Masters Tackles Well

Northern Advocate, 10 August 1938, Page 2

Masters Tackles Well

This season Masters has given the lie direct to any whispering campaign critical of his tackling. Tie keeps position so well and kicks to such advantage that it is not necessary for him to perform the manual work so often, but when he does tackle he leaves the opposing player with n feeling of disturbed confidence —at least. Remembering the criticism levelled at “Pud” Kerr, who was also accused at times of dodging tackles, it seems that a section of the Whangarei public cannot appreciate first-class full-backs when thgy are in their midst.

Having played so well in club matches, Conaghan was rather disappointing. Except m tackling, he did not seem to be altogether himself, being prone to hesitate.

While Skelton went quite creditably at second five-eighths, he did not quite work into the scheme of things, but, transferred to the wing, he not only saved a couple of tries but also paved the way for the culminating effort of Roos.

The tackling of the Whangarei inside backs, including' Roos, was under suspicion at time and it was only the mistakes of Wagstaff and Franich which saved further trouble developing from this score.

W. Alison turned on quite a sound game.

Smith was one of the heroes of the backs. In the second half, particularly, he hardly put a foot wrong, givfng snappy service, varying his play nicely, and reaching the best representative class. Whangarei is fortunate in possessing three such talented halves as Codling. Green and Smith.

The handling of the Aucklanders was a revelation, especially their reverse passing round the scrum, to which they were particularly partial. Revealing himself as a man of exceptional pace, A. Brown, the rep. forward. scored all throe tries for his side. The only Auckland back to tackle efficiently was Swain, the half, and in this department Whangarei excelled throughout.