UNSUCCESSFUL CHALLENGE

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27096, 20 July 1953, Page 6

UNSUCCESSFUL CHALLENGE

WAIKATO RETAINS SHIELD

24-5 WIN OVER NORTH AUCKLAND

(New Zealand Press Association) HAMILTON, July 19. Waikato’s Ranfurly Shield team gave a most impressive display before a crowd which was again in excess of 20,000 when it withstood a special challenge for the shield from North Auckland yesterday. Waikato won by 24 points to 5. In a sparkling exhibition of Rugby, in which there was a good measure of bright, enterprising play by both teams, Waikato enhanced its reputation. The North Auckland team was fast, played with determination, and adopted many unorthodox and spectacular methods, but it was outplayed by a team which countered most of its moves. A feature of the match was the splendid exhibition of the North Auckland forwards, who were never mastered. It is true they could not give their backs the same amount of ball as the Waikato backs enjoyed, bjit they were adept at swooping on the ball in the loose and getting their backs away. North Auckland had ample opportunities to exploit any weakness in the Waikato back line which, even without Reid at half-back, played with verve and initiative.

Scissor moves and changes of direction by passing into the forwards were admirably mixed with more orthodox play by the Waikato backs. Johnny Smith, thinner than he was last season, was constantly a source of darfger, but Cowley looked after him very well. McKay, the centre, was an impressive player, with plenty of speed, good hands and an eye for an opening, but good cover-defence nullified his efforts.

The Waikato forwards, with Nola back in the team, worked splendidly as a pack. The captain, McLaren, came up to his peak form. The veteran, Catley, was as sound as ever and dominated the set scrums, winning 28 to 8 against the All Black, Irvine,

The scoring was opened by a penalty by Adam. This was followed by two good tries, engineered by the backs, and finished oft by McLaren, Adam converting one of the two. Waikato had an 11-0 lead at half-time.

Another penalty to Adam early in the second half put Waikato in a winning position, with 14 points up, but North Auckland produced an excellent try. Johnny Smith supplied the penetration from a movement started -in the North Auckland twenty-five, and McKay and Beazly showed plenty of dash to finish the movement off. Tait converted. Immediately afterwards the Waikato backline worked smoothly, and Carrington scored a grand try. Adam converted from the sideline and settled the issue. I. Clarke scored after a great passing bout by the backs and forwards for Adam to convert and make the final score 24 to 5 in Waikato's favour. Mr I. L. Armishaw, of South Canterbury, was referee.