Mangonui Versus Bay Of Islands

Northern Advocate, 31 August 1938, Page 3

Mangonui Versus Bay Of Islands

The Mangonui v. Bay of Islands Harding Shield fixture was played under the most atrocious conditions possible, the field being covered with slushy water, while rain poured down continuously. Hundreds of people who intended to bo piesent were surprised that the match was played at all.

The manner In which tho Mangonui backs jumped into their stride in the early stages of the game waa remarkable. The first try. which was later disallowed, was a brilliant effort, the backs handling the greasy ball in faultless style. Later on. when Mangonui used this form of attack, knock-ons prevented two or three certain tries and the forwards then had the rest of the match to themselves.

Thanks to the first-class hooking of Whiu, ex-Maori All Black, the Bay backs had a feast of the ball, but could do little with it, the defence being very solid. The Bay had hoped for a dry field, but after seeing the local backs in action were quite satisfied with the conditions.

Eroll Jameson, who has played for the county as a five-eighth, came into the side as half, owing to the indisposation of Lambly, and grasped the opportunity with both hands. His display compared very favourably with Mack, the North Auckland half. The manner in which he opened up the game, in addition to his sound defensive qualities, was an eyeopener.

Costello and Hanna, the inside backs, were in fine form, and Mangonui are fortunate to have two such excellent players. Hanna, in particular .is an ideal five-eighth, strong on his feet, with a powerful fend, wonderfully good on defence, and it is hard to understand how this ex-Wai-kato representative came to be passed over in the North Auckland team.

Flinn, at centre, went well until injured, while Dan Urlich showed all necessary defensive qualities, being a very sure tackier, with superb handling.

Mangonul boy full-back. Jimmy Spanhake, played another good game and is fast gaining that confidence so necessary for big football.

The forwards were without the leadership of Moses Yates, who missed his first rep. game for years on account of an injury, Mangonui’s newly-acquired North Auckland rep.. R. Nathan, the 16-stcne lock, failed to nut in an appearance, but. was more than compensated for by his substitute, Allen, who played an outstanding game.

Waller Cooper, especially when his side was in danger, showed Northern fans the football he n. really capable of. At other times, however, he loafed considerably.

Whitefield .the young breakaway, was the best forward, and fairly revelled in the conditions. Gibb, the other breakaway, nursing an injured ankle, was not as prominent as usual.

Richards, always on the ball, played another of those games everyone has come to expect from him. There is nothing more certain than >! 'that, if he had played his football career in the

city, higher honours woidd have been hi:; lot.

Leo Sloane was going great guns in the second half and played his best same of the season.

Srhoj. playing his first rep. match along with S. UrlicJi and Sloane. stood the brunt of the tight, scrummages.

and they had to. for the Bay of Islands forwards hunted more in a pack than Mangonui. who were slightly better in the loose.

Two line forwards who stood out in the Bay side were Sterling and Chris. Whiu. a younger brother of the Maori All Black. If the North Auckland selector has seen these two players this season and passed them by. he must already have an excellent pack, ,

Mackr at half-back .is very sound, and it is not difficult to see that he has learnt his Rugby in a good school.

Webster, a very solid winger, with the ability to lip oil intending tackier::. always gained ground when in possession, Radonovich, full-back, handled the difficult ball with the utmost safety.

At the dinner, held at Mrs Foster’s restaurant in the evening, Mr Sutherland, the referee . congratulated the two teams on the splendid sporting spirit of the game.