AUCKLAND BEAT MANAWATU

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 61, 9 September 1937, Page 14

AUCKLAND BEAT MANAWATU

' (By Telegraph—Press Association.) ' . AUCKLAND, Sept. 8. The Auckland Rugby representatives gained a narrow victory over the touring Manawatu side by 18 points to 14. Conditions were almost ideal. The game did not measure up to the best provincial standard, being a ragged exhibition, particularly in the first spell.. After the interval, however, play brightened considerably as a result of improved form by the Auckland team, both back and forward. There was little spectacular open back play, though the try with which Auckland secured the lead right on half-time was one of the best scored at Eden Park this season. Though the home side deserved its victory, the match was disappointing from Auckland's point of view. The forwards were again outplayed in practically all departments except the loose, and even here the fast Manawatu packmen held a decided advantage in the first spell. In'the second spell the Auckland forwards reached brilliant heights at times in the loose, but this just served to emphasise the side's weakness. The visitors were far superior in line-outs and rucks and, in addition, the Manawatu forwards secured a large share of the ball from the scrums. Tries were scored for Auckland by Dick, Bond, and Bellis (2). Hare converted three. For Manawatu Fleming scored a try which Betteridge converted. Betteridge also kicked three penalty goals.