A CLOSE FINISH

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 673, 27 May 1929, Page 6

A CLOSE FINISH

Manukau Came Too Late

VARSITY A BIT LUCKY

WHEN the Manukau forwards were slipped off the leash at, Eden Park on Saturday it looked for a while as though they were properly on the job and, after two defeats, were going to celebrate their third successive appearance on Xo. 1 with a victory.

K X improved Varsity pack, however, returned them measure for measure in the loose rushes and gave their backs a larger share of the ball. Until the dying stages, Varsity did not appear greatly concerned as to the ultimate result, but a series of desperate sorties by the West Coasters in the last few minutes rather shook their confidence. On two occasions their line was actually crossed and Minukau was decidedly unlucky in not scoring. It must have been with relief that the students, just a little b t lucky, welcomed no side with the score-board reading 9-6 ia their favour.

The first half, although by no means drab, was not productive of much outstanding play. Varsity had only once crossed the Manukau line, the other nix points coming pe.r medium of Bush’s boot. The try was the result* of rather a pretty piece of work. The forwards had paved the way for it with a fine rolling rush that carried them right under the Manukau posts, and from a scrum they gave their backs prompt possession. Halfback .Tonkin whipped it out in a flash, and almost before Manukau was aware of what had happened Goodwin. who never wastes much time, was streaking for the line.

The other outstanding incident in this spell wap the try that emanated from a kick of Falwasser’s. The ball bounced infield instead of going out, and Laird, who was following up energetically as a good forward should, pounced on it and started a forward passing rush that went all the way. \ arsity failed to score in the second half, and Manukau was attacking more strongly. Several pots were attempted and one or two went close. Then Brimble (centre threequarterj got across, and Manukau was only three down. The score at this stage ■would have been level only for the poor place-kicking being shown. FORKED LIGHTNING

The last quarter was- fought out at a merry pace, the spectacular nature of the play, particularly on Manukau’s part, redeeming the dullness of the first half.

Falwasser then took the bit firmly between his teeth and on several occasions bolted all over the paddock. Carrying the ball extended in front of him in one hand for the purpose of dummying his opponents, he zig-zagged all over the place like a streak of forked lightning. It was vastly entertaining and the crowd enjoyed it immensely.

One great run promised well when he penetrated to the twenty-five with fwo or three associates in attendance. His supports were then a bit crowded, however, and the movement eventually washed itself out nn the aide-line.

Tn consequence of several alterations effected by Mr. W. Meredith, who is now coaching the Manukau side. Falwasser was playing at second five-

eighth instead of in his customary position on the wing. In this position he certainly got a great deal more to do, and was able to perform a great deal of very useful defensive work. AlthougUFalw'asser is a difficult man to follow Saturday’s experience indicates that a useful combination should be developed with Brimble at centra and Bryes inside. Linden was put out on the wing to keep a watchful eye on Minns, and he did his job exceedingly well. Time and again Minns streaked fur the line, and time and again Linden had him on the grass. Simmopds was tried out as half and. apparently playing to instructions, did all that was required of him. The nimble Bryes also played a useful game as first five-eighth, and Dykes, tried at fullback, made a fair showing. Satherley, a brother of the forward, who was given a trial on the wing, should develop into a useful man. Kahu was unfortunate in receiving head injuries early in the game. The popularity of the big Maori forward was indicated In the round of applause as he rather reluctantly left the field. French and Satherley were two good breakaway forwards and Brimble. McGuire and Laird were always conspicuous. NOT ENOUGH THRUST Of the Varsity rear division Bush, for his fine display at fullback. Minns, Goodwin and McKay, wore outstanding. The back division as a whole worked more smoothly, but the same tendency tor the inside men to run out is still apparent. Probably this is the result of possessing two strong wings, but, even so, this does not make for effective attacking movements. Both wings were well watched, particularly Minns, and they were not allowed to get very far at any time. It was move than ever imperative that the inside men should have thrust more deeply. In this* respect McKay was probably the most effective. Tbe pack booked well and Jenkin got it away promptly. Anderson, Colgan and Brooker. who is showing a lot of improvement this season, were the leaders of tin* pack, which is scrumming and keeping together much better. Mr. G. F. Pauli was the referee.