Devonport’s Walk-Over

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 105, 25 July 1927, Page 10

Devonport’s Walk-Over

League Game at the Shore Black Rearguard in Form

ON a ground which resembled a Taranaki stockyard in mid-winter, Shore defeated Grafton Athletics, at Devonport by 32-8 in the only senior League game played on Saturday.

The playing area was in a frightful cor.aition after the downpour on Friday night. Water was laying in pools all over the ground when the curtainraiser started, but by the time the big match commenced, the water had disappeared, and the ground resembled a huge porridge pot. The game was certainly one-sided, Devonport having the better of the game all the way, but after the first tew minutes of the game when Shore had put on 13 points the visitors settled down to their work and although up against a stiff proposition, nevertheless battled it out to the end and scored their last try right on time. A VETERAN RE-APPEARS

Devonport fielded a team slightly different from the usual one, the veteran (Bookam) Laing taking Perry’s place at full back, and showing that he had not forgotten the game, although he has not played for two seasons. This man is worth his place in any club team if only for his knowledge of the game and the confidence the players place in him. Maloney, a junior, was played on the wing and showed considerable promise. Beattie, who usually plays on the wing, played at centre and brought off some very fine movements. He will most likely be kept in this position throughout the season. L. Scott did all that came his way, but was neglected a good deal. Seager, at five-eighth, was very noticeable for his straight running* and many of the older players could take a lesson from him in not crowding the wings on to the side-line. But the pick of the Shore backs was undoubtedly Webb at half. This player has shown greatly improved form since he returned from England, and produces some good moves, evidently learnt while on tour with the All Blacks. A. Scott and Ruby were the most conspicuous in the open, but a newcomer to senior football in Sadgrove showed good form and was especially good in the tight. Rule also played his usual good game and has a good pair of hands for a forward. ATHLETIC’S DISPLAY The Athletic team was also slightly altered. Herring and Courtney, two of the best forwards, were missing, and also Angelo, who was unable to play owing to an accident during the week. A. Yardley played at fullback, but did not last very long, having to leave the field through injury. He was replaced by Veart, who went into the

forwards, and Avery shifted out to five-eighth, while Longville, who was being played closer up, had to go back to his usual place, and as the last line of defence did his work well. Of the threequarters, Christmas at centre played a good game, giving his best display this season. Hudson, on the wing, was not up to his best, being hampered by the heavy going.

Watkins, on the other wing, showed promise.

Stevenson, a five-eighth, is improving every Saturday and is a very promising young player.

Lucas, at half, was in everything, and has a happy knack of being everywhere where the ball is. He anticipates the play, which is essential in football, especially in his position. The forwards were hampered by the heavy going, as they were very much lighter than the black pack. Avery, as usual, was the outstanding forward as long as he was in the pack, and also got through a lot of good work at five-eighths. Bryer, the hooker. played a fine game, getting more than his share of

the ball from the scrums, and was also noticeable in the open. Jones, who has not been seen out much this season, owing to an injury, is a promising young forward. Allen, who is only 17 years of age, and played a good game, also shows promise. THE lEFEREE The game was enjoyed by a large crowd of League supporters, who were very pleased with the game, but the outstanding feature of the game was the fine exhibition of refereeing given by Mr. McKubrie. Many complaints have been heard on all sides this season about the control of the game, but Saturday’s game was handled in a workmanlike manner and it is to be hoped that the selectors of the Referees’ Association was present to see this man in action. A very noticeable improvement was the naming of the breach by the referee when a free kick was given or a scrum ordered. The players and the public alike knew what the penalty was for, and all appreciated the idea, and all were of the opinion that this is the sort of man to be in charge of a big game.