AUCKLAND DEFEATS WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, 24 July 1913, Page 32

AUCKLAND DEFEATS WELLINGTON.

GREAT GAME IN THE MUD. VISITORS’ FINE SHOWING. That Auckland is a hard team to defeat on its own ground is a fact that has been recognised for- quite a number of years by provincial teams journeying north in quest of the Ranfurly Shield, and Aucklanders will readily admit that as defenders of the much coveted trophy since they regained it from Wellington in 1905 they have on several occasions been extremely lucky in repelling the attacks of leading provincial teams of the Dominion. For instance, after keeping the Shield-out of the clutches of Taranaki and Wellington last year, Auckland went dangerously close to relinquishing their hold of the trophy in the final match with the Otago touring team. This great struggle between the representatives of Otago and Auckland resulted in a draw (5 points each) after a memorable contest, the Shield thus being retained by the northerners by the barest possible margin. On that occasion Otago gave Auckland the hardest tussle of the 1912 season, and had the luck been with t l ’® southerners they must have taken the Ranfurly Shield back to Dunedin. Hast Saturday's match lent further weight to the almost accepted belief in football circles that the Shield is destined io'|l remain in Auckland, for if provincial team looked like ing in its quest such was with Wellington in the contest in question. That Wellington would taste of the sweets of victory was an impression that had gained a firm hold among the large crowd who witnessed the fixture, for after scoring five points against Auckland’s nil in the first half, the visitors commenced the second spell in a manner , which suggested that Auckland’s downfall was practically assured.

It was not until O’Leary piloted the ball over the bar from a penalty in the second spell that Auckland supporters breathed more freely, for even though Wellington still maintained a lead of two points Auckland’s task was made much easier. O’Leary’s goal seemed to act like magic upon the Aucklanders, especially the forwards, who there and then set out with a fierce determination that they must win the day and so uphold the prestige of the northern city in Rugby football. Several of the sweeping onslaughts in which, the Auckland vanguard joined towards the latter part of the second halt were reminiscent of the great rushes which first made Auckland famous for its giant forwards, and had not the Wellington defence been of a high standard the blue and white front division would undoubtedly have dominated the game. But this was far from being the case, the tricky and effective defensive tactics employed by the Wellington backs continually keeping the Aucklanders in check. Considering the sloppy nature of the ground which made handling of the ball an extremely difficult matter, the defence of the Wellington backs was remarkably fine. In fact the only occasion on which their line was successfully crossed, the score resulted not through any weakness revealing itself in the Wellington rearguard, but owing to an unlooked for try obtained by Nesbit through flacky’s agency after the- Auckland forwards had kept up a persistent and overwhelming attack against which resistance for long was utterly impossible.

It is safe to say that this year’s Wellington-Auckland match created greater interest in the northern city than on any previous occasion, and it was deeply regretted by enthusiasts that such- boisterous weather prevailed for the fixture. The afternoon

was the worst experienced in Auckland on a Saturday during the present football season, and the fact that no less than 10,000 braved the elements, affords convincing proof of the remarkable interest centred in the meeting of th e two champion Rugby provinces of the Dominion. As it was, fully a third of those who attended the match had to be content with nothing better than a peep at the game, and had fhe weather been fine for the fixture the crowd would have been increased to such an extent that a large number would have had little opportunity of following the play owing to the inadequate accommodation. The enthusiasm of the football onlooker was never better exemplified than by the uncomplaining manner in which hundreds stood around the playing area on fruit cases and improvised stools —many of which were 5 of doubtful load capacity —throughout the drenching showers, all intensely eager to witness every little incident in the battle royal between the rival provinces.

Despite the muddy conditions, the Auckland-Wellington match was disputed in such a keen spirit as to make it attractive to the onlookers. What a sterling exhibition the two teams would have given on a dry ground was easy to imagine, as play under the adverse circumstances was distinctly good. It was one of the most strenuous interprovincial games that has ever taken place at the famous Epsom ground, and in fairness to th e visitors, it must be frankly admitted that Wellington was the better team on the afternoon's play. To be beaten by the narrow margin of 6 points to. 5 was indeed disconcerting to the Wellingtonians after their bold bid for victory, for they played the game for all it was worth right up to the final moment. Disheartening as it must have been to the Wellingtonians when late in the game Auckland notched a try and so obtained mastery over them by one point, they showed no signs of

