MANY MISTAKES BY WAIKATO

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27435, 23 August 1954, Page 12

MANY MISTAKES BY WAIKATO

NORTH AUCKLAND BEATEN, 170 . (New Zealand Press Association) HAMILTON, August 22. Waikato’s Ranfurly Shield prospects did not look so promising on Saturday, when the side beat North Auckland by 17 points to 0. Waikato made far too many mistakes at vital stages, and in spite of a plentiful supply of the ball, scored only two tries. It was a brilliant day, and the crowd of 8000 enjoyed a bright and fast match. Both teams played open football and threw the ball about exceptionally well. The most perturbing feature for the Waikato supporters was the extraordinary latitude allowed the North Auckland inside backs. They were given plenty of time and room in which to- work, and if the Canterbury backs are allowed the same latitude, Waikato’s shield prospects will not be bright. However, the Waikato team exploited all manner of moves. This was- a welcome change from its usual orthodox play, and only mistakes at vital moments, and excellent defence, particularly cover' defence,- kept the team from scoring. The outstanding player on the ground was Peter Jones, of North Auckland. He showed in no uncertain manner that the All Black tour had developed him into one of the best forwards in the country. He played vigorous football, excelled in the line-outs and the loose, and had more fire and zest than any of the Waikato forwards. He was ably supported Dy Pierce and Dean. * McEvoy also played a good game. Waikato’s outstanding player was D. Clarke, the full-back. He kicked two penalty goals and converted one try, but his masterpiece was his own try. Several times he showed he had more penetration than the usual three-quarters when he came up into the attack, and in the final stages of the game he changed places with BrunskiU at centre, because of the lack of tries. Reid again played a sound game. Carrington was easily the best winger on the field. All the forwards played well, and gave their backs the lion’s share of the ball, winning the scrums, 10-9, and me ,line-outs, 3T-24. The AUBlack hooker, R. C. Hemi, injured hiskhee; early in the game, and was replaced by E. H. Catley. J. B. Bullick also had to leave the field with a shoulder injury. For Waikato, D. B. Clarke and J. T. Graham scored tries. D. Clarke converted one try and kicked two penalty goals. Cowley drop-kicked a smart goal.