LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19770, 18 October 1927, Page 14

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

THE NORTHERN UNION CUP.

WON BY SOUTH AUCKLAND.

VISITORS' FINE EXHIBITION. Showing surprising speed and excellent combination. South' Auckland won | the Northern Union Challenge Cup from | Auckland at Carlaw Park., on Saturday. Auckland had held the cup since 1923.. It was in that season that South Auckland caused a sensation by defeating a strong Auckland team. The following year Auckland regained the cup, and very few people who journeyed to Carlaw Park on Saturday, gave South Auckland a possible chance of winning. However, a big surprise was in store, and the spectators saw the visitors defeat Auckland by 29 points to 12 in a fast, open game. In the Waikato the game has had many setbacks but while progress has been slow, the players have grasped the finer points of the code, and they executed some good movements on Saturday. No visiting side could have shown greater keenness on attack, while its team work was at times high cl? s ss The forwards gave a dashing display in the scrums and in the loose Hard, low tackling was a feature of their play, and they continually harassed the Auckland backs. Auckland Lacks Hooker. Strong comment was heard before the match on the manner in which Auckland treated the game. Without detracting from South Auckland's win, it must be said the local team did not have the support the trophy demands. Reference was made by a prominent local back to the team's failure m not having a recognised hooker In the match against Buller, Hutt was asked to take the place of St. George, who was not avadable. Again, on Saturday, Auckland took the field minus a hookei. It was only to be expected the team would fail to secure the ball. Consequently the home backs were starved for possession. There were ten regular hookers to choose from, and it was understood on Friday that St. George would not be available. To make matters worse, Payne retired early in the game, and his place in the forwards was taken by Seagar, a five-eighths.

The Auckland forwards failed to show their usuai dash, and their display was disappointing. It has been • noticeable of late that the forwards are too intent on waiting foi opportunities in the open, and when opposed to a more solid set they were beaten. There should be no reason for any forward, other than the back-row man, to leave the scrum until the ball has been won.

South's Good Backs. The South Auckland backs gave a fine exhibition of positional play. Each player ran straight and sometimes three backs supported the player in possession. McDonald, the visitors' captain, gave a finished display at five-eighths. Usually a forward, McDonald showed a lot of pace, and he was in every movement, Early in the match the ex-Auckland representative was seen in a brilliant run through the local team, and but for slipping he would have scored a great try. Raynor played a sound game at fullback, but his goal-kicking was erratic. Everest enhanced his reputation as a fine centre. He showed a nice swerve, and gives promise of developing into a high-class player. Whorsky played well and scored two good tries. G. Miki was prominent on the wing, and badly beat Wilson on two occasions. His brother, W. Miki, made some nice openings at five-eighths. Smith, who replaced Graham behind the scrum, proved an excellent substitute. Timms stood out as the best forward on the ground, showing pace and anticipation above the average. His try, when ho intercepted a pass intended for Dufty, was the sensation of the game. Farrell and Jackways were always prominent. Cronin showed the local forwards how to tackle, and Jones was also excellent on defence. Stephenson, who has represented the Waikato on numerous occasions, retains his form well. His hooking was consistent throughout. Wetherill in Form.

Dufty was uncertain at fullback, and his slowness to return kicks often put Auckland in dangerous positions. Wilson was the weak link in the threequarter line, showing no enterprise on attack. His poor defence lost Auckland two tries. List spoiled a good display by retaining possession after he had raced the wings into scoring positions. Hardgrave scored a nice try, but otherwise got few chances. Wetherill made some brilliant openings and was Auckland's best back. Crewther defended well, but lacked pace on attack and, at times, was yards behind Wetherill.

Early in the t,ame Webb played brilliantly, but the opposing forwards soon checked his play. Hall was Auckland's best forward, mainly because he was prominent in the heavy scrum-work. Ruby followed up fast, and handled the ball better than usual. Dixon, Hutt and O'Brien have played better games. Seagar had a roving commission, and made several useful runs when playing in the back division.