FOOTBALL.

Observer, Volume XL, Issue 45, 10 July 1920, Page 8

FOOTBALL.

RUGBY. Auckland Downs Thames. AFTER an interesting and at times fast game, Auckland swceedod in defeating Thames by 22 points to 19. Though it was the first rep. match for the. season, it was not up to rep. .standard. Many better .club games have been seen this year. The match attracted the largest crowd vet assembled at the Park. There 'must have been about 7,000 to 8,000 spectators present. The day, too, was responsible for the large attendance. It was ideal for good football, being calm and warm, and expectation ran high that Thames would lower the colours of Auckland owing to the absence of our four New Zealand reps, who stood down for this match. JUit Auckland managed to prove victorious, but by an exhibition of superior play, but •simply a knowledge of the finer points of the game, combined with the necessary speed and initiative to make xise of opportunities that very often accidentally came their way. Though beaten, however, the Thames reps, wore anything but disgraced. At times they gaA-<- onlookers some fine flashes of brilliancy in forwajd play. Three of their pack at least .stood out on their own in this respect, the Hayward Bros, and Alexander. Frequently they broke through the opposition in 'overwhelming style, and made the Auckland backs look .small in their rushes. In fact, on occasions they over-ran the backs, and spoiled all"efforts at passing, carrying the .ball from one end of the field to the other, but the trickiness of- the local backs saved the situation. Particularly, Kingston, who showed himself to* be safe, speedy, and the possessor of a fine.swerve; also a good line finder. The game, though fast at times, was principally confined to the forwards. There seemed to be a shyness on both sides to make it open. Crierson, the Auckland wing, waited often and anxiously to get a chance, but it came not too frequently. In fact, when it did come his way, his over anxiety spoiled his success. He is a good stiirdy youth that must improve with experience. Desperateefforts were made by the -Auckland backs to get control of the leather, but Auckland's half frequently fumbled, and at other times the Thames pack proved too strong, and quickly smothered his endeavour to get the ball out to his .backs! He was certainly very weak on the day.

Nicholson played a good safe game, and frequently .shone brilliantly by clover tactics in removing the scene of play from his own line. His try was a pretty, piece of work. * Singe, too, was a good rustling, bustling forward, -of the type who is always up and under the ball. He had no superior on the ground, and it is quite inexplicable to me why a forward of his calibre was overlooked in the selection of Ji Now Zealand team. He is of the same kidney as Charlie Fletcher, strong, husky, and always first there when most needed. His fast following un was a feature of his play on Saturday, and was responsible for frequent trouble to the other side.

The Thames backs did not ,get much opportunity to show what they could really do. The game was too much among the .forwards. Their pack was equal to Auckland, however, in line out and scrum

work, ,but in the open, through hard kicking, they lost many opportunities.

The Thames team made a great effort in the second half, and had a good deal of the best of the bout, but again the Aucklanders stemmed the tide of invasion by cleverness not possessed by their opponents. However, Thames fought a commendable battle, and there was but little margin of points between the teams at the end. 22 points against 15.

The match did not reach the standard of enthusiasm of the previous Saturday, when King's and Grammar tussled for supremacy. The band, too, in attendance, added zest to the afternoon.

In the good old days rep. teams wore escorted to Potter's Paddock by a band, which added greatly to the excitement of their visit on the day, and certainly assisted the attendance. .Hadeley had to retire in the second spell* through sin injury. Up to his retirement lie played a good and safe game. The passing on both sides was bad, and the backs seem to have lost the art of cutting in to beat their man and give the wings a better opportunity of advancement without being crowded out when the ball has reached them.

Nicholson, I think, essayed the cutting in once which resulted in a try. I am afraid the Auckland contingent will have to greatly improve it : they want even to make a decent exhibition against the New Zealand team next Saturday. * * * Thames and Auckland Juniors. The visitors won by 11 points to S alter a good interesting game. On occasions the play was fast, and both sides were very evenly matched. Thames deserved their win. * • • Wanyanui v. Bay of Plenty. This match ended in a draw, no sore boing registered. * » * Grammar Old Boys v. Tauranga. This match was played at Tauranga on Saturday last, and resulted in a win for Old Boys by 14 noints to nil. The Tauranga team were without the. services of three of their best men, who were on tour with the Bay of Plenty team, but nevertheless put up a" good showing against the Aucklanders. Their pack had the advantage over the visitors in weight, and had more than their share of the ball right through the game, but many chances were missed through faulty handling by the backs. The Auckland team individually played well, but combination was lacking. Most of the tries scored were individual efforts. The Auckland forwards were much- lighter than their opponents, and consequently were at a disadvantage. Grammar, in their usual style, fought to the finish. Of the Tauranga team the Isles Brothers, threequarters, played well, and if supported by the other members of the back' division, would have made things a bit more awkward for the visitors. They both handled the ball well. J. Don, five-eighths, played a fair game, being fairly sound in defence, his marking being an outstanding feature of the game. Of the forwards little can be said. They all played solidly until Hearing the end of the game when condition told on them. Of the Grammar team, Olsen at half played a good defensive game. Little or nothing was seen of the ball from the scrum, and consequently back play, except from the lineouts, was out of the qiiestion. McLeod, at first five-eighths, played a sterling game, and should, I think, justify his inclusion in the Grammar team when the second round of the club championships commences. Matthews, three-quarter, played well. His following up and his dodging made him conspicuous all

