STRONG STEELE

NZ Truth, Issue 1179, 5 July 1928, Page 14

STRONG STEELE

.By fielding Steele m his proper place, which is left half, the Saints undoubtedly improved their back* division, Steele's experience standing the team m good stead in^ace of the onslaught to the whites. Bay shone m the forward line. His , run into position/and centre between two white backs, for Butler to convert, was one of the -best pieces of work performed by the Saints line. Butler came to Auckland with a reputation as a half-back, but failed to impress, so the Saints dropped Steele back to the half line and fielded Butler forward. Playing inside-right, he gave more promise as a player. Unfortunately, his winger, Hookham, who was reappearing after a spell off for injuries, failed to strike form, and Butler's attempts to work up concerted play with the> usually reliable winger, were unsuccessful.

Gardner played his usually sound game for the whites, his anticipation of play usually enabling him to be m position to intercept the centres of the maroons. The half line was <patchy, but brightened up m the second half, when the pace was clapped on. Too excessive use of the reverse stroke marred Cole's performance. It was undoubtedly a field day for Eric Watts. The outstanding forward on the field, he saw to it that every man of his line was well supplied with the ball. He capped his performance when he picked the ball from almost off the boot of the Saints goalie to flick m a -difficult shot for the Whites' third goal. Both wingers grafted hard, seeming to be m the fray all the time, but were inclined to overdo the habit of going back after the opponent with the ball.