MANUKAU TOO STRONG

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22724, 10 May 1937, Page 13

MANUKAU TOO STRONG

DEFEAT OF COLLEGE RIFLES Manukau's willing pack of forwards, combined with a sound back line, were a little too much for College Rifles at the Show Grounds and the latter went down fighting with the. score at 14 points to 8. The game for the most part was fast and open, but a period in the second spell was scrappy. A try by Hull, College Rifles, just after half-time made the points 11 —78 in favour of Manukau. From then on until "Wilklund's goal, right on the call of time, play went from one end of the field to the other, with Manukau holding a slight advantage. A nippy movement nearly ended in a try for College Rifles, but, through lack of sufficient support, the chance was lost. The College Rifles team was qui*: to show that, in spite of its two defeats, it is a team to be reckoned with. In the first three minutes, after Vear had taken the ball up-field on his own, Duncan gathered from the ruck and touched down in the corner. Roddick's kick from wide out was a good one. Manukau attacked relentlessly, and notwithstanding the safe defensive play of the opposition, three times went oyer for tries. College Rifles made repeated invasions into Manukau territory, but lack of finish, with poor passing, was a deterrent. An improvement in the Manukau fiveeights line was made by the appearance of Boyce instead of Whittle. Although this is his first senior match, judging by his form on Saturday the change was certainly justified. The threequarter line, Schubert, Anderson and Beere, was a very sound combination and the trio accomplished much useful work between them. Longley, at half, was quick to make use of opportunities The Manukau forwards fared better both in the loose and the tight. Skipper _wm notable for bis tackling abilities, while AViklund, Pearce and Godfrey were also prominent. Their roving type of play was responsible for much ground gained. The College Rifles' backs wero not able to combine with the same effect as the opposing rearguard and individual efforts often attained more than concerted work. McMaster, at fullback, was inclined to fumble, hut his kicking usually saved the situation. Duncan showed speed on the wing and Svenson gave a pleasing performance the fiveeights, Dick and Vear, did a lot of work, but the former somewhat restricted the backs by trying to break through on his own. He met with little success. Browning and Roddick showed up among the forwards. Birtwistle, who was having his first game for the team, was not given an opportunity to display his speed. . Manukau's points were obtained from tries by Schubert, Skijarr and Godfrey. Wiklund converting one and kicking a penalty goal. For College Rifles, Duncan and Hull scored tries, Roddick converting one. Mr. J. Malcolm was referee.