EARLIER CONTEST

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23394, 10 July 1939, Page 13

EARLIER CONTEST

WIN FOE PROBABLES OUTSTANDING FORWARDS BRIGHT PASSING MOVEMENTS The first spell oi' the mulch bet ween the Probaliles and-Possibles teams was fairly evenly contested, but it was always evident that the Probables bold an advantage, particularly in the backs, who showed better understanding!; and combination than their opponents. This superiority was more ' evident in the second half, and, although play was inclined to be patchy at intervals, with too much kicking by the inside backs on both sides, there were many brilliant passing movements which roused the enthusiasm of the large crowd of spectators.

Probables ltwl at half-time by 11 points to 10. having scored three tries to their opponents' two, and four tries in the second half, all converted, put the issue well beyond doubt. Possibles registered another try and a penalty goal in this spell, the final score being:—Probables, .'sl; Possibles, 17. The outstanding forward on tlie ground was Gunning, whose .all-round play must have made a big impression on the New Zealand selectors. J1 e was always in the thick of the fray and -showed speed and handling ability worthy, of a hack. Ably assisted by Peterson and Gootes, Gunning led the Probables pack in .numerous, inspiring sallies and was ever ready to open up the play in a most unselfish manner. Mitchell, the big Richmond forward, was another to make a fine impression in the opposing pack, and was the inspiration of most of the Possibles' forward movements, beside opening up the play at every opportunity. All four forwards mentioned must be . seriously considered for the New Zealand team, on ' Saturday's performance.

The team.*, which , comprised Aucklani players unless otherwise indicated, were.a follows:

Probables.—T. Shaw (South Auckland); R. Chinnery (Canterbury), M. Marshall, T. Chase, R. Hardgrave; R. Banhani; B. Brimble; .T. C'ootes (Wellington), A. Leatherharrow, J. Gunning. J.McLeod, K. Barnard. (Canterbury), C. Peterson. Possibles.—J. Smith; 11. Edie (Wellington),. V. Scott, B. Donaldson, A. Riley; E. • Cossey; P. Mahiina; B. Shadbolt, F. Quirke, L. Clarke (Taranaki), R. Jones, G. Mitchell. 15. Morgan Replacements Made . For the second spell Herring replaced MeLeod in the Probables team, and Flanagan and Cameron replaced Quirke and Morgan in the Possibles' side. However, Flanagan was compelled to retire after a few minutes' play owing to a head, injury, and Quirke returned to the scrum. Riley also retired from the Possibles' right wing and was replaced by Mclnarney. Maliima, for Possibles, and Banham, for Probables, were the first to show up- for brilliant solo efforts, hut met with solid tackling. Leatherbarrow was getting most of the ball from the scrum at this stage and tiie L'robables were attacking strongly with passing ■ bouts. Brimble worked the • blind side and Chinnery gathered the ball in the loose to go across for a try near the corner flag. Shaw, who was playing a good game at fullback, started a brilliant movement with Chase, which ended in Leatherbarrow running round to score behind the posts. Chase converted. Cossey placed Possibles on attack with a cleve" run. hut held on too long. Quirke' was now getting a better share of the ball from :the scrums, and passing among the backs enabled Donaldson to break through, Riley taking the final transfer to run round for a try, which Smith converted. Inter-passing between Peterson, who was very prominent in the loose rushes, and Marshall, gave the former a well-earned try, HHit again Possibles retaliated.

Cossey short-punted, for Donaldson to gain possession and beat the defence with a try between the posts, which Smith converted. Brimble lost an almost certain try by holding on after a clever solo efTorl. and at half-time the score was:—Probables, 11; Possibles. .10