being discouraged; on the other hand the reverse seemed to spur them on to greater efforts. The backs availed themselves of every opportunity that presented itself, for it was to them that Wellington looked for success, their excellent combination beingdemonstrated early in the game. Always alert and resourceful to a* degree the Wellington backs threatened danger to the Aucklanders up to the final moment of the game. During the last ten minutes of the match Roberts and McKenzie brought every piece of their Rugby strategy into play with a view to placing their fellow backs in a good attacking position, but the giant efforts of the Auckland forwards at this stage greatly restricted the operations of the visiting rearguard. * . * * The muddy conditions that prevailed favoured the Auckland team, for whereas they relied chiefly upon their forwards, the Wellington men plainly pinned their faith to their nippy rear

division. Forward play naturally predominated, but the Wellington wingforward and half-back never missed a chance to set their dangerous rearguard in operation, and their accurate handling of the greasy leather proved an eye-opener to the spectators. The forwards were fairly evenly matched, although the Aucklanders showed superiority in the second half, but the Wellington backs completely overshadowed the local rearguard. At times Roberts and McKenzie, who worked splendidly together, made their opposing vis-a-vis appear quite inexperienced as they threaded their way through the Auckland defence by dint of clever side-stepping and excellent generalship. The marked superiority of the Wellington backs was a special feature of the game, whereas the failure of the Auckland backs to show up in attack constituted a big disappointment. Passing runs were hardly ever attempted by the local rearguard, and judging by the number of times their half-back,

Olsen, kicked in preference to sending the leather on to Geddes, they did not care to take any risks with, the greasy ball. In fact Macky and McGregor, whose forte is undoubtedly attack, were both starved on the wing threequarter. & A The Wellington backs were not only more resourceful than the Auckland rearguard, but displayed far more trickiness than the local men. The Wellingtonians showed far greater initiative on the attack than the Auckland backs, who appeared at a loss to devise a means of penetrating the visitors’ citadel. The Auckland backs were by no means certain of their ground and were plainly nonplussed by the unorthodox methous employed by the visitors. The Aucklanders were sound enough in defence, but even making allowances for the state of the ground, they should have improved greatly on their exhibition m point of aggressiveness. at . The game was a hard fought battle from start to finish, and it was not until the first spell was almost over that the first score was registered. After several unsuccessful attempts to get his backs under way E. Roberts made a splendid opening for McKenzie, which the latter readily accepted, and the leather travelled in turn to Tilyard, Kinvig and Mitchinson. The brilliant Wellington and New Zealand rep. wing threequarter set off at top speed and cleverly eluding Macky and O’Leary, he grounded the ball over Auckland’s line amid the wildest excitement. Evenson ..was entrusted with the shot at goal and increased the points accordingly. Wellington, who were playing with a strong wind in their favour, returned to the attack with redoubled vigour, but their efforts went unrewarded, half-time sounding with the score unaltered: Wellington 5, Auckland nil. * * With a stiff breeze against them in the second spell it was thought that the Wellington men would find their task an uphill one. However, they surprised the onlookers by playing with greater vim than ever in the opening stages of the second half, during which period the Aucklanders experienced an anxious time in their own 25. A victory for Wellington was now being predicted on many sides, and it was not until O’Leary landed a goal for Auckland from a penalty kick that the aspect changed. Auckland s hopes immediately brightened, and the blue and white forwards then showed what they were really capable of. Not that they had had an easy time up to this stage of the game, for the dashing Wellington vanguard had kept them fully employed. The Auckland forwards during the remainder of the game simply revelled in their work, and Wellington were severely tested on defence. A high kick by Macky saw that player follow up fast and reaching the ball first he again put his boot to it. The ball travelled over the Wellington line and Nesbit was after it like a shot and succeeded in notching a smart try for Auckland. O’Leary failed to convert. The great tussle that ensued up to the final whistle will long be remembered by those who were present at Alexandra. Park. The issue was far from certain until play ceased, for the dangerous Wellington backs were doing their utmost to find a weak spot in. the Auckland defence. The splendid work of the local forwards, however,, kept the visitors out of Auckland’s 25, and when the bell rang for noside the' score remained: Auckland 6, Wellington 5. « lit * * Of the Auckland vanguard none played better than Downing, who was the best forward on the ground. He was a regular demon for work, and the great help he rendered Auckland cannot be too highly praised. Nesbit, on the wing, made a successful debut in interprovincial football, and he constantly worried the visitors with his deadly tackling. Bruce gave

his best display of the season, being particularly prominent in the loose rushes. Barrett also played a sterling game. * * * Hs Olsen, at half, was very uncertain in his handling of the ball, and was not nearly as brilliant in attack as his vis-a-vis. In fact, the ball beat him badly on several occasions, and his display was far from convincing. A redeeming feature of his work was the solidity of his defence, and he appeared much more at home in this department.

