RUGBY LEAGUE

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 72, 22 September 1927, Page 18

RUGBY LEAGUE

HEAVY SCORING. GAME , AUCKLAND. BEAT/ WELLINGTON Although very~decisivcly defeated, the Wellington representative Eugby league team put up a much better fight than was generally anticipated against the Auckland representatives at Newtown Park yesterday afternoon. At half-time Auckland had a lead of ten points on Wellington, but in the second half the visitors forged ahead and left the field the winners by 41. points to 23. ,' • Having the advantage of the . wind, Auckland from the kick-off gave evidence of their ability, the backs swinging into action in several good dashes. Knock-ons, however, spoilt these movements, and Nunn and Love in succession made it possible for Wellington to turn defence into attack. Auckland were not to be denied. The forwards proved adept' at trapping the ball, and the speedy backs were quick to seize opportunities, passing and reverse passing in good style and Bending Wellington back to their line. From a particularly bright movement, in which the ball was thrown about freely, Bass obtained Auckland's first try, which Dufty converted. Auckland 5, Wellington 0. The Wellington tackling was weak, but Hyland was responsible for cleverly checking several Auckland advances. From a loose piece of play the ball travelled out to the . Auckland right-winger, Wilson, who, showing plenty of pace, beat the opposition and scored. Dnfty converted. Auckland 10, Wellington 0. Matters were looking none too well for Wellington, and there were thoughts of a crushing defeat. Then the Wellington forwards got going in determined fashion, and Auckland were forced back. Wellington kept up the pressure, .. and Brace went over the line to score under the posts. Bowen converted. Auckland ■ 10, Wellington 5. In the next minute Auckland were back on the attack, and from a scrum near the Wellington line Dixon "dummied" his way over to score an easy try. Dufty failed to convert. ' ]■ Auckland 13, Wellington 5. Continuing to press strongly, it was not long before Auckland had added to their tally. Dixon smartly intercepted the ball, and -shaking off Halliday, who attempted a high tackle, crossed the line for his second try. Dufty converted. Auckland 18; Wellington 5. Wellington tiow made strong endeavours to improve their position. Love broke away well, but Dufty pulled him down before be reached the line. The Blaok forwards ' were going much better, and Auckland were kept on,the defensive., At last, after ■ some hard play in front of the Auckland goal, Love slippedl- across for a try. Boweri

made a poor attempt to goal. Auckland IS, Wellington 8. In spite of some promising Auckland advances, the score remained unchanged at the half-time. On resuming after the interval, the Wellington full-back, Collins, was injured and retired. Crewther went on n his stead. and Scorringe took the full-back position. Auckland quickly set to work and added to their score, but for a period Wellington settled down better and piayp.d more determinedly. Although they improved their position, they were unable to hold out, however, the free, open formation of the visitors being too much for them. Back came the Aucklanders, sweeping the field towards the end with some of the best passing rushes of the "afternoon. The visitors were too good, and full-time was sounded with the score reading: Auckland 41, Wellington 23. Mr. C. Wrack was the referee.