A DOUR STRUGGLE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20492, 10 August 1936, Page 12

A DOUR STRUGGLE

AUCKLAND BEATS SOUTHLAND By Telegraph—Press Association INVERCARGILL, August 8. Greater all-round speed enabled the touring Auckland Rugby team to defeat Southland by 19 points to 16 at Rugby Park to-day. The weather was fine and the ground heavy. The game began brightly but developed into a dour forward struggle until half-way through the second spell when there were some brilliant moves by both sides. The forwards were well matched, Southland’s superiority in the tight being offset by the more effective short passing of the Aucklanders of whom Hadley, Pepper and August were outstanding. The best Southlanders were Sherriff, Irwin, Purdue and Mattingly. The backs adopted different tactics, Auckland depending on fast flanks while Southland, after losing Mitchell after 30 minutes play, sought to penetrate In the middle. Auckland attacked strongly from the kick-off and had Southland defending desperately. Sharp cut in on an Auckland passing rush and passed to Mitchell at the half-way flag. The Southland captain evaded two or three tackles ran 5 yards with only Beyer to beat. The full-back caught Mitchell two yards from th' line, but the All Black wing regained his feet and scored in the centre. Wesney converted with a great kick. Southland was playing all over Auckland until the visiting backs took the game into the Southland twenty-five. Mitchell was injured and left the field for a period. The Auckland backs handled cleanly for Pverley to score in the corner. Bush converted. Moyle retired injured and was replaced by Frankham. Soon afterwards Mitchell retired from the game. Auckland continued to attack and Curtayne fielded a clearing kick and potted a goal. Auckland was now definitely superior, Hadley taking the ball in every scrum and the backs delighting the crowd with quick passing. The Auckland forwards broke through the middle of the field and August finished a good rush by scoring under the bar. The half-time score was Auckland 14, Southland r The second half opened quietly with Auckland holding the upper hand. The So’’*hland forwards broke through to the Auckland twenty-f ? and Mattingly kicked a goal from a penalty. Southland was now more than holding its own, the forwards beating Auckland and the backs being much improved. However, Auckland, was too fast and Byerley, after a strong run, cleverly threw into Bush who scored and converted. Play was exciting as Southland rushed into Auckland territory. Calder made a good opening for Wesney who scored for Southland wide out. Mattingly converted. With 20 minutes to play Southland appeared to have a chance of victory. The crowd cheered wildly when Mattingly kicked a penalty goal and Southland was only three points behind. Howe’ ?r, the Auckland defence held against the onslaughts of the Southland forwards and the final scores were: Auckland 19, Southland 16.