SENSATIONAL TRY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22415, 11 May 1936, Page 14

SENSATIONAL TRY

THRILLING FORWARD PLAY A «en»ational try by L. Scott, who gathered a cross-kick at half-way and outpaced the opposition to score behind the posts, proved the deciding factor in the match between Devonport and Mount Albert. Devonport had the better of the early exchanges, the forwards dribbling well and Cranch, the Mount, Albert fullback, saved nicely on two occasions. In spite of Mount Albert gaining possession from the scrums Devonport concentrated on L. Schultz, first five-eighths, to great advantage. Play was kept in Mount Albert territory and Hall was unlucky in not scoring from a blind side movement. Mount Albert then commenced to settle down and made persistent attacks in its opponents' twenty-five, only mistakes in handling and sound defence frustrating scoring movements. The Mount Albert rearguard always looked dangerous and the first try came from a fine passing movement. Shortly before half-time a splendid Devonport forward rush beat the Mount Albert defence and at the interval the score was 5—3 in favour of Mount Albert. Devonport held superiority for most of the second spell and added a penalty goal and a "converted try to its total. There were many thrilling forward struggles during the game and honours went to Devonport. The latter combined more effectively and played as a pack, whereas Mount Albert relied too much on individual effort. Devonport held a distict advantage in the forwards in the short passing game, a phase which appeared to bewilder at times the opposing vanguard. The Mount Albert forwards were not once during the game dangerous in this department,. All the Devonport forwards were ready to support a movement, but Mount Albert left this strong part of attack to one or two players. With the wealth of ball supplied by the forwards the Mount Albert backs should have done better, in spite of the valiant defence put up by the Devonport rearguard. A great fault lay with L. Schultz, first five-eighths, who attempted to do far too_ much alone. It was surprising that a player of his experience should fall into an obvious trap set by the opposition. Many time* he went too fnr and was tackled in possession, while he frequently ran into the arms of waiting forwards. Morrisey, at centre, played a good game for the losers and could have been fed to Detter purpose. He rnn his supports into good positions while having an eye to an opening himself. Cranch played a good game at fullback and had a hard afternoon's work. He was not afraid to run up and put his backs in action, but often lacked the necessary support. Watkins, halfback, again played well and his fine passing from the scrum and loose play has yet to be bettered this season. At one stage in the second half he was doing practically all the defensive work. Halsey showed himself to be a dangerous scoring wing with the slightest opportunity. Outstanding forwards were Gunning and I'eterßen. while Herring was conspicuous in the open play. Petersen it a good type and played well in the centre position when J. Schultz had to retire at the openinc: of the second snell. In spite of this handicap Mount Albert was beaten by a better team on the day. Some credit for Devonport's success must go to Kerr, the fullback. He played a fine all-round game nnd his excellent defence fnd kicking repeatedly saved his team. Of the other backs Cowan, at half, played a good game. Miller, who replaced Rhodes when the latter retired injured near the end of the first spell, showed ability which should assure him a place in the senior team. His attack was not surpassed by any back on the ground, while his defensive work kept a successful check on Mount Albert attacks. The Devonport forW i "'"yed W(, H- E. Scott doine splendid work, esneciallv on defence He w ? ' "hlv assisted by Hollows nnd Milicich for rWnnport Hollows and L. Scott scored tries. Milicich converted one and also kicked a penalty goal Halsey scored f„_ y ~rr Mount Albert. Morrisey convert 5r U 1 " ."P'endid kick. Mr. W. Simpson was referee.