Auckland Too Good

NZ Truth, Issue 1030, 22 August 1925, Page 13

Auckland Too Good

Canterbury Well Beaten

The team which took to the field on behalf of Canterbury at Auckland last * week-end was not the best combination tha.t the southern province : can muster and it was beaten,by 35 points to 8.

Nevertheless the showing of thej Auckland representatives m the match was of a very high order/ the backs m particular showing fine form and on the day they scored a well-merited victory. In the forward play the visitors held their own m the tight work, but m the loose the local men showed too much pace for tlieir opponents and they dominated the play in' this department throughout the game. No faults can be found with the men who comprised the Auckland rearguard. They played together m a most' satisfactory manner. Once or twice during the game mistakes did occur which under ordinary circumstances would have proved dangerous, but the visiting backs were not equal to the occasion, failing to support one another at 1 critical moments. At full-back Goodacre played very soundly, giving a good exhibition of handling and kicking, while no faults were noticed m his tackling. Each of the three-quarters did his share of useful work, Ma.taon's efforts standing out most. This player scored four tries for his side during the game and although a lot of the credit goes to the inside 'backs who drew the, defence on these occasions, < Matson always, finished 'off his tasks m tradesmanlike style. Liicas also played good football, but he made a few mis.takes m handling. Both of the five-eighths showed good form. Cooke, of course, was the better of the t-\vo wd was tfte main link [Of-.thef^AucWana attack;

McGregor played solidly but he ie not as spectacular as his support, who will always b.e a danger to any opposing rearguard;, The half-back, "Wright, gave a far better showing than the Canterbury man and showed a sound knowledge of the capabilities of his supporting backs. On several occasions ' Wright made clever o]>enrngrs which brought points, and' on defence he played his usual sturdy game. McWilliams was the best of the forwards, all of whom did well. The forwards did not lose any chances of setting their backs going during (lie game, throwing the ball about m good style. The Canterbury full-back, Nixon, had plenty to do and he gave a fair exhibition. " The three -quarters did not combine well at all. although each of those players showed out m individual runs on several occasions. Ford m particular was responsible for some nice pieces, of play, but on each occasion, he made good openings the movements broke through lack cf support.. • The, two five-eighths played very patchily and were of little assistance m attacking movements, while the half was far too slow and lost his side any benefit they may have held when the forwards hooked the ball cleanly m the scrums. A woman with a forbidding face gets few kisses; but not so few as the one whqse -husband has a forbidding £a<?«, ■'■'- •"'■:■'■ '-. •-''■'■-