A HARD BATTLE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 745, 19 August 1929, Page 6

A HARD BATTLE

RICHMOND THIRD GRADERS WIN COMPETITION FINAL One of the hardest and most strenuous football battles ever fought out on Carlaw Park took place last Saturday, when the Richmond third graders defeated Glen Lynn in the final of the championship competition by two points to nil. Played as a curtain-raiser to the big repreesntative fixture, the game was a dour struggle from whistle to whistle, neither side crossing the line. It was a great test of stamina, and much credit is reflected on both teams. While Glen Lynn appeared to have a slightly superior pack of forwards, Richmond was stronger in the rearguard line. But in the fact of the spoiling tactics and deadly tackling of the Glen Lynn Leaguers, Richmond’s backs failed to swing away in their characteristic dazzling passing bouts. Dunn and Davis, the two crack fiveeighths for Richmond, made vain endeavours to pierce the opposing line, but it was like rushing at a brick wall. On occasions the play was coloured by spectacular in-and-out passing movements, but invariably these ended up in loose scrambles. For Glen Lynn, Dolan was the outstanding forward, and enjoyed a deal of the limelight, while Arnold, Wickham, Rogers, Glover and Everet all worked hard and went right through with their dogged play without letting up. Among the backs, Kelly at fiveeighths proved himself a star and was to a large extent responsible for breaking up many of the Richmond back movements. White on the wing managed some fine dashes down the line, and would certainly have been responsible for one try had he been favoured with stronger support. Thompson and Steyr, two of Richmond’s packmen, were outstanding, while fullback Powell played a very safe game, and it was certainly a brilliant effort when he attempted a running- dropkick from a..few yards inside half-way. NORTHCOTE GAME Northcote and Birkenhead Ramblers (B grade) met a Hamilton senior side at Auckland on Saturday. Previous to the teams’ taking the field on the Northcote Municipal Recreation Reserve, the Deputy-Mayor of Northcote, Mr. H. Weaver, extended a hearty welcome to the visitors. As a game it was played in a friendly spirit, but the display of the Hamilton team was disappointing. The backs showed hesitation and frequently fumbled the ball when in good positions. King at five-eighths was the only one to show any kind of senior form, while Hogan, the South Auckland forward, was brilliant. The home team repeatedly secured the ball from the scrum, but nullified the advantage by overeagerness and faulty handling. Batty put in some smart runs and was responsible for two tries. The first spell ended six-all, L. Murr and Hogan scoring tries for Hamilton, and for Northcote W. Dean and Kinley. In the second spell the home team backs showed their complete superiority, tries being added by Batty (2), Kunley (1), Carter (1), while J. Murr scored for Hamilton. The home team ran out comfortable winner by 18 to 9. After the match the visitors were entertained at dinner by local enthusiasts, and several toasts were honoured. Mr. W. Minch am controlled the game. CANTERBURY MATCH PLAYERS FOR TRAINING The Auckland team to play Canterbury next Saturday will be chosen from the following players, who have been selected for training: Backs: Gregory, Campbell, Carter, Scott, List, Brisbane, Riley, Seagar, Delgrosso, Prentice, Shortland, Mclntyre. Forwards: Francis, O’Brien, Moisley, Hamilton, Pascoe, Campbell, Payne, Clarke (City), Ruby, Jenkinson. Practices will be held at Cawlaw Park on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Any player not available for the match should advise Mr. E. Asher as early as possible. SCHOOL RUGBY DRAW FOR KING’S (From. Our Own Correspondent) HAMILTON, Today. Despite the wet weather, a huge crowd watched King’s College play Hamilton High School at Rugby Park. on Saturday. After a hardl'ought and fairly even contest King’s drew with its opponents in the last minute, the score being 11 all. High School’s handling was superior, but the forwards of both sides were well matched. • For King’s, Gillett kicked two penalties and converted Caughey’s try. Just before time, Westwater and Hubbard gained tries for Hamilton, Hubband converting one and kicking a penalty Hamilton had a margin of attack until the last quarter, when King’s attacked hotly, many attempts to score being finally rewarded.