GRAFTON BACKS EXCEL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22469, 13 July 1936, Page 13

GRAFTON BACKS EXCEL

NORTH SHORE'S IMPROVEMENT Enthusiasm ran to great heights when North Shore, now a much-improved team, put up its best effort of the season against Grafton on the former's home ground. The field was in excellent condition foi* fast, open football. The Grafton backline, showing a superiority and provided with many opportunities, thanks to the smart and clean hooking of Clark, gave a bright exhibition of the finer points of Rugby. Much barracking by North Shore supporters seemed to have the effect of spurring on the home side. It was realised that a kick downfield was of more use than running, and largely due to these tactics the team was able to hold a territorial advantage for several minutes at a time. But Grafton had a sound defence and this prevented N'orth Shore from reaching the line and the side's points came from two penalties by Waters. That Grafton did not have the easy win anticipated is indicated by the score of 8 points' to 6 at half-time and 14—(5 at the finish. North Shore fought gamely and gave Grafton many anxious moments. However, there is still a weak link in the backs. A North Shore forward rush carried play to the line, where there was an infringement, and first blood went" to North Shore from a penalty goal. Grafton realised what it had to contend with and pressed hard, tries being scored by Hick-and McLean. It was then that North Shore showed itself in a new light, the forwards rucking hard—nsing their heads as well as their hands and feet, and the backs trying hard. Fulton displayed speed, although he revealed an inability to take a pass cleanly. This resulted in the threequarter line being well-nigh starved. The crowd was greatly amused when two massive forwards half-carried to the line a Grafton back who would not let go the ball. A penalty was conceded, resulting in further points for North Shore. The second half was productive of thrilling play. Hawksby, who previously had played well and many a time extricated his side from dangerous situations with his kicking, seemed to lose his touch and often dropped the ball. Dick, on the left wing, displayed speed and went over for two tries. Killeen was always on the move and his swerving dashes gave the defence much trouble. Pearman could always be depended upon for support. Grafton's forwards were good all-round, with McLean, Fergnsson, Clark and Boddick outstanding. McLean was ever in the picture and his tactics were always a menace. Arkle was very nippy behind the scrum. North Shore's forwards again were solid, and Massey, Cunningham and McKean caught the eye. Grafton, however, was easily able to hold its own. Mclnnes, the fullback, was good without being outstanding. Of the backline, Jessup was easily the best, and his tackling, handling and running were a treat to watch. He is a valuable acquisition to the team. Waters, Finlayson and Adams were a better combination, but Sainty, in the halfback position, was not supplied with the opportunities to reproduce his form of previous games.

Tries for Grafton were scored by Dick (2), McLean and Fergtisson. Pearfflan converting one. while Waters kicked two penalty goals for North Shore. Mr. C. F. Paull was referee.

OTAHUHU'S NARROW WIN

COLLEGE RIFLES IMPRESSIVE College Rifles went close to defeating Otahuhu at Sturges Park and it was only in the dying stages of the game that the home team registered a converted try to win by 8 points to 0. A win for College Rifles would have been a fair reflex of tho [lay, as in both forward and rear divisions it showed superior teamwork Play was of the rugged type throughout and neither combination reached a high standard. The game developed on forward exchanges, although the playing conditions were conducive to the more spectacular back play. It was rarely that concerted handling moves w-ere seen and practically all back attacks originated in the fielding of loose balls. The College Rifles inside backs, Vear and McCormick, made a number of penetrative thrusts, the first-named repeatedly breaking through on his own. His opponent, yedge, was also seen to advantage in solo efforts, but his support, C. Williams, who usually plays on tho wing, was weak in handling and belated parting allowed the opposing defence to spread and anticipate movements. Tho number of changes in tho Otahuhu team had much to do with the upset of its combination. After Beyer had hit tho upright with a long penalty kick Moyle made an opening and the ball came back infield for C. Williams to score. Vear made a fine dash and then Wales narrowly missed with a drop at goal. The Rcore was levelled when Stewart, on the right wing, collected the ball and raced down the side-line. The Otahuhu defence was caught napping whon he did not cross-kick, but battled through two tackles to dive over at the corner. Again College sallied downficld and Barker picked up and ran through to send Stewart, tho forward, over. Otahuhu made a better showing on tho resumption. Grant was twico nearly over, fine tackling by Kirk, at fullback, saving at tho last moment. Hedge made a great effort, but slithered in the act of sidestepping when inches from the posts. Vear and Wales again mndo raids, hut Otahuhu came again, and Grant, was awarded a try when ho went over with threo defenders on him. Beyer converted with a fino effort.. College Rifles made strong sallies in tho closing minutes, but tho score was unchanged ut tho final whistle. Otahuhu, 8; College Rifles, 0. Beyer's goal-kicking was below standard, but he fielded and found the line with accuracy Grant and Hedge were the outstanding' 'backs. In (he tight H. Williams, Jury and Ross were good, with Jones roving successfully. Wales, at centre, and Vear, first five-eighths, carried the honours, both on defence and attack, for College Rifles. Excellent support was given by tho forwards, Irvine, Passmore and Batty revelling in the close [day. Barker and Stewart were fast and dashing in the open. Tilly, at half, linked the pack and backs in impressivo manner. Mr. H. G. Bowden was referee.