RUGBY LEAGUE

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25274, 28 August 1947, Page 8

RUGBY LEAGUE

SCHOOLBOYS’ TOURNEY WINS BY AUCKLAND AND ,SOUTH AUCKLAND The New Zealand Rugby League schoolboys’ tournament was continued yesterday. when three games were played. Taranaki drew with Canterbury, 8-all; South Auckland beat Wellington, 14-4; and Auckland beat the West Coast, 16-3. z:. :. r Taranaki was unlucky not to beat Canterbury, being definitely 'superior in all departments during the first half. The Canterbury players, however, in the second half, produced some of their previous form, particularly in the forwards, and were able to nold their opponents to a draw. Tries were scored for Taranaki by Walden and Klenner. Puata converted one try. For Canterbury Ellis and Lisle scored tries, Pahi converting one. McKay, the Taranaki first five-eighths, was the best back on the field. The referee was Mr Marshall (South Auckland).

The improving Wellington team played well to hold South Auckland in the first half, and at half-time the score was 2-0 in Wellington’s favour. South Auckland made the most of their weight advantage, the difference being particularly noticeable in the scrums. The full-back. J. Hastings (Wellington) played a magnificent game, saving his side time after time. Tries were scored by South Auckland by Bogie (two), Copper and Patrick. Tumai kicked a goal. Linton and Coffee each kicked a goal for Wellington. The referee was Mr E. J. Smith (Canterbury). The best game of the day was that between Auckland and West Coast. Auckland gave a bright exhibition of fast, open back play, and this advantage in the backs more than offset the solid play of the West Coast pack. Manderson, the Auckland full-back, gave a faultless exhibition. Harris (West Coast), at halfback, was the best of his side’s backs. Scorers for Auckland were Colquhoun (two tries and two conversions). Wilson (one try), Jones (one try). Grindle scored the only try for the West Coast. The referee was Mr A. Hamburger (Canterbury). The tournament will be continued today and to-morrow. On Saturday, a North versus South Island game will be played, the players to be chosen from those taking part in the tournament. For this game a trophy has been presented by Mr A. T. Campbell of Auckland, the owner of Highland Fling.