RICHMOND WINS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 179, 31 July 1944, Page 7

RICHMOND WINS

MANUKAU DEFEATED MT. ALBERT NARROWS GAP Efforts by Manukau late in the second spell to overcome a deficit in points failed against Richmond In the main League game on Saturday, and Manukau went down by 15 points to 14 after the keenest game" of the Carlaw Park season. This result was all in favour of Mt. Albert, Which was in second place two points behind Manukau, but North Shore held Mt. Albert to a ten-point draw, this keeping Manukau one point ahead. Results were:— Richmond 15, Manukau 14. Mt. Albert 10, North Shore 10. Otahuhu 5, Marist 2. Ponsonby 17, Pt. Chevalier 13. City beat Newton by default. Brilliant Display.—A large crowd saw what was probably the finest display of League so far this season when Manukau was shaded by a Richmond side that kept attacking from the first whistle to the last. Richmond's first try came within a couple of minutes of the start of toe game. Con-ley capping a swift passing movement. From tliat point the pace was on, and Richmond, was ten points ahead before the Maoris could score. For Richmond. McGregor played an outstanding game and had good support from Lowther, Cowley and Thompson. In the second half Manukau c ri ini* closer to Richmond and scored two tries in close succession. Richmond held a one-point lead to the end.

Shore Draws Level.—The game between Mount Albert and North Shore was one of the best seen on No. 2 ground this season, and a draw was a good Indication of the run of play. The second half was particularly exciting, and it was only in the last few minutes that Shore drew level. The final try by Oraham was a splendid effort, and the big forward made no mistake as he The reappearance of Humid Mmiken.' >P former r Ali Black and 1939 New Zealand Kiwi forward, was a feature of the game. Mllliken was prominent in the loose although not yet in. condition. He is a decided acquisition to the Mount Albert vanguard. The North Qhorc forwards won the ball from a majority of the set scrums thanks to Rutherford's superior hooking. Possession of the ball played a big part in. the success of the bnore backs. It comes as a surprise to see Rutherford omitted from the Auckland team as the hooker. Among the backs. J. Zane played a splendid game at flve-eighth for Mount Albert, and was. perhaps, the best back on the ground. Jones and Sumlch, who scored one fine try. also did well for Mount Albert, while R. Clarke played a sterling game for North Shore. Bright Football.—The main curtain-raiser provided bright football. Otahuhu having a close win over Marjst. There was little between the forwards, and both sides initiated interesting back movements. In the second half, the veteran. Simons, gave a good display for Marist in the back line, Costello, Hughes and White also teaming

Uneventful Game.—Although there was only a %Fi r,, ot our P° mts between Ponsonby and Point Chevalier at the end of an unspectacular hnMw^™',. 2 - Ero ; md ' Ponsonby appeared to be U^^ e ro ffcVd hm^At re S^.V h T.?£S, t - aL°"a versatile back Point's best back on Saturday pf g were evenly matched. For Ponsonby. Roy Nurse was in form and scored three tries Tiip full back, Bapana. also played a eood game