Superior Speed Gave Auckland 22-3 Win

Northern Advocate, 30 August 1948, Page 6

Superior Speed Gave Auckland 22-3 Win

AUCKLAND, Mon. (Sp.).—The speed and initiative of Auckland’s backs was the deciding factor in the defeat of Wellington by 22 points to 3

The winners 'scored six tries (two converted) to a penalty goal. Had Scott been kicking with his usual accuracy Auckland’s winning margin would have been greater. Auckland had a lead of 13—0 at half-time, and at no stage looked like being beaten. The Wellington forwards tried _to <- keep play tight, but whenever the Auckland backs were given room in which to work they went close to scoring.

Allen was the outstanding back on the field.

Apart from that there were far too, many mulled passes and ill-directed kicks.

He started off with two wild passes, but thereafter gave a brilliant performance, overshadowing G'Callaghan and later Delamore. Eric Boggs had much the better of King. He was responsible for one try and scored another PACK HOLES OWN

It was perhaps rather surprising that Wellington should persist in its stone-walling tactics, especially when it became 'Obvious that Auckland’s superior speed would ultimately bring victory no matter what happened.

Auckland’s pack held its own for most of the game. Hughes gave his backs a majority of the ball in the early scrums, and the line-outs were also in favour of Auckland.

Boggs was at peak form, revealing fine determination and a clever appreciation of wing-threequarter play.

ROSE TO OCCASION

At half, he rose to the occasion like the versatile player that he is. McLean, on the other flank for Auckland, gave a much improved display, but once again the actual breaks did not come his way.

The home pack faded for a time i in the second spell, when White and j Ward toiled solidly for Wellington, but I come again to throw the ball about j with abandon in the concluding stages. The fact that Auckland scored six tries, only two of which were converted, to a penalty goal by Wellington, was about a fair indication of Auckland’s superiority. The main feature of the game was its speed.

Scott was reliability itself at fullback, but he had an off-day with his kicks, both at touch and at: the goal. .Frequently, however, he chimed in perfectly with his backs and added a very valuable over-lap. The Auckland forwards stood up splendidly to Wellington’s battery.