KEEN CONTEST

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22742, 31 May 1937, Page 14

KEEN CONTEST

FORWARDS PLAY WELL The match between Mount Albert and North Shore was very keenly fought in the first' spell, in which neither side was able to penetrate the defence and no score was registered at half-time. After the interval the Mount Albert backs, gaining the ball iron! the scrums, showed improved combination and three tries were scored, two of which were converted. For the second 'week in succession North Shore failed to cross its opponents' line. The North Shore forwards stood up valiantly to their task ill the first spell, but gradually the close, and successful formation adopted by the Mouat Albert vanguard wore the opposition down. The Mount Albert forwards kept together much better than their opponents,- who were inclined to work as individuals. There was always plenty of support when a Mount Albert forward broke away and the loose rushes of the winning pack often made deep holes in the defence. The Mount Albert rearguard was also quick in smothering their opponents in passing bouts.

In the first spell, especially, the Mount 'Albert backs ran across field, and L. Schultz, at centre, attempted to go too far and was often smothered with the ball. There was a decided improvement in the second spell, when Schultz was frequently in the picture for good play. One of the outstanding : players on the field was Sterling, who usually plays halfback, at first, five-eighths for North Shore. He ran straight and hard and was well on the move when receiving the ball. Had he been'better supported on occasions tries would have been scored. Sterling, although inclined to overdo the short kick, varied his tactics well. A little more judgment in placing his kicks should see this player go higher in the code. North Shore did the early attacking, but Mount Albert defended strongly. Sterling made a brilliant opening and only a fine tackle by Cranch, the Mount Albert fnllfcack,. a yard from the line saved a try. The North Shore inside backs were too slow in letting the ball out, while the Mount Albert rearguard passed wildly and at other times ran. across field. North Shore was hampered by losing possession from most of the scrams, Leatherbarrow, as hooker for Mount Albert, being in fine form. Mount Albert soon gained the ascendancy on the resumption. From a scrum inside North Shore's twenty-five the backs were sent away and I>. Schultz beat his man to score wide out. Kerr, the North Shore fullback, was very unlucky when he kicked high and followed np fast, but was held up righton the line. L. Schultz was again prominent and sent Herring ovei. C. Satherley converted. The last try went to L. Schultz, who beat the defence in a strong, straight run and scored by the posts. C. Satherley converted.

Cranch played a safe game at fullback for, Mount Albert, but was overshadowed in the placement of kicks by Kerr, his vis-a-vis McCallum was the more impressive of the wi 'gs, while Hassan and J. Schultz did good, work on defence in the five-eighths line. Watkins played a good all-round game at halfback. C Satherley was the best forward and was ably assisted by Tristram, Gunning and Shadbolt. Kerr again" played well for North Shore, while Smith centre, was the best of the threequarters. Bennetts made some determined dashes on the wing. Cowan, at half, got the ball away well and defended soundly. Eogers, E. Scott, Hollows and Sowter were the best forwards. Mr. M. Wetherill was referee.