Play In Second Spell A penalty goal by Smith shortly after resuming gave Possibles the lead by a single point, but Probables soon asserted themselves. Brilliant work by Hardgrave, Gunning and Herring enabled Gunning to score and Chase converted. Probables again attacked strongly and Barnard gathered a high punt over Possibles' goal to touch down. Chase once more converting. Gunning got away in a great run, passing to Brinibie, who was smothered. Cameron brought play back with a fine run, only to see Maclnarney well collared by Chase. Then Marshall, Barnard, Peterson and Leatherbarrow swept upfield in a bright passing bout, the last-named scoring, for Chase to add-' the goal. Possibles came back and Mahima secured possession in front of the posts to dodge his way through the defence. Smith converted. The final score, was registered by Banham. who short-punted, regained possession, and scored at the posts. Shaw converted and tlie game ended:—Probables, 111; Possibles, 17. Shaw confirmed his reputation as a reliable' and promising fullback, making play for the Probables' threequarters whenever Ihe chance offered. Chase was (he pick of the winners' backs his defence bring very solid. " Marshall gave good support in the centre, while Banhani played a fine game at five-eighths, kicking with discretion. Brimble was more prominent in the second spell, getting the ball away smartly from the scrum. Gunning was outstanding in the forwards, and he was well supported by .Peterson, Leatherbarrow and Cootes. Smith was'very safe at fullback for Possibles and his kicking was an asset. F.die, on the wing, revealed distinct possibilities with fine all-round play, while Donaldson was always prominent at centre. Me did some fine individual work. Cosse.v showed tip well at five-eighths, making several clever moves and tackling soundly. Maliirna did some good work at halfback, but was inclined to hold on too long. Mitchell was the outstanding forward of the Possibles' park, being ably seconded by Morgan in the first spell and by Cameron in the second half. Jones was inclined to get ofTsirie through waiting for an. opening in the loose. Qnirke was fairly successful as a hooker. For Probables trias were scored by Leatherbarrow ('_»), Chinnery, Peterson, Gunning. Barnard and Banham. Chase converted four tries and Shaw one. For Possibles, Riley, Donaldson and Mahima scored tries. Smith converted all , three tries and also kicked a ' penalty goal. Mr. T. Kelly was referee. 0.

TO-MORROW'S TRIAL COMPLETION OF THE TEAM The- final Rugby League trial game for selection of Ihe New Zealand team to tour England will be played at Carlaw Park lo morrow afternoon. Eight players have already been announced, and the final selection will. probably be made on 'Wednesday evening. The .teams for to-morrow are as follows: ! Possibles.—Fullback, J. Smith (Auckland); Ihrqcquarter*, C. Davison (Canterbury), H. Cooper (Wellington), H. Marshall (Auckland). R. Tukere (Waikato); five-eighths, B. Me-

Kenzie (Auckland); halfback, L. Brown (Canterbury); forwards, J. Cootes (Wellington), J. Brooks (Waikato), E. Erickson (Auckland), M. Devine (Auckland), W. Cameron ('Auckland), E. Morgan (Auckland). Probables,—Fullback, T. Shaw (Waikato); threeqnarters, 'L'. Chase (Auckland), V. Scott (Auckland), J. Campbell (Canterbury), N Kiely (Ciintcbury); five-eighths, 11. Banham (Auckland); halfback, W. Sterling (Auckland); forwards, J. Clark (Canterbury), J. Satherley (Auckland), D, Sbadbolt (Auckland). (I. Mitchell (Auckland). R. Jones (Auckland), W. Bellniny (Canterbury). Reserves.—Forwards: C. Peterson, H. Leatherbarrow. Backs; P. Mahima. 11. McInarney. OTHER GRADE RESULtS Senior Reserve Grade. —Mount Albert, 21, Papakura, 5; Richmond, S. Cit.V. 0. Fifth Grade. —Richmond won from Marist by default. GAMES IN WELLINGTON [nv tfu:gh.wii—imiess association] WELLINGTON, Sunday 'League football matches played yesterday resulted as follows:—St. George, I I. Central, i:t; Miramar. 1.7, Newtown, Jo; Pctone, J7, Randwick, 11. MATCHES AT WHANCAREI [lt V TKLKO It A I'll —OWN CO Hit KSI'ONDENT] WHANG A R EI, Sunday Hikurangi, the leading team in the .Northland League's senior competition, had an easy win over Kensington yesterday, the score being .'!!» to o. Try-getters for Hikurangi were Pickerell Hi). K. Hamilton, F. O'Callaghan and James. R. Hamilton and C. Hamilton each kicked penalty goals, and C. Haniilton, Raisenbeck, ('racked and James converted tries. City beat Portland, 11—3. 'V. Payne, J. Chetham and 1). Parkes scored for City, and Parkes converted one trv. Powsland scored for Portland. Hikurangi is leading City by two points in the championship, with Portland two points behind City.