TARANAKI v. AUCKLAND

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 36, 11 August 1930, Page 14

TARANAKI v. AUCKLAND

A SCRAMBLE AND DRAW

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, 9th August. In a scrambling game at Eden Park this afternoon the Taranaki touring team was very lucky to draw with Auckland. The home team scored two tries, while Taranaki's points came from a try and a penalty kick, which was ruled as a goal, although the ball fell well under the crossbar. Neither side was at full strength, five of Auckland's best men, being absent in Wellington for the fourth Test, while Taranaki was unable to get its best side on tour. Conditions were bad. The ground was heavy and slippery, and light rain fell.at intervals during the game. Play, therefore, was mostly confined to the forwards, and was largely of a scrambling nature.

The Taranaki forwards controlled the game at the start, but the Auckland backs countered in several passing rushes before the ball became too greasy. Hook narrowly missed a try, and then from a forward scramble Palmer scored. ' The kick failed. The Auckland forwards were penalised, and Hunter took a kick. The ball went between the posts, but fell well under the crossbar. Both line umpires signalled no'goaL but the referee had already blown his whistle, and awarded a goal. Just before half-time Jones scored at the corner after an Auckland- back movement.

The kick failed. Play was scrambling in the second half, Collins and Hunt, Taranaki backs, using the line well to keep the Auckland forwards out. Jamieson inaugurated a fine Auckland attacking movement. A. Knight, Solomon, and Jones carried on. but the winger was blocked. From the*"resultant scrum the Taranaki forwards wheeled and broke away. They overwhelmed Butler, and carried on with the ball at toe for Guy to score between the posts, after a rush that covered threeparts of the length of the field. Collins missed an easy kick, and the game ended 6-all.-