NAVY WINS

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 111, 13 May 1933, Page 6

NAVY WINS

AUCKLAND DEFEATED

Tho representative match'.1 between the Navy eleven and the Auckland side was productive of a really bright and spectacular encounter, and there could be no fault with the standard of play or the pace "of .the ' contest throughout (states the "Star"). The result, 4-1; in; favour of the Navy, found victory with the better side, though there were times during the game when that^ margin hardly represented the respective merits of the opposing teams. Navy won because they were quicker on the ball, faster 'on foot, and surer in front of goal. The Auckland side has not been: seen to better advantage as a combination for two seasons, and1 much of this was due to the improvement in the "centre, where j Spencer was once' more played, and his exhibition was reminiscent of his best form. Ho gave his _ forwards every chance, and his discretion in the distribution of the play was that of the master mind. But while the AuckI landers were more prominent with clever footwork and pretty combination in the outfield, it was when they came to close quarters .that they failed. lln spite of the fact that the home side included six members of the New Zealand, touring team for Australia, the locals lacked the'punch that was needed to penetrate the Navy defence. While it would be an injustice to, state that any oho of; the six spared himself, there certainly was more care taken in tackling an opponent which, in the circumstances, was but a duty of the players'to the Dominion and their selection as New Zealand representatives. Most prominent. in the Auckland defence was' undoubtedly Grant, at left half. He was the most forceful member of. the team, and the amount of work he got through was astonishing, and repeatedly repulsed the Navy. Zuill had no show with the.shots that passed him. Gerrard had several clever clearances, as also had Stone, and Christie directed operation* with his usual ef-j f ectiveness in the centre-half , berth, I playing a hard game throughout.. In the* forwards Blackio was given slight opportunity by Wilkes, the Navy lefthalf, whose style of approach was certainly far from safe. The outside winger swung across if few very useful centres, however, but' there was the feeling that under different circumstances the Shore player would have been much more in evidence. Dunsinore's was a great improvement on his display at "Wellington, and made many openings for both ;his partner and Spencer. .Hislop also played hard with his usual astute movements and clever footwork. Kay was off for a time in the first spell, after a knock on the ankle.; In the second session he was more in evidence, but was given no scope by the Navy defenders.':■.' Auckland, had bad luck several times in the first half in front'of goal, but otherwise, though their, display was characterised by skill and judgment, it faded before a vigorous and resourceful opposition.