his clubmate, ImTth s£ed up the situation smartly and snapped the centre to beat the goalie. A.S.C. should tocto Wo a solid combination. The forwards were an even lot and knocked the ball about freely Jack Horspool (last year's right-winger and Auckland representative) played as goalkeeper and he made a creditable showing. Mclyor' (right wing forward) must watch Ms position better. At times he was inclined to play too far infield. . .

Women's Contests.—Mount Eden 4, v. Training College 3; Training College Old Girls 4, v. "Varsity 3- Technical College Old Girls 3, v. North Shore 0 Intermediate.— Takapuna Grammar 6. v. 'Varsity 0: Wesley 5, v. Berlei % Air Force I. 0, v. Waafs °' Juniors.—TeclmicS "college O.G. 3. v. Puke:ohe 1; Blue Rovers 6. v. .Mount Eden 1.

FINAL RUGBY TRIALS Results and scores' In the Auckland Rogtiy Football Union's last series ol trial games to determine the senior grading lor the season:— Army 19 (tries by Heslop, Rogers, Kelly. Kirkwood and Strachan, McCarthy and Sutton each converting one), Gralton-Ponsonby 8 (two tries by McKay, Paton converting one); Marist 20 (tries by Enwright, 2, Barchard, Bailey and Sorenson, the last-named converting one and kicking a penalty goal). Training College 15 (tries by stra-wbridge and McLean and penalty goals by Gardiner and Sutcliffe, 2); Garrison 8 (tries by Galley and Thomas, Gibson converting one), M.T.F. 5 (try by Parish, converted by Glover); Manukau 19 (tries by Boryer, Dunn, Hetherington and Smith, two converted by Boryer, who also kicked a penalty goal). Grammar Old Boys 3 (penalty goal by Gilmour); Air Force No. 1 18 (tries by Sorenson, 2, Goddison. Longville and Harrison, and penalty goal by Mason), Suburbs 9 (try by Duftill and two penalty goals by Harrison); Eden 8 (tries by Longville and Rich, one converted by Brooker). Kitty hawks 3 (try by Duller); Army No. 2 20 (tries by McMillan. 2, Brown, 2, ■ Sherratt and Knllands, one converted by Pollock), Air Force No. 2 3 (penalty goal by Cocks); Technical Old Boys 16 (tries by Pike, 2, and Abbott, 2 converted by Brown, and penalty goal by Parmenter), Navy 15 (tries by Garrett, Lawson and Ulrisht, and penalty goals by Nolan and Murphy); Otahuhu 21 (tries by Parker. Ryan, Cooper and Conway, the last-named converting three and kicking a penalty goal), University 8 (tries by Shannon and Sinel, one converted by Eain); Takapuna 19. (tries by Hill. 2. Donovan, Free and Arblaster, and penalty goal by Freakes), District School 3 (penalty goal by Edgar).