RUGBY LEAGUE

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 61, 9 September 1935, Page 14

RUGBY LEAGUE

POINTS IN PLENTY AUCKLAND V. WELLINGTON SPECTACULAR PLAY With speed as the keynote, the representative Rugby League game played between Wellington and the touring Auckland team provided some three thousand spectators at Newtown Park with a thrilling exhibition of the code. In view of the fine performance of the local side against Hawke's Bay and the fact that added strength was lent to the team last Saturday oy the inclusion of the former New Zealand Rugby representative, H. T. Lilburne, it was expected that the visitors would be faced with strong opposition. Such proved to be the case, and the .final score of 39 points to 27 in favour of Auckland gives a reliable indication of the relative strength of the two teams. At the same time it must be conceded that Wellington suffered the misfortunes of the game. Atkins received, a foot injury early in the proceedings that seriously affected his subsequent play, while Elliott was forced to retire in the second spell after being tackled hard. Although the combined play of the local team at times reached heights of brilliancy it was the absence of consistency and the lack of finesse combined with weak tackling to which their defeat must be attributed. Time and again their backs were presented with likely chances of collecting points that they failed to accept and in this respect their exhibition was in marked contrast to that of their worthy opponents. That Auckland were thoroughly conversant with the • finer points of the game became early evident and they seldom failed to turn their opportunities to good purpose and to make the most of Wellington's mistakes. There was not a single weak link in the Auckland chain of backs and they operated with precision and understanding. The forwards, on the other hand, were well matched, and, if anything, the Wellington pack was slightly superior. Their play was certainly a vast improvement on that of the previous Saturday, and they kept their backs well supplied with the ball by winning the majority of the scrummages. RUN OF PLAY. The game, which was played at a whirlwind pace throughout, was full of thrills. Wellington were the first to open the scoring account when Moisley scored for O'Connor to convert and this was just a taste of what was to follow. Lilburne quickly added two points with a fine penalty goal and the hopes of Wellington supporters ran high. Auckland, however, were in no way worried by this early setback, and when their forwards became warmed up the play assumed a different complexion. Scorringe lost an easy try for Wellington by failing to take a pass when the path was clear and Atkins must be considered unlucky not to have scored after a brilliant attacking movement in which all the local backs handled. During this spell, the play of the visiting forwards ■ aroused the keenest enthusiasm, > arid before the interval tries were scored by Herring and Hutt (2). Satherly converted on' two occasions, and.-Wellington were unable to add to their total, thus making the half-time score Auckland 18, Wellington 7. RIOT OF SCORING. Points came quickly after the commencement of the second spell,- and within five minutes Brimble scored a try for the visitors and O'Connor (Wellington) goaled from a penalty. The Auckland backs were now functioning like a well-oiled machine, and Brown, who had previously ' delighted the crowd with his remarkable turn of speed and uncanny ability to penetrate, beat three opponents to hand the ball. to Tetley, who: scored. Satherly converted. 26-9. From the kickoff, Coutts followed up fast to place Wellington on attack, and O'Connor secured from a melee to score a brilliant 'try, which 'he converted. 26-14. Play now became intensely exciting, with the local side making desperate attempts to reduce the gap. The hot pace was beginning to have its effect, however, and Auckland were now definitely taking charge. Brown again made a dazzling run towards the Wellington line, and after combining well with Kay he scored under the posts for Satherly to improve. 31-14. Auckland continued on their winning way, and Cooke added a try. Satherly missed the easiest of kicks. 34-14. At this stage Wellington made a splendid recovery, and Todd, who had exchanged places with Berry, ran over to score a good try. O'Connor converted. 34-19. Wellington kept up the pressure and Moisley added his second try, which O'Connor again converted. 34-24. Shortly before the final whistle. Brown streaked from his own quarter to outpace all the opposition and finally run round the posts. Satherly converted. 39-24. Lilburne broke through from midway, and, supported by Coutts, scored the final try for Wellington, the game ending:— Auckland 39 Wellington 27 The referee was Mr. V. M. Simpson.

PLAY AND PLAYERS It was with keen anticipation that followers of Rugby League in Wellington awaited the Auckland-Wellington game last Saturday and they could not have been disappointed with the fare provided. With their appetites whetted by the display given on the previous week against Hawke's Bay they were confident that the local thirteen would give a creditable account of ■themselves against the redoubtable ! Auckland combination and the inclusion in the Wellington side of H. Lilburne stimulated further interest in the game. Captained by A. E. ("Bert") Cooke, the Auckland team was a strong representation, but they had to battle hard to gain the decision in a game that exceeded expectations. It was their knowledge of the finer points that stood them in good stead and they could certainly give Wellington a lesson in tackling. , The Wellington forwards excelled themselves. They enjoyed a large measure of success in the scrummages in which their superior weight gave them the advantage and with an improvement in their tackling and general knowledge of the game they should form themselves into a very formidable combination. Coutts was again the shining light. He is fast developing into an ideal League forward and apparently realises the great importance of being fit.

Another Wellington forward to perform well was Moisley, who kept up with the game from start to finish and was responsible for two tries, both scored in, dashing style. Unlike the other forwards his tackling was sound Gunn and Pilcher also proved to be quite a reliable pair and Berry inspired confidence with his leadership O'Connor, behind the Wellington scrum, seldom missed an opportunity of opening up the play. He now seems to have regained much of his old form and, being thoroughly conversant with the code, he was always a dangerous man when in possession. Atkins was the best j performer in the Wellington backs and gave a display well in keeping with the reputation that he has now earned for himself in recent games. Quick off the mark, he possesses a useful swerve and a safe pair of hands and caused Auckland much concern with his nippy and elusive runs. He also combined most effectively with Lilburne and Elliott and twice he paved the way for Scorringe to score, only to see the winger fumble his passes. It was unfortunate that he should have sustained an injury to his ankle at a time when his services were most needed.

Wellington do not seem to be well served in the matter of full-backs and Todd will have to show a big improvement if he hopes to retain his place His positional play last Saturday was weak, and on two or three occasions he allowed tries to pass as a result.

His fielding was quite sound, but he was far too slow.

Naturally all eyes were on Lilburne, who lias now joined the League ranks. Although his play was not outstanding he could always be relied on to do his part, while his tackling was one of the features of the game. Easily the best back on the field was Brown, Auckland's right wing-three-quarter. On many occasions he delighted the spectators with brilliant dashes. He scored two tries, one of which came as the result of a spectacular burst over 75 yards. Another to impress in the Auckland backs was Kay, who proved to be a dangerous five-eighth with an excellent knowledge of the requirements of the position. He has speed and initiative, is a deadly tackier, and has also a keen eye to an opening. Brimble was a hard man to stop once in possession, and this pair were responsible for many fine penetrative movements. Outstanding in the Auckland -team was their full-back, Dempsey. His positional play was excellent and his fielding perfect. His speed enabled him on many occasions to link up with the other backs, and in this respect he evidenced much prudence and kicked to the line whenever he was in doubt as to the advisability of such alternative play. The Auckland forwards are by no means on the heavy side, but they made it quite clear that weight is not the major factor. Their combined play was a revelation. Hutt was probably the best. Tetly and Keane caught the eye on many occasions. Satherly proved his worth also as a placekicker. He converted six tries, one of which was taken from a most difficult angle. ' COX MEMORIAL CUP (By Telegraph—Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, September 7. In a match for the Cox Memorial ■Cup, West Coast schools (22) beat Canterbury schools (10). ROOPE ROOSTER FINAL (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, September 7. In the Roope Rooster knock-out final Newton (10). defeated Richmond (8).