RUGBY LEAGUE TRIAL

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 160, 10 July 1939, Page 8

RUGBY LEAGUE TRIAL

North Too Good for South

MATCH AT CAR LAW PARK Fer Press Association. AUCKLAND, July 9. 1 Better combination and superior knowledge of tho North backs proved the downfall of tho South in the interisland match, played at Carlaw Park in connection with the Rugby League trials. The game was played on a heavy ground before 15,000 spectators. The South forwards made a fine impression in the loose although the heavier North vanguard won tho ball from the scrums. Tho South backs’ handling was shocking. Three tries were missed from this weakness. Brown, the half-back, made a good impression, and ho looks a certainty for the English tour. Kiely, at centre, was good in patches but the five-eighths, Scott and Priest, were outplayed by Dave Solomon and Kay. Davison, on the wing, had many more chances than Campbell and did well on attack. He is a possibility in spite of his inches. Mountford, full back, showed to advantage, although outplayed by Jack Hemi, one of the certainties for the trip. Tho forwards played splendidly, Clark, August ami King showing to best advantage among the North forwards. Ririnui is a certainty with Milliken, who played grandly. Mataira, former All Black, must get in the New Zealand forwards. North won by 35 points to 13 and a further trial is to be played on Tuesday. South Islanders with chances in tho final selection are: Forwards, Clark, August, King and Orman; backs, Brown, Kiely and Davison. A minute after the kick-off North attacked and, awarded a penalty, Hemi kicked a fine goal. King and Clark headed a sweeping forward rush but Hemi saved in brilliant style. The North forwards won the ball from the scrums and their backs were more impressive. Davison, with a spectacular run, carried play back to North territory. Hemi kicked back hard and nearly scored, catching Mountford by surprise. Ririnui then mado a sensational run through South but he slipped as ho had Mountford beaten. Kiely impressed with a fine run and August was pushed out on the North line. First blood came to North, whose backs had opened play, when Solomon cut in nicely, passed to Nurse who scored. From a scrum Walker sent Solomon away and Kay burst through with Tittleton in support. However, Campbell came in fast and pushed Mills, the North winger, into touch. Then followed some clever play by Tittleton, who scooped up the ball and passed to Nurse, who scored.—North 8, South 0. The South forwards rose to the occasion splendidly. Flynn raced away, beat Hemi, and passed to Clark for a good try. Davison converted. The South backs surprised with speed and combination and Mountford missed Campbell who made a nice opening and sent on to Kiely and Davison was hauled down a yard from the North line. Davison kicked a perfect penalty goal, then Hemi did likewise. Stanaway broke away and passed to Solomon and the ball travelled quickly to Mills on the wing. Mills sent back to Tittleton for a try which Hemi converted. At halftime North were 13 and South 7.

The South forwards opened smartly and Clark, who was playing a grand game, passed to Flynn and King lost the ball and Hemi drove the visitors back with a mighty kick. Better North combination saw Solomon dummy past Priest and Mills to score. Then after close passing by Brown, Davison and King, King scored. Picking up in the loose Ririnui brushed aside three weak tackles and scored. Solomon converted. A nice run by Scott gave Campbell his first real chance and he raced round Mills but no backs supported and South lost a possible try. Ririnr 5 next snapped up and passed to Solomon who scored. Hemi goaled. Stanaway impressed in a solo run and Davison raced up the side line and passed to King and August but Clark dropped his pass. Then Davison raced over after a good run by Brown. Hemi kicked a penalty goal, then Solomon scored and Hemi goaled and the game ended North 35, South 13.

Always holding an advantage, both back and forward, but particularly in the backs, the probables led tho possibles by 11 points to 10 at half-time. In the second half some brilliant movements by the probables ended in tries, the whole team revealing speed and accurate handling. Once settled down, probables showed far the better understanding and the issue was never in doubt in the second spell. Outstanding in the probables’ forwards was Gunning, who was easily the best forward on the ground. Cootcs and Peterson were also very prominent. In the backs, Chase and Banham were best while Shaw played a good game at full-back. Mitchell was the outstanding forward of the possibles team with Cameron and Quirke giving good support. Mahima, Cossey, Donaldson and Smith were the best backs. The probables won by 31 against tho possibles’ 17.