Mangonui Sparkle To Outplay Whangarei For Harding Shield

Northern Advocate, 6 September 1939, Page 2

Mangonui Sparkle To Outplay Whangarei For Harding Shield

rpiIOROUGHLY OUTPLAYING WHANGAREi, MANGONUI GAVE A 1 DISPLAY GREATLY PLEASING TO THE RECORD CROWD WHICH WITNESSED THE HARDING SHIELD MATCH AT KAITAIA.

Ifar Northerners were disappointed that the North Auckland selector did not see fit to be present at such an important match, seeing that the North Auckland team has been defeated in their last two engagements. True, he saw most of the Mangonui team in action in their first rep. match, but the side of today is a vastly improved combination

Mangonui has defended the Harding Shield lour times to date, and have had their line crossed only twice, scoring 50 points to 6.

Yet the sole selector has not seen

my one of these games.

Conditions on Saturday were all in favour of forward play, and though there was much splendid work in this department, the home forwards, especially, endeavoured to give the backs every opportunity.

Line-Out Stars

Thanks to the excellent line-out play of Whitefleld. Cooper, Yates, and Sloane, Mangonui gained the most of the ball. From the set scrums, Greensjjiith won more than his share in the first half. The home team had more weight than the visitors, but Morresey raked successfully for a period after the interval. Greensmith came .again, however, to gain the honours of the day. . In the rucks, the shield holders again had the advantage, and the experience of Moses Yates was a big factor, along with Cooper. S. Urlich and Sloane.

Both teams .appeared; about even in the loose, though the way Gibb. Whitefield, Thomas and Co. caught Masters in possession on several occasions revealed swift following up. Mangonui’s custodian. Urlich, was only once caught with the ball. M. Morresey was often seen out in front, yards ahead of his mates, but Urlich invariably left him sprawled over the paddock.

There was not a passenger ,at any time in the Mangonui eight.

Whitefield Improves,

Whitefield has improved with every game,. .and was .one of the best forwards on the field.

The way ho anticipated the trend of play to score the first try showed that this young man will not be satisfied with mere county 'honours. Gibb again came to light with another runaway try. in some respects reminiscent of the one he scored at Dargavillo last season.

Much the same type of player as the Northland rep. Callanan, Gibb over-shadowed him on the day. Besides hooking well, Groensmith

was in everything. Thomas, while not so prominent os usual, owing to a recent attack of ’flu, is another young player , with all the best in front of him. The older stalwarts, Moses Yates and Cooper, were a power in themselves. For the first time this season, Moses failed to land a goal.

Backs Function Well

Mangonui have the best set of backs ever and on Saturday they rose to the occasion in no uncertain manner, despite the conditions. It was hard luck for everyone concerned that Gibson and White, the visitors' five-eighths, were unable to play. Syiva played a very solid'game at half-back, and it is praise indeed to say that he was not much inferior to Codling, Lambly played first five-eighths and up to the time he received a knock on his back, was right up to his best form. Tlie greasier the ball the better “Nip” likes matters. . Mdrray and Hanna would not disgrace a provincial five-eighth line anywhere. The combination these two have acquired is a treat to watch. The defensive qualities of the exMaori All Black and the ex-Waikato rep. respectively, .are all that could be desired, and Mangonui are indeed fortunate in possessing two such players.

Of the wings, Ryder, marking Cunningham, like his vis-a-vis, saw little of the ball, the trend of play mostly swinging towards Heke Yates' wing.

The latter, like cousin Moses, is playing better than at any previous time in his career. His try was a heady piece of work. The Best Full-Back. Dan Urlich definitely outplayed Masters. Cool and resourceful, besides being very powerful on his feet. Urlich should be given .an opportunity against Wellington. The Whangarei forwards had a heavy day, and, considering that they have not had the match play of the home team, did particularly well. For long intervals, they wore on the defensive, and at no time were .there any slackers. Whiteman, Robison and Mick Morresey were the pick.

Codling Outstanding. Codling, the half, was the visitors' star back, and patrons were not slow to show their approval of this fine little player. Roos, until hurt, was going well, and Fickcrcll. who look Iris place, v/as very solid on defence.

Campbell showed a fine turn of speed for his solo try.

Grant had far more opportunities than Cunningham, and impressed with his determined running.