Geddes, at five-eighths, showed up more prominently than his partner, Weston. Geddes played a serviceable game, and was the best of the Auckland backs in attack. On one occasion he broke away on his own, making a brilliant opening, but though he looked round a couple of times to ensure a well-directed pass there was not a solitary Aucklander handy to back him up, and an excellent chance went begging. Weston was very solid in defence, but his customary elusive cutting-in tactics were conspicuous by their absence. Plainly the brilliant College Rifles fiveeighths did not play up to his true form.

Murray, at centre, -was easily the best of the Auckland three-quarters, and his sound defensive tactics fully justified his inclusion. He handled the ball well, kicked with judgment, and took a big hand in stemming the persistent attack of the visitors.

Macky, on the wing, did not show up above the ordinary, but the fact must not be lost sight of that he had a very solid proposition to cope with in F. Mitchinson on the opposing wing. Twice Macky missed the tricky Wellingtonian, who scored on the first occasion, but was grassed a few yards further on the second time he evaded the Aucklander. Macky rendered useful aid with his judicious line-kicking, while he was instrumental in Auckland scoring their only try.

McGregor, on the other wing, had very little to do as the ball seldom

came his way. His play was by no means certain, and in the absence of opportunities on the attack was of a mediocre character.

O’Leary, at full-back, since he first arrived in Auckland from the Wairarapa district, has proved Auckland’s saviour on more than one occasion. Against Wellington on Saturday he gave an exceptional display as he had a wet ball to contend with. Judged from all points, his exhibition was one of the finest ever given in the full-back position at Epsom, and he is entitled to no small share of credit for Auckland’s remarkable victory.

The Wellington forwards proved a more powerful combination than was generally expected. “Ranji” Wilson did not play nearly so well as when last seen in the northern city, and Aucklanders missed his characteristic dribbling rushes in Saturday’s match. Probably the wet conditions did not suit the Wellington skipper. Both Gillespie and O’Sullivan played grandly, the latter proving a real Trojan for work. Paton also figured in a great amount of useful work, and was a tower of strength on the lineout.

E. Roberts, at half, was the most versatile back on the ground, and his nippy work in the face of the muddy state of the ground was an eye-open-er to the spectators. No player ever worked harder to give his backs any opportunities that lay in his power, and the experienced way in which he fooled the Auckland backs at times and then sent the leather on to McKenzie was really pretty to watch. It will indeed be a matter for surprise if he does not earn his place in the New Zealand team for California when the North v. South Island match come up for decision.

McKenzie’s display at five-eighths was far more convincing than that of Tilyard. McKenzie was always handy to Roberts, and showed much brilliancy in attack. In defence he was also very sound, which cannot be said of Tilyard, who, nevertheless, brought off some smart work at times.

Kinvig, at centre, was the hardest worked of the Wellington three-quar-ters, and he came through the ordeal with flying colours. His fine line kicking repeatedly saved the Wellingtonians, and he combined perfectly in the passing runs.

Mitchinson, at wing, was the most dangerous scoring man on the field, and though it was late in the season before he was induced to don the jersey again he is evidently playingright up to the top of his form.

Ryan, on the other wing, was not overburdened with work, and in the first half appeared a trifle weak. He made amends, however, in the second spell, when the work that fell to his lot was brilliantly executed, his great pace enabling him to figure in several spectacular pieces of play.

Evenson, at full-back, was very safe, despite a tendency to take matters somewhat easily. His kicking of the heavy ball was decidedly creditable, while only on one occasion was he guilty of fumbling the leather.

The Auckland Grammar School firmly established their claim to the secondary schools’ championship on Saturday, when they defeated Sacred Heart College by 3 points to nil. The game was played on No. 2 ground, and the muddy conditions obtaining underfoot favoured the heavier Sacred Heart forwards. The Grammar School backs made up. for any inferiority of their front division as compared to the Sacred Heart forwards, and succeeded in maintaining their unbeaten record. Grammar School having beaten both King’s and Sacred Heart Colleges they should again annex the secondary schools championship.

According to a local writer, Wairarapa has one of the finest packs in New Zealand this season —a set of forwards equal to the giants of the days of McMinn, Dan Udy, Lofty Armstrong, Billy Warner, and Jack Workman, and considered by many authorities who have followed Wai-

rarapa football for thirty years to be as good as ever Wairarapa has produced. * * * Wairarapa is very badly off for backs this season judging by a local critic’s comments on their play against Hawke’s Bay. Says the writer in referring to the match, which was won by Wairarapa by 5 points to 4: “The Wairarapa back play was very poor. The backs played much below form. They lacked combination, their kicking was generally erratic, their passing about as wretched as it was possible to imagine, their. collaring was often feeble, and there was no judgment in their work. There were a few occasions when they attempted something above mediocrity, but no material advantage was gained, as they failed to complete any movement initiated.”'