AUCKLAND R.U. FIXTURES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 957, 9 July 1908, Page 10

AUCKLAND R.U. FIXTURES.

.Tulv 11: Representative trial match. July 18: Auckland v. British team. July 25: Third test match, New Zealand v. British team. canterAugust 1: Auckland v. South. came 8: Auckland v. Marlborough (B AuTus^ d 15: Auckland v. Wellington August 22: Auckland v - o Ta r aaal 9August 29: Auckland v. Southland. September 5: Auckland v. Otago

The second inter-union match of the season was played at Alexandra Park on Saturday, when the Thames representatives tried conclusions with the Auckland fifteen. Perfect football weather prevailed throughout the afternoon, and about 3000 enthusiastic Rugbyites assembled at the Park to witness the contest between the two old rival teams. Owing to the slippery state of the ground the game proved rather uninteresting, being a repetition of the match of the previous Saturday when Auckland met the Goldfields, play consisting for the most part of a struggle between the forwards, back play being brought into operation on but rare occasions. Despite the fact that the Auckland team had suffered defeat at the hands of the Goldfields representatives, blue and white barrackers were fairly sanguine of them placing a win against the Thames, and as regards this score they did not disappoint their supporters, the game ending in favour of the home team by 13 points to 6. Taken throughout there was not a great deal* of difference in the relative sides, Auckland being a trifle stronger in the forwards, while the Thames back division showed out slightly better than the local men. A noticeable feature of the game was the want of combination exhibited by either side, any brilliant work that was brought oft being mostly confined to individual efforts. The back divisions of both teams were a bit on the weak side, and consequently were responsible for only a fair exhibition, although little fault could be found in their fielding and kicking of the ball. A disappointing feature which characterised the play of both the home team and the visitors was an apparent failure on their part to make use of the opportunities afforded them, there being something clearly wanting in this respect. This was particularly noticeable on the part of the Thames men during the first spell when several excellent chances were lost as the result of players failing when an opportunity presented itself to put it to advantage, while the same may be said of the Auckland men during the earlier stages of the second half.

The teams lined out as follows: — Auckland: Fullback, D. Miller three-quarters, Renwick, Murray, Carlaw; five-eighths, Bater, Blakey; halfback, Keirnan (captain); forwards, McDonald (wing), Herring, Griffen, Walsh, McGuire, Waddell, Hall, and Hooper. Thames: Fullback, L. Smith; three-quarters, Harrison, J. Dufty, L. Snowling; fiveeighths, R. Keating and C. Rockley; half, C. Winder; wing, F. Hayward; forwards, W. Doyle, R. McKeown, R. McDuff (captain), J. Griffin, J. Crawford, H. Hayward, G. Clark.

Thames winning the toss took advantage of the strong breeze blowing,

and were able to make good use of the line. Shortly after the commencement F. Hayward headed a forward rush carrying play into Auckland’s 25, but Miller saved the situation with a well-judged kick. After a repeated attack by the Thames men, Murray, the Auckland centre three-quarter, intercepted a pass by the visitor’s backs, and kicking upfield, Bater secured the ball as the result of fast following up and dashed for the line, but was tackled by Dufty when within about five yards of it. Good work by the visitors, in which the Hayward Bros, were prominent shifted play into the blue and white’s territory, where Winder took a neat mark. Dufty was entrusted with the kick, and was successful in landing a creditable goal from a difcult angle. A period of play followed in which both teams took it in turn to attack, and during the course of which Dufty had two shots at goal from marks, both attempts proving fruitless. Thames attacked hotly, and the Aucklanders were placed in a dangerous position until Murray relieved. The blue and whites being penalised the leather was again carried into Auckland’s territory, and a passing run by Rockley and Snowling, resulted in an excellent chance of scoring being lost by the latter player kicking too hard, the blue and whites forcing. The Thames kept up a determined attack, and Auckland were compelled to force on more than one occasion. Finally Bater intercepted a pass, and making a fine run up to the full-back, kicked over his head, but F. Hayward came to the rescue with a powerful kick. A vigorous rush by the Thames forwards followed, Clark getting over in the corner and securing a try. Dufty failed with the shot at goal. Just before the close of the first spell Renwick distinguished himself by obtaining possession of the ball and making a clever run, but slipped when a score seemed a certainty, and the bell sounded for half-time with the score: Thames 6, Auckland 0.

With the wind conditions in their favour in the second half little doubt was entertained as to the chances of the Auckland men running up a score, but during the first quarter of an hour the blue and whites spoilt several good opportunities of scoring by faulty work. The ball being dribbled into Auckland’s 25 by F. Hayward, one of the Thames forwards rushed it over the line and touched down, but the referee ordered a scrum McDonald transferring to Blakey, the ball was handled in turn by Bater, Murray and Carlaw, the latter player, with a speedy run from halfway, outwitting the Thames backs and scoring behind the posts, thus securing Auckland’s first try. Kiernan landed a sure goal. The blue and whites then kept up a period of open play, and after a number of exciting rushes, the Thames were penalised as the result of Smith lying on the ball. Kiernan took the kick, and was successful in his attempt.

The Auckland men continued to make matters lively, keeping their opponents busy defending, but several likely looking attempts to score were thrown away through erratic passing. Finally Herring secured the leather and dashed over and registered the blue and white’s second try. Kiernan was again successful with the kick at goal. For the remainder of the game play was of an uninteresting character, and neither side obtaining a further score, the Auckland men left the field victorious by 13 points to 6.

Of the Auckland forwards none grafted harder than Walsh, who played solidly from start to finish. Hall was always anxious for work and generally managed to get in the thick of it. Herring worked hard throughout, and rendered his side good service. McDonald, on the wing, was responsible for a serviceable game, but found a tough opponent in F. Hayward.

Of the Auckland backs Kiernan did not show up too well at half, but his goal-kicking proved highly successful to his side. Blakey at fiveeighths, was not up to representative form, and was responsible for only a fair exhibition. Bater acquitted himself well, and at times put in some really tricky work. Murray was the pick of the threequarter line, and shone out on both the attack and defence, his powerful kicking being of invaluable use. Renwick did not have a great deal to do, but got through all that was asked of him in a capable style. Carlaw was not too sound bn the wing threequarter, but justified his inclusion by the clever try he obtained. Miller at full-back played his usual safe heady game, and made the impression that there is little doubt he will occupy that position during the course of the big matches.

H. Hayward was the most prominent of the Thames forwards, playing a sterling game right through. R. McDuff made good use of his weight, and rendered good service. F. Hayward, on the wing, took a hand in everything and was responsible for a willing exhibition.

Winder at half was the star of the Thames back division, and got through a great amount of work in a highly creditable manner. Snowling gave a good account of himself on the wing threequarter, and put plenty of vim into his work. Dufty at centre was only moderate, his strong kicking being the best part of his display.