FINE GOAL-KICKING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22736, 24 May 1937, Page 18

FINE GOAL-KICKING

* GREAT CHANCE LOST

Only excellent goal-kicking by J. Smith, the North Shore centre-threequarter, and a fine potted goal by Kerr, fullback, saved the day for the side against Ponsonby. Smith kicked three penalty goals, all from difficult angles, while Kerr's goal was from well out. Ponsonby scored two tries, one of which was converted. A great chance of winning the match was lost when Jontes failed to convert the first try from in front of the posts. Both sides missed opportunities through lack of finish, but Ponsonby can be accounted unlucky not to win. The backs threw the ball about at every opportunity and were seen in some pice movements, but at times only poor handling saved the defence. On the other hand, the North Shore forwards proved a great asset to the team, and the match really resolved itself into a battle between the Ponsonby backs and the North Shore vanguard. Especially in the second spell, the North Shore pack made many raids, but the lighter Ponsonby forwards put up valiant opposition. All the points in the game were scored in the first half. The Ponsonby backs were morp clever'-and tricky than their opponents and always appeared dangerous.

Two penalty goals placed North Shore four points up in the early stages and then Kerr was bustled by Morgan and Ponsonby scored an easy try. Hunt, North Shore, was injured at this stage and was replaced by Sowter. Two more goals placed North Shore to advantage and shortly afterwards the finest movement of the match took place. In a 6nappy passing bout Jones made a great opening for Nurse and the try was converted, bringing the teams level. Fortunes fluctuated in the- second spell, North Shore doing all the early attacking. Ponsonby came away in several lightning attacks, and it was anybody's game right up to the final whistle. An outstanding gams for Ponsonby was played by Jones at. centre.- A. strong, determined runner, he .-made some splendid openings, and more tries should have been'scored. Jones' defence was also of a high standard. Stockley played a heady game at seoond fiveeighths, making some nice runs, but on occasions he was caught in possession. Although Halloran mishandled on occasions, he was a tower of strength on defence. Black played a good game at halfback, getting the ball away well, while at other times keeping the opposition guessing with feinting runs. Both the wings, McKinney and Nurse, did good work, the, former especially showing great promise. Miles made few mistakes at fullback. A fine all-round game in the forwards was played by Morgan, who was in evtirything. He was prominent on attack, often starting movements cleverly, while his following up and tackling set a good example for his confreres. He also did great work on defence. He was ably supported by Petersen, Keane and Blackman. Kerr, at fullback for except for one mistake, gave an almosr faultless display. His fielding was safe, while his powerful kicking and rush stopping meant a great deal to the side. The wings, L. and V. Scott, did not have many chances in straight-out passing bouts, but otherwise played well. The fiveeights, Zane and Bennetts, are improving with each game. They are showing more confidence und nippiness and with Sterling, the halfback, who again played well, should develop iato a strong combination. Hollows, Sowter, {•Simpson and Rogers stood out among the forwards. Ponsonby's tries were scored by Halloran Uitnd Nurse, Jones converting one. Mr. P. Rogers was referee.