Eden Park Rugby Test

Northern Advocate, 23 July 1938, Page 9

Eden Park Rugby Test

i I Special to “Northern Advocate.’’] AUCKLAND. This Day. ! Prior to the annual match between , North Auckland and Auckland at Eden i Park today, torrential rain fell ; throughout the morning, making the ! ground very heavy, suiting the heavier | North Auckland type. The sun was I shining, but there were pools of water i on the ground when Masters led his j team to the field. i The North Auckland team was:.... | Masters, C. Wintle, R. White, Colj more-Williams, Ryder, Johns, Codling. I Ling, Nathan, Cooper, Scarborough, C. White, Sam Alison, Bradley, Morresey. C. Wintle was early applauded for a beautiful line-kick, which put the North on attack. The Northerners were winning the ball from the scrum I and after hard work on the line, Nathan fought his way across for the first try. Masters kicked the-goal and after five minutes North Auckland I were five points up. | The early part of the game was ■ definitely in favour of the visitors, j whose forwards were going particujlarly well. Colmore-Wililams, on the • wing, was handling nicely and kickj ing with great effect. On several oc- • casions, however, Cooney, Pearman and Brady, the Auckland inside backs were seen in penetrative runs. For Nci th Auckland Masters was playing an outstanding game. His long and accurate kicking continually checking Auckland attacks and giving the advantage to his side. Time after time, North Auckland was penalised for offside, and after 25 minutes’ play, Ryder was caught foolishly standing in front of a scrum. With the resultant freekick, McLean landed a goal.—North Auckland 5, Auckland 3. Auckland went straight back to the attack and, after White, kicking in front of his own goal mouth had raised the flags at half-way, Cooney sent his backs away. Brady cut out a couple of men, and Martin, clapping on great pace, cascaded the water as he dived over for a try, which Pearman failed to convert: Auckland , 6 North Auckland 5 With a magnificent kick from near the sideline, Masters again put the North in front from a penalty. However, with an unexpected try, Auckland regained the lead. Masters nominated the ball, but let is drop through his arms. Two of the supporting forwards overran the ball, and Pepper, following fast, snapped it up and went across. Pearman missed, and although they had been bested territorially Auckland led at half-time by 9 points to 8.

In the second half, Fletcher took the field, replacing a North Auckland forward. The North set up a terrific attack, penning Auckland right in their goal-mouth. The ball was being thrown in, and in the line-out Sam Alison secured, but the North Auckland forwards could net do much with it. After 15 minutes’ solid defence, Lockington cleared for Auckland, thus raising the siege. There was no further score after ten minutes’ play. North continued hammering solidly on the Auckland line, and Ryder, who had gone into half in place of Codling (injured!, dashed round the blind side to score. Masters missed, and North Auckland led 11—9. Cunningham played on the wing during the second half. Immediately afterwards, Pearmau landed a penalty, R. White being offsu.e: Auckland 12, North Auckland 11. The whistle sounded, with no further score.