MANUKAU OUTPLAYED

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

MANUKAU OUTPLAYED

DISAPPOINTING GAME Outgeneralled and outplayed in all departcients, Manukau went down badly to Mount Albert in the curtain-raiser. The game was disappointing in view of the obstruction tactics adopted, and fists were often used. Some players were indeed lucky that they did not get their marching orders. There was far too much attention paid to the man, and this bad a detrimental effect on the play. Manukau was never allowed to settle down, the Mount Albert forwards keeping together well in some fine loose rushes which had the opposition completely bustled. There was more polish to the play of the Mount Albert backs and on the day Manukau was definitely outclassed. The Manukau rearguard was hindered by losing the ball from practically every 6crum, but when the backs were in possession the defence played well on top of them. In this respect the Mount Albert inside men were allowed latitude in moving forward to take their men. Cranch played a game at fullback for the winners, his kicking and general play being invaluable to the team. He was responsible for starting the best movement of the match from which Shadbolt scored after Watkins, halfback, had made a nice opening and several players had handled. Jj. Schultz and Stewart played well on the wings and McLaughlin did some fine work at centre. J. Schult? and- Hassan, five-eighths, were more than a match for their opponents, while Watkins played a very solid game at halfback, both on attack and defence. A great deal of credit for the team's victory must go to the Mount Albert forwards, who were much superior to the opposition in team work. Satherley, Shadbolt. Tristram, former Waikatp Rugby representative, and Gunning were always 'in the picture. The best Manukau back was Mahima, at half. In spite of the fact that he saw little of the ball from the scrums his all-round play stamped him as the most improved player in this position in the competition. Broderick and Gault were .the pick of the forwards. For Mount Albert tries were scored by Shadbolt (3) and I/. Schultz. Satherley converted three tries and kicked a penalty goal. Hemi kicked two penalty goals for Manukau. Mr, W. Simpson was referee.