EAST AND OPEN

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 57, 17 September 1928, Page 4

EAST AND OPEN

HAWKES BAY IN FORM (By Telegraph.—l'resL Association.) NAPIEK, loth September. In ideal weather, before an. attendance of about 3500, Mawkes J3ay this afternoon defeated Auckland by 21 points to 8 in the most interesting game seen iv Hawkes Hay this season. It was last mid open, with a generous amount of individual brilliance. " Hawkes Buy deserved then- victory, being superior in the forwards, especially iv tnc loose. They were better able to linish oil' their combined attacks than their opponents. Xlie Auckland backs were last, but they sadly lliissed the co-operation with the forwards tiiat so marked the winners' play. .Neither team was at full strength, and both suffered casualties, Hawkes Bay losing two and Auckland one. Auckland won the toes, and from the kick-olf Hawkes Hay initiated a loose rush and swept to the line, where a. certain try was lost through Huxtable mishandling. Both sides began to attack with earnestness ill turn, and the pace livened considerably. Auckland were iirst to open the account, Berndge turning a penalty to credit with a wen-judged goal. Auckland 3, Hawkes Bay nil. Wilson (Hawkes Bay) was forced to retire, being replaced by H'Neill. i Jlay was strenuous between the packs, who were lighting hard to feed the rearguard. Some pretty runs were indulged in by the Auckland backs, but solid tackling prevented scores. Once Auckland wevo almost over, when with startling suddenness Hawkes Bay turned the tables and executed the prettiest piece of work of the day. Gemuiell broke up the Auckland attack right on the line, and Pearson kicked to a clear space. Anstis followed through, snapped up, and sent the ball "along a chain of six men, for Huxtable to cap the effort. Setford converted. Auckland 3, Hawkes Bay 8. Hawkes Bay were attacking when half-time rang. ■ Immediately on resumption a penalty was awarded to Hawkea Bay on the half-way line, and Yates went within an ace of turning it to account. With a burst the Hawkes Bay forwards swept downfield, only to be-pulled up short by Mason and Bush. 'Auckland turned.the tables and Berridge .broke clear away, with Goodwin in support, but the latter dropped his pass. Then Auckland went to work again, the ball being heeled out to the backs. Goodwin gained possession and sent to Berridge, who beat his man •and passed back to Goodwin, the latter touching down with a Hawkes Bay- man round his ankles. Berridge converted. Auckland 8, Hawkes Bay 8. The visitors were almost over on three occasions. Offside gave Hawkes Bay a penalty and Setford missed a sitting shot. At this stage play was held up some time through an injury to Jeffrey's head, which necessitated his retirement, Stuart taking his place. On resuming Yates landed a beautiful penalty goal from a long way out. Auckland 8, Hawkes Bay 11. Play had hardly settled down again when Yates dropped a perfect field goal from well out. Auckland S, Hawkes Bay 15. Hawkes Bay continued to hold the upper hand. A scrum near the line saw S. Geinmell whip round on the blind side to send O'-Dowd over. Yates failed to convert. Auckland 8, Hawkes Bay 18. The home team missed a certain try a few minutes later_ through Setl'ord's failure to pass out with only one man to beat. He made amends a minute afterwards. When the ball came from Gemmell and Anstis he cut in prettily to send Kelly over. Yates missed the kick. Auckland 8, Hawkes Bay 21. Time was called, with Hawkes Bay attacking.