FOOTBALL.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 August 1926, Page 1

FOOTBALL.

ALL BLACKS WIN.

BY TELEGRAPH —rER PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

AUCKAND, Aug. 4. The All Blacks of 1926, playing their last game before disbanding, defeated Auckland by 11 points to (» at Eden Park to-day. A steady drizzle of rain, which commenced shortly after the kick-off and continued throughout the. match, destroyed all hopes of a. fast open back game, but, as a compensation a large crowd packed the stands and shelteicd beneath umbrellas on the hill-side was rewarded with a magnificent exhibition of forward play, in which 'Auckland stood up unexpectedly well against the very formidable opposition. Weakened by injuries, the All Blacks’ back combination was somewhat disjointed. So seriously were the New Zealand backs affected by their earlier casualties, that the retirement of Dailey in the first spell, necessitated his replacement by AA . AA right, an Auckland emergency. Tn spite of a tendency to raggedness the forwards on both sides played an inspiring game. Finlavson, Alley, C. Brownlie, Al. Brownlie and Knight sweeping down the field in close formation and with the ball at their feet were time and again held up and driven back by the Auckland pack, who rose magnificently to the occasion.. Every man played at the top of his form throughout, but Batty’s display must undoubtedly be ranked ns outstanding. The All Blacks, before the rain upset their plans, endeavoured to open up the game, from the scrum, but the Auckland forwards swooped down on Dailey in the twinkling of an eye, and the members of' the All Blacks’ rearguard had thereafter to make'their own opportunities. The Auckland backs had few opportunities to shine other than in individual bursts. Instead, as the conditions made passing bouts almost prohibitive, they kept the ball at then feet a policy that met with a failmeasure of success.

Although the All Blacks led by three points to nil at half time. Auckland had the better of the play in the first spell. After the interval, however, the All Black forwards mastered the v situation .although they never succeeded iu overshadowing their opponents. Bohilliard, Hazlett- and Blake were the scorers of tries for the All Blacks. Svcnson converting the last one. TTadle.v scored a try for Auckland, and the other points were made hv a try awarded for obstruction. DANNEVIRKE'. v. BUSH UNION. DANNEVIRKE, Aug. 4. A return match between Dannevirke and Bush Union Rugby reps, was played here to-day on a greasy ground in fine weather. Dannevirke won by 14 to U. The first spell ended 3 all, and with ten minutes to go each side bad 11 points to its credit. In the last half minute, Dannevirke backs, by a splendid concerted movement, scored the winning try. Craven, a- Dannevirke forward, retired hurt after the first few minutes.