through the game. Others of the back division played useful games, which helped materially to the success of the side. Or the forwards, Knight played his usual hard game. He continually broke through in the line out, and was always on the ball. Peters was conspicuous all through, particularly in the open, and is the type of hooker that will improve with experience. The visitors, I am informed, were extended the hand of good-fellow-ship from the Rugby Union officials at Tauranga, and state that the trip was a most exceedingly pleasant one. Mr. W. R. Meredith, the everenthusiastic supporter of the club in particular, and the Rugby code in general, accompanied the team as manager. ■ • • N.Z. Team. We offer our warmest congratulations to the Auckland four, Messrs. J. C. O'Brien, C. G. Badeley. V. W. Wilson, and 0. Fletcher, in gaining New Zealand rep. honours. We fool justly proud that Auckland is still able to live up to traditions in contributing to the team four of the finest exponents of the grand old game in the Dominion to-day. They have well earned their representative cap by consistency of form and outstanding ability. In their places they compare favourably with many of the giants of the leather who have risen to champion heights in the past. V. Wilson, as wing threoquarter. is one of the best Auckland productions of the past decado. He is strong in deI'ence and attack, speedy, reliable, and a deadly tackier. ■C. Badeloy is probably the most brilliant five-eighths in New Zealand to-day, and perhaps one of the most dangerous scorers playing. From sudden and unexpected quarters, with a rare turn of speed, many brilliant tries have been negotiated. He is also a player of fine initiative and anticipation. C. Fletcher, with his fast following up, fine turn of speed, rarely seen in a forward, he is sure to make a name for himself. He plays with great judgment, great dash, and •some of his flashes of brilliancy reminds one of Charlie Seeling in Iris best days. J. G. O'Brien cannot be classed as anything but a brilliant full back. He is one of the safest players sinco the days of Wallace, the famous All Black player. There is certainly no finer full in New Zealand to-day. They are a great quartette, and Aucklanders may Avell be proud of being so worthily represented for 1920. * * • South Africa's Decision. Cables announce that South Africa has turned down the amended rules recommended by the New Zealand llugby Union to the English Union to improve the game. This has rather precipitated matters, aud created a disquieting effect. Auckland has been in advance of the rest of New Zealand in anticipation of such suggested amendments being universally adopted, and wisely so, for the proposed alterations will wonderfully improvethe game. The hold-up, however, must have knocked the wind out of their sails, and afforded some food for speculation as to the outcome. The New Zealand Union must necessarily support headquarters, and demand a reversion of form by those Unions playing under the improve?nents. If it is acceded to, then good-bye to the success of Rugby, particularly in Auckland. It will prove the biggest set-back it ever got. As it is now, its very life is threatened by circumstances, which the Union is endeavouring to cope with, but to 450 back to the old and obsolete rules, will about give the code its quietus, like Queensland, where it is dead. I believe beyond resurrection. It either means this or seceding from the New Zealand Union. Which will it be?

