AUCKLAND'S SPEED

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 35, 10 August 1936, Page 14

AUCKLAND'S SPEED

SOUTHLAND BEATEN

MARGIN OF THREE POINTS

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

INVEKCARGILL, August 8. Greater all-round speed enabled the touring Auckland Rugby team to defeat Southland by 19 to ,16 at Rugby Park today. The. weather was fine and the ground heavy. The game began brightly,, but developed into a dour forward struggle until halfway 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 the fast flanks, while Southland, having lost Mitchell after 30 minutes' play, sought to penetrate in #ie middle. Byerley 'was the most prominent Auckland back, Beyer being a sound full-back, while Sharp played a splendid game as the Southland centre. Purdue (Southland) was a better half-back than Frankham.

Auckland attacked strongly from the kick-off, and had Southland defending desperately. Sharp .cut in on the Auckland passing and passed to Mitchell at the half-way flag. The Southland captain evaded two or three tackles and rail 50 yards with only Beyer to beat. The full-back , caught Mitchell two yards from the line, but the All Black wing regained his feet and scored in the corner. Wesney converted with a great kick. • Southland was playing all over Auckland until the visiting backs.took the game the.Southland twentyfive. Mitchell was injured and left the field. During his absence the Auckland backs handled cleanly for Byerley to score in the corner. Bush converted. Moyle retired injured and was replaced by Frankham. Soon afterward 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 ballin every scrum and the backs delighting the crowd with their 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 5 The second half opened quietly with Auckland holding the upper hand. The Southland forwards broke through to the Auckland twenty-five and Mat tmgly 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 in to Bush, who scored and converted. Play was exciting .as Southland rushed into Auckland territory. Calder made a good opening for Wesnev. who scored for Southland wide out. Mattmgly converted. There was skill 20 minutes to play and Southland appeared to have a chance of victory. The crowd cheered wildly when Mat tingly kicked a penalty goal and Southland was only three points behind. However, the Auckland defence held against the onslaughts of the Southland forwards, and the final scores were1 Auckland 19, Southland 16. '