THE LEAGUE MATCH.

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 175, 25 July 1921, Page 7

THE LEAGUE MATCH.

CITY DEFEATS PONSONBY \ AT VICTORIA TARK. AN INTERESTING GAME. There were between IiOOO and 7000 spectators at Victoria Park on Saturday in witness between City Rovers and Ponsonby Vnited in the Roope Rooster competition, that being the only senior league match of the afternoon. Speculation was rife as to the result of the match, and during the progress of the game it was difficult to say which team was likely to notch the highoT score. During the first spell Ponsonby showed a slight superiority in their forward ranks, but they had one fault which proved fatal over and over again, namely, they spread out too far, with the result that many a prood pass was missed with a consequent loss of advantage. The ball came their way out of the scrum often enough, and McClymont and Hing, the former especially, were prominent in beautiful handling, notwithstanding the handicap of a slippery ball. The three-quarter line was also a fine combination, and their work both in attack and defence was striking. Bbt the City men carried more weight, and worked in closer combination throughout- The forwards did better work individually than the Ponsonby forwards, and Pcckham at half was always, useful. The other backs were likewise strong, Paki, the full-back, making some spectacular saves and also working hard in attack. The net result of the,first spell was a s;oal kicked by McClymant for Ponsonby, the lack of more scoring indicating how keenly both sides fought, and how evenly they were matched. The second spell was very fast and interesting, and although three heavy showers had somewhat spoilt playing conditions, the contest was keen to the finish. City Fuceeeded in getting two tries, one by W. Davidson and one by Hawkes, Blackie adding one goal, and in the last minutes of the game Ponsonby were awardad an obstruction try. which, however, was not goaled, and the game ended City 8 points, Ponsonby 5. CITY V. PONSONBY. The game opened with a strong attack by Ponsonby. but the ball went out in the corner, and a second rush, headed by Hanlon and Mitchell, was stopped by Paki. who again prevented Tonsonby scoring wben E. McGregor bad the ball. After some indecisive play Paki got possession, outran and tricked several opponents, and ■passed to B. Davidson, but the latter knocked on. Fast play was carried into the City area, where McClymont succeeded with a free, which was the only score in the first half. City attacked in the first' minute of the se-cond spell, and G. Reid, breaking away, sent in a long kick, which he followed up, but the leather went to the dead ball line .Ins* as Francis sot to it. Some keen midfleld play followed, end from the ruck ITing got away with a long kick, but Paki saved. City were under great pressure for a time, but a long free kick by Thomas nt length took the game to the centre of the field. Laing got the ball, passed to Minogue. to B. Davidson, wno knocked on A scramble followed inside Ponsonby twenty-five, nnd from the rock "W. Davidson got across In the corner, Blackie adding a nice goal, and making the score—City 5, Ponsonby 2. Play went to midfleld, and then B. Davidson carried the ball down the line, passing to Hawkes, who bnllocked his way across. The kick at coal missed. City pressed again, and Townsend followed up a kick, which E. McGregor propelled across the dead ball line The contest continued strenuous. Ponsonby again and again getting close to the City line, and at last they got to the corner, where an obstruction try was awarded. The kick at jro.il failed, and a few minutes later tbe game ended. Besult: City s . Ponsonby "!! 1!! ° 5 REPRESENTATIVE TEAM. AUCKLAND V. WELLINGTON. The selectors, Messrs. J. Clark. G. Whitley, and E. Stall worthy have selected the following team to represent Auckland In the ron-iing match nest Saturday against Wellington at Carlaw Park:— Full-back: M. Flynn (Maritime). Three-quarters: C. Woolley <Plre Brigade), E. C. Gray (Maritime). "W. Davidson {Cltv). Five-eighths: M. "Wetherall (City), A. MeClymont (Ponsonbyl. Half-back: J. Lang (Marist Old IBovs). Forwards: A. Singe (Marist Old Boys), S. La wry CPonsonby), TV. Williams (Newton), Sforraont Olarist Old Boys), H. Hawkes (City). H. Avery .(Maritime). Emergencies: Backs. L Newdick (Newton); forward, G. Paki (City). With a view of securing two touring teams to go South, the selectors have cbosen the following for trial matches at Carlaw Tark next Saturday at 2 o'clock. Possibles: Dufty. Eustace. J. McGregor, D. Davidson. G. Yardley. W. Cloke, .Peckham. -Cargill. Townsend, Hanlon, C. James, A. Scott. McNeill (Ponsonby). Probables: Loveridge, J. Brlen, Minogue, Oallangher. Hlng. Delaney, W. Walsh, Thomas. Casey, St. George, Ballantyne, Coates, Herring. Emergencies: Little wood. Ghent. Briggs, "Wing. "Webb, E. Johnson (Shore). SECOND GRADE. Maritime 0. beat Otahnhu 0. THIRD GRADE. Newton 14. beat Kingsland 3. Newton Is now one point behind for the third grade championship. FOURTH GRADE. Mannkau 6. beat Point Chevalier 5. City 5. beat Richmond 3. Morrison scored n try, and Crewther kicked a goal. FIFTH GRADE. Takapuna 3, beat Mannkau 0. Hyland scored and Holmes converted. SENIOR CADETS. No. 13 Company A drew with No. 18 Company, no score. W>°" 13 Com P A B heat No. 34 Company, TAUMARCNUI FINAL. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) TAUMARONUI. Saturday. Tauma-ninni won the final ot the senior League competition, beating Tongariro by 11 points to 8.