LEAGUE MATCH

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24965, 7 August 1944, Page 5

LEAGUE MATCH

WIN FOR AUCKLAND TEAM Superior speed and excellent combination were mainly responsible for ttie decisive victory obtained by the Auckland Rugby League representatives against South Auckland at Carlaw Park on Saturday. The game attracted the largest attendance of the season and it was played on a heavy ground. The visitors larked the experience of the local team, which was extended in the first spell, but in the second outclassed South Auckland to win by 36 points to 5. South Auckland opened up the game with a smart attack which caught the Auckland hacks out of position, and Brooks scored near the posts. It did not take long for the Auckland backs to settle down, and then they were always dangerous. The South Auckland forwards did well in the loose. Harvey. Mctireal and Healey being prominent. The crowd applauded a fine effort by Hull, the Auckland captain, who raced from halfway to score n splendid try after four backs had previously handled. The score at half-time favoured Auckland by I2 points to 5. In the second spell the Auckland backs took complete control of the zainr. seven tries being registered. The visiting backs were often caught out of position through lack of experience. Passing bouts were started by Martin, the Auckland fullback. and the forwards frequently joined in with the backs. Of the Auckland leain originally selected, O. Hughes, the hooker, was replaced by W. Rutherford, who gave the local backs a good share of the ball, and P. Salaia replaced T. Bntler on the wing. Outstanding among the Auckland backs was R. Martin, whose play at fullback was brilliant on occasions. His running with tiie ball was a feature of the game. McGregor played k fine game at centre, making numerous openings for the wings. Salaia played an attractive game on otte wing, while Xurse showed speed and resource. The cleverest back on the ground was Murray, the Auckland five-eighths, who was a thorn in the side of (tip opposition. In his first representative match, ]. Sumich did really well at five-eighths, and behind the scrum Clement also played well. Ropers was the best forward on the ground, while Hull did a lot of useful work. Mcf.eod was also prominent. The curtaiu-raiser. between South Auckland and Auckland juuior representatives, was a fine display of the code, aud the local team was a little lucky to win by a points to 2. Results were:—Auckland. 3(1 (tries by Sumich. 2. Murray, 2, A'urse. Rogers, Hull. McGregor. Rutherford and Salaia. Martin converting three); South Auckland, (try by Brooks, who also converted). Junior representatives: Auckland, 3; South Auckland. 2. Senior schoolboys: South Auckland, 3; Auckland. 3.