Northland Rep. Trial At Kaitaia Reveals Talented Footballers

Northern Advocate, 5 July 1939, Page 2

Northland Rep. Trial At Kaitaia Reveals Talented Footballers

JUDGING BY THE CLASS OF FOOTBALL REVEALED IN THE REP. MATCH AT KAITAIA ON SATURDAY. THERE IS LIKELY TO BE A DIGGER REPRESENTATION THAN USUAL FROM THE FAR NORTH IN THE PROVINCIAL TEAM TO MEET AUCKLAND AT THE END OF THIS MONTH. That the record number of spectators were pleased with the exhibition on a heavy ground, was proven by the reception given to the players. T ( No one thought of leaving until the final whistle. It was Whangavoa’s first visit for three' years. When the teams met previously Mangonui lost fiie Haliwell Cup, and since then Whangaroa had stalled off all other challengers. Oij Saturday both sides handled the greasy ball in great Siyle. Whangaroa backs showing little penetration, mostly preferring to kick for the line. They all tackled well, and they had to, for Mangonui were almost over on many occasions.

King, at full-back, was very safe. He showed initiative in not forcing at times, to gain ground. Dover Hughes, only a youngster, played very steadily at centre and has a .fine turn of speed. The best of the other backs was the half-back, Johanson, also making his debut in rep. football.

Digger King, first five-eighths, continually kicked for the line. However, he was the only player able to kick the greasy ball at goal. His successful attempt was a beauty. • E: Hoana, ex-North Auckland wing, always looked dangerous, but had few chances.

WIIANGAROA HUNTED BETTER. Whangaroa forwards, after being oyer-run in the early stages, gradually, gained confidence to eventually prove the better combination, for they worked more as a unit. S' Smith was ever on the ball, while ft Williams and Tom McGee v were splendid packmen, often breaking away with'the ball at their toes. Wil-

liams last year was a junior rep, on the West Coast of the ♦louth Island. Mangonul has often been noted for its tough forwards, but on Saturday, with...conditions all in their favour, it was not them but the backs who took , the eye. ' HOME VANGUARD TIRED. » Some of the forwards found the going a little too much and tired somewhat towards the end. If Mangonui are to hold the Harding Shield they will have to go into more solid training.

Wal Cooper was a tower of strength in the first half, his line out work and headiness being invariable. Once he threw a pass 25 yards across to his backs, which; with a dry ball, would have meant a certain try. Later he either got lazy or his condition gave out. However, Cooper can play football with the best when inclined. A GOLIATH GETS “DEVIL." -' Aubry Napier, six feet two, and weighing 16 stone, the Maori lock, continued the improvement shown in ‘club games. Fast in the loose and ever there to back up, he should make the Northland grade this season. In the past Aubry has lacked that spice of “devil” and dash, but has remedied that fault and is in perfect nick.

M. Whitefield and Steve Urlich both played sterling games, and will be unlucky if they miss a further trial. Gibb showed his pace in the loose, but gave little assistance in the rucks. Thomas and Srhoj, two new members, went well without doing anything outstanding, while Greensmith, the hooker, had slightly more than his share of the scrums.

“NIP” EARNS HIS NAME. If -the large crowd present were to have a vote on who was the best Mangonui back on the day, “Nip” Lambly would undoubtedly win. “Nip" Lambly proved himself aptly named — first on the wing—a position foreign to him, but, being a ’"natural footballer, all positions come alike to him —and then at half-back after half time. His versatility and uncanny handling of the ball made him a thorn in the side of his opponents, M. Costello, while not appreciating the conditions, Was always dangerous and, had he gone on his own, as he has to in his club games, would have assuredly scored. He can never be accused of selfishness. J. Hanna gave his usual solid display though he was suffering from injured ribs from the previous Saturday. HOUHORA’S MAORI ALL BLACK All eyes were on J. Murray. Maori All Black last season, and he did not disappoint. Very fast and tricky. ; arid solid on defence, he* is a definite asset in his return to Northern i football.

Heke Yates, country winger for a number of years, is still the best of those playing, and certainly the best of those who played on Saturday. He grasped every opportunity. His main fault wa.4 that he was inclined to overdo the in-pass, instead of putting his head’ down to go “flat” out.

1 Jamieson took the field with a badly ripped thigh from a sprig in a previous game, but such is his keenness for football that ho thought he might be alright at full-back. When he went off injured, Sylva came on and made a quick and lively winger. Dan Urlich. though playing his first game at full-back this season, gave a great display after settling down