LEAGUE. Marist Wins Over Ponsonby. After a fast and spectacular test of strength the Tykes beat Ponsonby by 8 points to 4. They scored their iS points; in the first half, and played a brilliantly defensive game thereafter, which staved off Ponsonby's consistent invasion till the end of the journey. ■ * • City v. Devonport. The former won by 19 points to 5. ■ ■ • Newtoi? v. Grafton. In the first spell Grafton put up 10 points against their adversaries. 011 the resumption of play a much faster game ensued, and Newton quickly rattled up 19 points. Play continued, and Grafton added another five points, making their score 15. Newton now took play to Grafton's 25, when Delnney, by a fine bit of play, scored, and ihe game ended by 24 points to 15. ■ a • Wellington v. Hawke's Bay. Aftei a very indifferent game, in the presence of about 1,300 spectators, Wellington succeeded in defeating Hawke's Bay by 12 points to S. • ■ * British League Team. A brief sketch of the composition of the British team about to visit Aiickland shortly should be of considerable interest to our readers. The Selection Committee of the Northern Union Football League had a big task set them, but it is said that they creditably acquitted themselves, as the following description will show:— Gwynn-Thomas (Huddersfield): A brilliant full-back, and as a schoolboy represented Wales on. three occasions. Was captain of the team in one of the matches. He gained county honours, at 16, and then assisted London-Welsh, represented Middlesex, and figured in the London Rugby Union team against Paris. He is 26 years of age. Good kick with both feet, and realises the advantage of attack. Was a member of the 1914 touring team. A. E. Wood (Oldham), second full back, was familiar with good class Rugby long before he adopted Northern Union and rendered good service to Tottenham. He got his cap for England against Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. He is one of the few players who has never played junior football. He has a powerful kick in either foot. Like Thomas, he was with the last touring team. Harold Wagstaff (Huddersfield), captain of the team, and the Union's most popular player. He first played for Huddersfield at 15, and represented his county against Cumberland at 17. Since then he has taken part in all Northern Union, International and Yorkshire County matches. He was captain of the last team that visited Australia. Good as a left centre-threequarter back. Is brilliant in all phases of the game. A player with natural reserve, and a delightful side step, and one that any wingman glories to play with. Daniel Hurcombe (Wigan), centre threequarter back, and a player of versatility both in attack and defence. W. J. Sinne (Hull), a brilliant centre threequarter, 20 years of age; list. A player with a wonderful pair of feet and great anticipation. Joseph Doyle (Barrow), a centre with a wonderful swerve and pace. Joined Barrow senior team in 1912, and only missed honours in the 1914 touring team. Evans Davies (Oldham), has prov et! himself a first-class left cental, and dangerous on the attack, with a fine turn of speed and glorious burst. C. Stacey (Halifax) has sprung into fame in practically three months' time. Up to date he has scored 40 tries this season. He is only 23. G. Stockwell (Leeds): A wartime discovery. Possesses great speed, who goes straight for the line, besides taking his service well. He has done well for Leeds.

J. A. Bacon (Leeds): Can play in any back position, is strong on the defence, and when in stride is hard to check. John Rogers (Huddersfield), the brilliant scrum half. He was in the i enning for Welsh International honours. Played Rugby for Bridgeud, Cardiff, and Glamorgan County. Also in the Welsh trial match iii 1913. A member of the 1914 touring team. R. Lloyd (Halifax): A centre strum worker. Was capped for Wales against Scotland, Ireland, Fiance, and England. His capture for League created a sensation in Ivi 14, having repeatedly refused tempting offers. W. Jones (Rochdale Hornets): Regarded as the finest stand-off half back in the Union. Has repeatedly won county honours. A player with a deceptive swerve —a fine burst, and powerful kick in either foot. John Parkin (Wakefield Trinity): A stand-off half-back, always prominent on the field. A. Milnes (Halifax): A county forward with a big heart, clever feet, and capital pace. Hooker. Joe Cartwright (.Leigh) : Another brilliant hooker, is a miner and native of Leigh. Clever in the loose. Played in the Australian trial in 191.4.' Jos. Bowers (Rochdale Hornets): A front row forward, 14 years at the game. He, is a brilliant tackier. AVeighs lost. 61b. \V. Cunliffe (Warrington): A Wigan product, and is a great scruminager, besides being speedy in the open. Knows how to use his feet. Scales 13st., and heads the list of try-getters. E. J. Shallcrass (Warrington): A strong forward. A great dribbler and tackier. G. Reeds (Leeds), has a good pair of hands, speedy, and a strong forward. A. Johnson (Widnes): A brainy second row forward, and has played witl Widnes for 12 years. He represented Lincolnshire and England, and came through on the last tour. Height, 6ft.; scales 12st. 21b. W. Reid (Widnes), is a dashing forward. Shines well in the open. Can take back position; 13st.; height, oft. llin. Ben Gronow (Huddersfield): A magnificent goal kicker. In the season 1914-1915 he created a record, kicking 140 goals. Formerly captain of Bridgend. He played in four AVelsh International games. A second row forward with a remarkable pair of feet, and a clean pair of hands. Herman Hilton (Oldham), is one of the most brilliant loose forwards playing to-day. He has only attained his majority. Scales 13st.; sft. 9in. in height. Frank Gallagher (Dewsbury): A miner. Played the game as a boy for St. Mary's team. Later on took part in workshop competitions. Played for Dewsbury at the age of 17. A good loose forward, tantalising to half-backs. Douglas Clarke (Huddersfield): He has revolutionised wing forward play. He is regarded as the Union's most brilliant forward in the loose. Scales 14st. lllbs. Was a member of the 1914 touring team. A player with wonderful perception.