Late revival by Auckland

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32626, 7 June 1971, Page 13

Late revival by Auckland

“The Press" Special Service AUCKLAND. The Auckland Rugby league representatives had their toughest match of the season when they beat West Coast, 37-2, in heavy conditions at Carlaw Park, Auckland, on Saturday. The score may suggest that it was another almost carefree romp, but West Coast trailed only 24 at the interval and tor a time looked capable of snatchIng a win.

It was not until well into the second spell that Auckland’s fit. ness, speed and combination put the game beyond the reach of the west Coasters. In the first half the West Coast hooker, R. Davey, won the bulk of the ball ’rom the scrums and the Aucklanders only rarely got into their stride. As the second spell wore on it became a different story. Auckland began to get its share of the ball and found bigger and bigger gaps in the tiring West Coast defence. In return, West Coast could produce only sporadic attacks that died for want of support

Reputation unchanged On this performance, although West Coast won genuine admiration for its stout-hearted display, no one player could feel that he had clinched a place in the Kiwi team.

At full-back, D. Ladner tackled solidly. apart from one flaring miss of EL Heatley when the big loose forward dropped his shoulder into him and went on to score unchecked. But he mrised two of his three penalty attempts and, more seriously, he persisted with high punts baek to the Auckland fttU-back, M. McLennan, whose free running

waa a eowtaat threat to Wert Cowt. Coll takes award J. Hibbs and A. Denneby played aolid but unspectacular games. Wert Coart did get especially good value from their stocky loose forward, H. Coll, who was chosen as “bort and fairest” player, from their nippy little half-back, N. Bennett, and from the three-quarters, J. Low and W. Johnson, who surprised the Aucklanders with thoir speed and aura tackling. Heatley was probably Auckland's beat forward. He runs with a paee and power that is unrivalled at the moment In New Zeiaand Rugby league. At halfback, K. Surfing covered courageously again, but was groggy for much of the game and less effective than usual. McLennan and a winger, R. McGulnn, were the backs whom Wert Coast had

to worry about For Auckland, tries were scored by H. Tatana (3), Heatley, McGuinn, G. Woollard, Stirling, W. Burgoyne and A. Kriletlch. Tatana kicked five conversions. Ladner kicked a penalty for West Coast The referee was Mr R. Pont (Manawatu). Unlucky loss

Two excellent first half tries aided Waikato to a fortunate 13-10 win in Its Rugby league match against Wert Coast in dismal conditions at Davies Park, Huntly. yesterday. Although the ground did not churn up In spite of continual rain In the preceding two days, the greasy surface and slippery ball combined to prevent spectacular running and handling. Under the circumstances both sides played well. West Coast gave a spirited display and waa unlucky not to gain at least a draw.

For Waikato, J. Albert, R. Cranston and B. Richards scored tries, D. Parkinson and T. Heslop conversions; for Wert Coast, J. Low and M. Newton tries, Ladner a penalty and a conversion.