LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 281, 22 August 1921, Page 7

LEAGUE FOOTBALL

AUCKLAND V. WELLINGTON AN EXCITING FINISH The game between Auckland and Wellington representatives, on tho Basin Reserve, on Saturday, provided one of the most exciting finishes seen here in League circles. The game throughout was close and interesting, especially during the second spell, when, except for a period of about ten minutes, there was only a few points between the teams. When Wellington scored in the jMt few minutes and brought the score to within two points of the visitors, the supporters of both sides became very excited. Taking the game as a whole, it -was rather disappointing as regards the finer points of the game, but the tackling and goal-kicking were features of the match. Wellington won tho toss, end played with tho wind in their favourFrom tho outset it was apparent that lloth sides were out to make the game open, every opportunity to throw tho ball about being taken advantage of. The homo team attacked, but a wild pass by H. Nunn spoiled a nice opening. “Doc" Nicholls forced the visitors from a penalty immediately afterwards. Passing rushes by both sides was met by very deadly tackling, until Stormont—who was offside intercepted, and passed to Hawkes, who raced over, Flynn converting. Le Warne and Zimmerman took play to the Auckland line, where Yardley kicked to the centre. Bulks marked, and Nicholls made no mistake with tho kick, Auckland, 5; Wellington, 2. Shortly afterwards H. Nunn acted similarly, and Peckham marked, but Flynn’s kick failed. Instead of forcing Balks ran, and was collared, the homo lino being in danger. A fine tackle by Le Warne saved a certain tore, Wellington forcing. A tricky run by Davidson ended by that player passing to M'Noill, who scored, Flynn again converting. Auckland, 10; Wellington, 2. Further attacks by the visitors were met by great tackling by the home team. Le Warne picked up in the loose, and made a fine run, but hts pass went astray when a score seemed certain, and the visitors forced. From a pretty, combined effort by Nicholls and F. Nunn Auckland were again forced. Peckham and Stormont were to the fore in a strong attack, but the tackling was too good. Just on time Nicholls kicked another penalty goal, making the score, Auckland, 10; Wellington, 4 The form displayed during the second spell was much better than the first, both sides showing more combination. The opening stages proved very encouraging to the local team. Shortly after the start Balks kicked a penalty goal. Nicholls kicked two, making the 'Scores 10 all. A misunderstanding between Baxter and Balke let Littlewood (who had followed up fast) up, and he scored. Stormont converted. Immediately afterwards J. Hedges was almost over from a nice loose rush by the home forwards. A long kick relieved, and the ball was carried on, and kicked over the line. A race between F. Nunn and Peckham resulted in the former falling, and the latter scoring, Flynn again converting. The home team again worked down field, and from a scrum J. Hedges intercepted an opponent’s kick, and scored. “Doc" Nicholls converted. Passing between Nicholls, F. Nunn, and J. Shanahan saw the last-named score. The kick failed. Auckland, 20; Wellington, 16. A nice passing rush by the Auckland backs and forwards resulted in Stormont scoring, but ho failed to convert. The home team made great efforts to score, and eventually passing between Kruse, Nicholls, F. Nunn, and J. Shanahan saw Shanahan again cross the line, Nicholls converting with a splendid kick. Auckland, 23; Wellington, 21. With only two points separating the two teams, excitement ran very high, but no further score was registered. Mr. C. Snow was referee.

CURTAIN-RAISER. Aa a curtain-raiser to the big match Richmond (Auckland), the champion junior team of that province, metPetone North. The visitors showed more knowledge of the finer points of the game, and, aided by poor tackling by the local boys, were successful by 11 points to 3. For the winners Redwood, Jenkinson, and .Baxter scored tries, Henderson converting one. For Petone, Koln scored. Mr. E. Cooper was referee. AUCKLAND V. KING COUNTRY. By Telegraph—Press Association. 1 Auckland, August 21. Auckland beat .King Country by 58 points to 25. j For the winners, the Scorers were: Avery (5), M'Clymont (3), Somers (3), Davidson, Woolley, and Somers. Goal-kickers: M'Clymont (3), Davidson (2), Somers, Grey, Singe. For the losers, the scorers were: Lyall and Wallace (two each), Jumbo. Goal-kick-ers: Henry (four, one from the field)