RUGBY FOOTBALL

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24960, 22 August 1946, Page 3

RUGBY FOOTBALL

AUSTRALIANS’ FIRST MATCH NORTH AUCKLAND WINS BY 32 POINTS TO 19

(P.A.) WHANGAREI, August 21. In a brilliant exhibition of the Rugby code at Whangarei to-day. North Auckland scored a meritorious victory over the touring Australians by 32 points to 19. The game, the first of the Australians’ New Zealand tour, was the first that North Auckland has won from an international side. Thrilling back movements and rousing forward play, particularly in the second spell, made the game a memorable spectacle for the 6000 persons present. The first spell was very evenly contested, and the score stood at 3-all at the interval. Australia scored a quick try on the resumption, but from then on the home team came into its own, and, outclassing the visitors in all phases of the play, raced away to a commanding lead and gave the Australians no chance of really fighting back. The visitors played attractive football, but the inside backs let the Northlanders through on many occasions by adopting the role of opportunists, and neglecting their tackling. Australia hooked the ball from 22 of the 38 set scrums, and gained possession from 21 of the 34 line-outs, but their backs could not make much impression on the North Auckland back line, which tackled resolutely. / The star of the game was Johnny Smith, who repeatedly left the opposing threequarters stanaing with brilliant changes of direction and powerful running. His fellow former Kiwi, Ike Proctor, at first-five-eighths, also played an outstanding game, and Smith’s younger brother, Peter, outside was crisp and enterprising. The full-back, Glen Hook, gave a very versatile display and joined in back movements hpautifully. These tacticsearned him a try. All the North Auckland forwards played magnificent football, and their rousing rushes with the ball at toe and fast following up had the Australians nonplussed. Hancox, Squire, Fraser and Isaacs were the’ spearhead of the north forward attack.

For Australia, the stars were Eastes, on the wing, and Allan, at centre. Both are very fast, with brilliant swerves and deft hands. Cremin found Proctor’s tackling too deadly, and was always floored when he tried to break through. Cooke, Buchanan -and Windon were the best Australian forwards, but none of them bore comparison with the leaders of the north pack. For North Auckland, tries were scored by C. Hancox (2), J. B. Smith, S. Pausina, I. Proctor, E. Weston, and G. Hook. J. Isaacs kicked a penalty goal and converted one try, and P. Smith converted three tries. Australia’s points came from three tries by Eastes, a try each by Allan and Burke, and two conversions by Livermore.