LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20989, 28 September 1931, Page 10

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

REPRESENTATIVE FIXTURE

AUCKLAND AND NORTHLAND. MATCH ENDS IN A DRAW. The p|>e::i;il match played nt Cinlaw Park on Saturday between an Auckland Rugby League representative side and Northland, holders of the Northern Union Cup, ended a draw, each side scoring nineteen points. The Auckland team, which was rather lucky, was without the services of many of its be«t players. Northland played splendid football, particularly in the second half, when it made a «ood recovery. The ground was in stood order after heavy rain and the conditions favoured fast, football. The match was mi for the Northern Union Cup. the Auckland selectors taking the opportunity of giving young players a trial. The local thirteen had established a comfortable lead at half-time, but in the second spell several splendid movements by the visitors wen; rewarded by success. For Northland, Meyer and Shortland were outstanding, while C. Hamilton proved a reliable place kick. The Northland forwards outclassed the Auckland vanguard. The teams were as follows:

Northland.—Fullback, .T. Craekctt: threequarters, E. Cunningham, R. Hamilton. T. Cross; live-eighths. C. Hamilton, E. Meyer: halfback, W. Shortland; forwards, C. Payne. A. Wellß, K. O'Callaglian, N. tlorlzcll, N. Dunn, R Cunningham. Auckland.—Fullback, N. Campbell: threequurte.s, E. Mincliam. L. Seagar, P. Meehan: five-eighths, R. Smith, J. Laing; halfback. Hassan: forwards, J. Iveson. H. Lunn, Carter, S. Clarke, St. George, Ruby. Northland attacked from the kick-off and Payne gained good ground before passing to Herlzell, who was tackled by Campbell. Ruby an! Iveson headed ii dangerous attack, which the Auckland forwards carried to the visitors' twenty-five Smith made a nice opening, but good defence checked the home hacks. I 1 rom midfieid Meyer made a brilliant opening, but passed when he could have scored. . The visitors' backs excelled in passing and R. Hamilton gained sood ground. O'Callaghttn snapped up in the loose, beat Auckland's inside backs, and passed to Meyer, who scored a nice try between the posts. C. Hamilton converted. Northland, 5: Auckland, 0. The visitors continued to press and R. Hamilton made a nice opening, but held on and Laing cleared. Hassan checked a strong Northland offensive and Aucklafid's backs carried play back to the visitors' twenty-live. Carter broke away, but selfish play cost Median an easy try. A minute later Seaaar dummied his way through the opposition and Mincliam scored, t Smith 'ailed to convert Northland, 5; Auckland. 3 St. George and Clarke headed the Auckland forv.'arc.B and Smith snapped up and sent Median over near the corner. Minchtim failed to convert. Auckland, (5: Northland, 5. Ruby was off-side and C. Hamilton just failed at got.l. Iveson brilliantly beat the visitors' defence, a good chance being lost through a wild pass. Poor passing by the Northland backs saw Seagar intercept and score easily. Mincliam converted, and halftime came with the score:—Auckland. 11; Northland, A long k.ck was followed to good advantage by Lunn and Carter, and Northland was ha'd pressed. R. Hamilton made a fine run before being caught by Campbell. Auckland was penalised and C. Hamilton kicked a goal. Auckland, lis Northland, 7. Shortland proved elusive behind the visitors' pack, being associated with Meyer in placing Nor,bland in a good position. The Auckland backs showed a lot of nace and Mincliam fended off E. Cunningham and scored in the comer. Smith failed to convert. Auckland. 14; Northland, 7. From a scrum near Auckland's twenty-five Meyer cleverly short punted and Payne raced through to f.core near the postß. C. Hamilton converted Auckland. 11; Northland. 12. The visitors contin ied to do Well, the score belli,? equalised by C, Hamilton, who kicked a nice penalty goal. Auckland,l4; Northland. 14 Auckland's backs attacked and R. Hamilton iailed to tackle Smith, who passed to Meehan. 'J he wing scored after a great race with Crackelt. Seagar kicked fine goal. Auckland, 10; Aoith* land, 14. t Auckland brought Iveson out of the scrum ns an extra back Olid ihe local side fioquenily heot the opposition. A «ood run by O'Callaghun had Auckland in trouble, and plav centred round the home team s goal. The visitors were awarded n penalty, but C. Hamilton missed an easy goal. Shortland started a l'assing bout in Auckland s territory and the ball was handled six times before O'C'a-llntrhan raced over. C. Hamilton wns successful with the kick. Ihe game ended soon afterwards with the score: - Northland. 19; Auckland. 10. Mr. P. Rogers was referee. LOWER GRADE RESULTS. Reserve Grade Special Match.-—Junior Representatives. 18. Devonport, li. Third Grade Open.—Final knock-out: Ponsonby. K, Marist, 2. Fourth Grade.—Marst. S. Newmarket. B. Sixth Grade,—Final: Newmarket, :j. Richmond, 2. HAMILTON MEATS RICHMOND. [ FROM OCR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) HAMILTON, Sunday. The Hamilton League team defeated Richmond (Auckland) by 1.1 points to 8 in a match at Hamilton yesterday. The game was very evenly contested and Hamilton was somewhat fortunate to win. A match between the recently-formed Hamilton Marathon team and the Auckland Marist juniors was won by the latter team by 7 points to