KING COUNTRY DEFEATED.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XVIII, Issue 1856, 1 September 1923, Page 5

KING COUNTRY DEFEATED.

AT WHANGAREI ON THURSDAY. POOR GOAL KICKING. Before an attendance of 1500 people in fine weather North Auckland, playing three substitutes from the original selection, defeated King Country by 20 points to 8.

The King Country team had a somewhat similar style of play to that of North Auckland. They had a good set of forwards, hard working and fast. The visitors had the better of what back play there was until the final stages. In' the second half Bryce retired as the result of an injured knee, being replaced by Simmons, who played fullback, Parrant going to centre. The game was not particularly spectacular, although there were a few nippy rushes by the backs of both sides. North Auckland had to thank their hard-working forwards for their victory, and the sustained efforts of their pack was responsible for the difference in the scores, which is not truly reflective of the difference between the teams, as King Country had faster backs, formidable forwards, and more combination. At half-time the score was 8 points to 3, and in the second spell the home side increased their lead, their backs at times being given a chance to co-operate. Though not brilliant in that respect, the rearguard was playing to the forwards where the real strength of the team was placed. A disappointing feature was the poor goal kicking of the visitors, Bryce and Parrant each missing several penalty shots.

For King Country, tries were scored by L. Harty and Pilkington, one of which was converted by Raleigh. The King Country team, many of whom were visiting the North for the first time, were entertained by the Northern Rugby Union at an orchestral concert at the Town Hall, and were the guests of the Whangarei branch of the North Auckland Progress League on a motor trip. Morning tea was provided at the Kamo Springs.