When A Meets A, And A Meets B

Northern Advocate, 13 July 1938, Page 2

When A Meets A, And A Meets B

The two A's, Awanui and Ahipara, are remarkably even, and the games between them have been dour, determined struggles. v

If only Awanui’s backs—the best in the competition—had received mere of the ball, the spectators would have witnessed a much brighter game.

“Nip” Lambly, back in his old position at half, played right up to hfs best form. His fault of using one hand was seen once only when he swooped in front of a determined Ahipara forward rush to clear brilliantly.

.1. Hanna is a real r.ud for the county, along with Rider, who, after his month’s rest, was not so prominent as usual. These two backs are Ihe best seen here for a long time. The Awanui forwards were little inferior to the much heavier Ahipara pack. In the loose M. Richards was always in the van, with Bob Ricketts and Johnson close up. Cooper used his weight effectively at all times. Walter, with his town training, always knows what to do with the ball. i » * Ahipara were all there to a man. but somehow things did not always go right. Tom Walters, once a good back, was going great guns in the forwards, but showed bad judgment in kicking indiscreetly out in the open, so that he was ordered off. Steve Urlich and A. Napier were outstanding forwards, and Gveonsmith hooked from the majority of scrums and consistently followed up. Snowden, at half, is a fine defensive back and, as is often the case, neglected his attacking ability. Sfi ❖ * At home in any position, Mac Berghan, as five-eighths, was always dangerous when in possession.

King Allen was the best of the threequarters, though one is inclined to think ho is a better forward.

The line-kicking of Dan Urlich was very good, but in going to force down he was rather casual. Once this fault cost his side a try.

Whitefield and Sloane were in great form for Kaitaia A, and the two breakaways gave the B backs very few opportunities.

The backs were reorganised. C. Jamersen went in to half, and right well ho played, for Costello, at first five-eighths, to make the openings.

T. Plinn shone more as a goalkicker, collecting eleven points.

Moses Yates was in the thick of everything, but even his goal kick deserted him on the day.

M. Te Paa, A. Dale and I. Wright, ever on the alert, were the best backs.

(Otamatea notes on Page 9)