PONSONBY’S NARROW ESCAPE

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 39, 9 May 1927, Page 10

PONSONBY’S NARROW ESCAPE

STUDENTS GREAT PERFORMANCE There are times when a forward pack, determined to contest every inch of the paddock, can hold the best side at bay. This was the case on the No. 2 ground at Eden Park, when Training College, after a rather lucky start against Ponsonby, maintained an advantage over last year’s champions until the closing stages, when McManus dummied his way across to equalise the score. When Matheson kicked two penalty goals shortly after the commencement Ponsonby supporters began to take notice. Crossing the line in the corner Lucas reduced the deficit by a half, but the students, retaliating with a series of hot rushes, again assailed their line and McNaughton crossed. “Watch the Ponies get going now,” said Ponsonby supporters. They certainly got going, as also did the College pack. An Improved Side The students were properly on the job. Remembering their showing on the previous Saturday, it was hard to believe that it was the same team. Acting on the assumption that attack was the best defence, the College pack developed a strong attachment for the ball. Where it went they followed hot on the trail, and with Ponsonby becoming alive to the fact that the situation called for strong measures, there resulted one of the most ex-

hilarating club games seen in Auckland for some years. Attack and counter-attack followed in quick succession. First on the College line and then back to Ponsonby territory the play ranged up and down the field with almost bewildering rapidity. The spell finished at a rattling pace. A jinky run by Lucas went dangerously close, but time and again the blue and white forward came away ball at toe, to clear the danger zone. In the Ponsonby backs Lucas and McManus were working like Trojans to improve the position, but although the side held a slight advantage in the concluding stages the College line could not be crossed.

The opening of the second spell saw the other games almost deserted. Gathering on the side-lines on the Xo. 2 ground a dense crowd followed the tide of the battle up and down the field, at times encroaching upon the field of play at considerable inconvenience to players on both sides. True to reputation Ponsonby put up a great fight in the second spell. Lucas, as usual, was the brain of the outfit. Playing with splendid judgment, he consistently ran his backs into position, opening up play from midfield when orthodox movements from the scrums and line-outs were crumpling up under the deadly tackling and

spoiling tactics of the opposing pack. In this he was ably supported by the diminutive McManus, who endeavoured to open up at every opportunity. Rush after rush faded away on the side lines until at last the Ponsonby backs flashed properly into action, Woods capping off a nice piece of play with a good try on the corner. It was not converted, and Ponsonby were still three points down. Ponsonby Draw Level It was left for McManus to even up the score in the great struggle that ensued. Two attempts he made to get across, and the second time he succeeded, dummying his way over amid wild excitement. The touch-lines were thickly congested during the remaining two minutes, when two tiring but very game sides made final efforts to decide the issue. To the strictly impartial mind it was perhaps rather a relief that in those few hectic minutes neither side was successful, and a drawn game resulted. A Creditable Performance Although six of their points were from penalties, and the first one awarded them a very doubtful one at that, this should in no way detract from the sterling performance of the recently-promoted College team, in fighting out a drawn game against a better side, particularly in the concluding stages, when the full strength of a well-organised back division was pitted against them. Led by Henderson, Anderson, McNaughton and O’Brien, a very even and conscientious pack battled out a hard fight. From whistle to whistle they were continually on the ball, time and again emerging from the press on their line to hack their way through the ruck to the open country beyond the danger zone. In the rear division, Matheson and Broomfield were always conspicuous, while safe handling by Meyer on more * than one occasion averted disaster.

In the Ponsonby backs, Cammick and Woods gave very creditable performances, Pelham, at fullback, also giving a safe and very reliable exhibition. In the van Hogg and Short frequently caught the eye, while Whitburn, in the rover’s position, gave another good display. Although fiercely contested the game was played in very clean spirit, and in every respect was what a senior club game should be.