KOHN SHIELD MATCH

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 55, 2 September 1937, Page 6

KOHN SHIELD MATCH

AUCKLAND BEAT CHRIST-

CHURCH

The first of the interprovincial tramway Rugby matches for the Kohn Shield commenced at the Basin Reserve yesterday afternoon, when the Auckland representatives beat Christchurch by 14 points to 0. The tournament, which was inaugurated in 1910, was won last year by Christchurch. Auckland will play Wellington in the final tomorrow aiternoon. Wellington have won the trophy twelve times, Auckland seven times, and Christchurch once. The match yesterday was • very scrappy in the early stages, but as the first spell wore on, signs of combination, particularly in the Auckland side, began to appear, and some quite good Rugby was witnessed. Auckland owed their win to the superior penetrative ability of their inside backs. Anderson, a prominent Auckland League player, and Stockley, were probably the best of a very even rearguard for Auckland. Holmes and Duncraft were the pick of the Christchurch backs, but both sets of forwards played willingly throughout, and so consistent was the play that it would be impossible to single out .any man as outstanding. The teams were.:— Auckland.—R. Price; A. Kinnaird, J. Stockley, J. Macey; J. Anderson, R. Lockie; A. Pearce; T. Blood, R. Somers, J. Stewart, A., Gunn, J. Coughlan, B. Taplin, B. Richardson, M. J. Buchanan. Christchurch.—A. Duncraft; R. Densen, E. J. Parkes, R. S. Thompson; T. Alexander, R. H. Robertson; F. Holmes; J. Monroe, D. W. Norrie, D. H. Gordon, G. Browne, *N. Dalzell, F. G. Lee, J. Macer, L. Southon. RUN OF PLAY. From the start Canterbury endeavoured to keep the play tight while Auckland were seeking every opportunity to set their backs going. The play was very scrappy for a while with Anderson the only man showing up, but he was so well marked that he could not get properly under way. Pearce was caught picking the ball out of the scrum, but Duncraft missed an easy penalty for Christ church. . Numerous infringements held up play in the first spell, and.there, was still no sign of combination on either side. Holmes was playing an excellent game at half-back for Canterbury, and Price, the Auckland full-back, earned frequent applause for accurate line-kicking. After some loose forward rushes by both packs Anderson received and centred neatly for Kinnaird to receive and scor,e in the corner. The kick was disallowed. Auckland 3, Christchurch 0. Shortly afterwards Anderson received again and lobbed the ■ ball to Kinnaird, who scored again. Anderson converted. 8-0. The Christchurch backs began to show up towards the end of the spell and several passing movements saw them pressing on the Auckland line. Mackley came around to relieve the pressure and play returned to the Christchurch quarter, where Anderson knocked on with a score in sight. .. Densen, on the wing, and Duncraft, at full-back, were getting plenty oi defensive work to do for Christchurch, and their play was sound. Monroe and Dalzell led a strong forward attack to the Auckland twenty-five, but poor handling saw the movement break down. The fast breaking-away tactics of the Auckland forwards ? had the Christchurch backs badly hampered and on no occasionwere they able to swing into their stride. AUCKLAND ON TOP. For a short time on the resumption of play in the second spell Christchurch attacked determinedly, . but Holmes lost possession when in a handy position. Play lapsed into a scrappy exhibition , for a time, but Auckland gradually found .the^r combination and for the remainder of the> game were definitely on top. Stockley, the Auckland centre three-quarter showing good penetrative ability, made leverS openings,: but lack oi support caused them to tail off fruitlessly. The one redeeming feature of the Christchurch backs was their hard and sure Anderson cut out several opposing batks in a quick burst but lost the ball overthe line. A few minutes-later he secured again and, beating off several players, scored in the corner. The klChrisfchurch were on the, run and Macey received and walked over for an unconverted try. 14-0 Time came soon afterwards with the score unal Mi\ A. R. Morris was trie referee.