LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Northern Advocate, 15 September 1932, Page 7

LEAGUE FOOTBALL

NORTHERN CUP MATCH. ANOTHER CLOSE FINISH. NOTES ON THE GAME. The two matches between North and South Auckland for the Northern Union Cup have provided the closest and most interesting football anyone could wish. When Northland lost the cup in the match played at Hikurangi last .Tunc the margin was .15—13, and the game was one of the most spectacular seen lu this district. The return match Iplayed at Ngaruawalua on Saturday ,was almost a replica. The scoring seesawed in a thrilling manner, with the •holders just sufficiently superior to clinch the argument by the same margin of two points, 22—20. Northland won possession of the ball on most occasions, but when the South backs got control they used it to the best advantage. Their team work gave the visitors a lesson in backing up and positional play. The- visiting backs wore an even lot. Mae Id e fully justified his inclusion. He dropped his nervousness, and time and time again when things were looking black, came into the picture to make good saves. Rod Hamilton was fair on attack, but left much to be desired on defence. The same criticism applies to Connolly, who, however, made several penetrating runs.

An unfortunate- accident to Barakat weakened the 'backs in the second half. He gamely tried to play on, but finally had to be asisted from the field. At the commencement of the game ‘Snick’ Dunn played first five-eighths, and had trouble in accepting erratic passes from his half. When Berghan changed places with him, things wont more smoothly. Berghan played consistently and kicked well, converting two tries and landing a. penalty. Except for the fault which has already been mentioned, B. Meyer played well. Ho also suffered injury and was off the field for five minutes or so. Northland’s bad luck was .not confined to the backs. A quarter of an hour after the start C. White, who really was not in a condition to go on, was hurt in scoring what was the best try of the day. He could take no further part in the game, and was replaced by 'S. o’Callaghan. Pompa Wells played an exceptionally fine game, showing his mastership in the serums. All the forwards worked well. The team wore unlucky not to win the right to the cup in the last few minutes. ‘ C. Keith wrestled himself clear, but had not enough pace to run to the line. He lost possession of the ball. Barakat was handy to carry on, but he was thrown into touch about a yard out, and it was then that he finally retired. During the complimentary dinner tendered to the Northland Rugby League team by the South Auckland League at Ngaruawahia on Saturday, Mr V. Simpson, of Auckland, who refereed the match, gave great credit to both teams for the splendid exhibition put up and the manly way in which the game was played. He stated that it was one of the finest games ho had ever controlled and if all games were played in that spirit and with the same keen and healthy rivalry, refereeing would indeed be a pleasure.