THE LEAGUE CODE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 179, 31 July 1922, Page 8

THE LEAGUE CODE.

ATHIXTIC BEFEATS CITY. WINS TO DEVONPORT. HABISTS, AND RICHMOND. Cold and wintry weathpr was experienced for the continuation of the Auckland Rugby LeagueV senior competitions on Saturday. There was again a large attendance at Carlaw l'nrk, the sum of £100 1/ being taken at the gates. Interest centred- in the match botwoeu City and Athletics. The former had only been defeated once this season, and it was thought that they would easily account lor Athletics, who had only threu victories to their credit. The result was a complete surprise, Athletics outplaying City in the first spell and winding up 16 points in hand when the interval ' arrived. City, owing to Athletics' superior combination and tackling., were quite unable to decrease their opponents' advantage, and they were eventually defeated by 19 points to 12. The game between Marist 'Old Boys and Newton on No. 2 ground at Carlaw Park saw the former combination score a | decisive victory. The match was not a ! first class exhibition of the code, the slippery ground and the heavy ball militating against good play. The game, kowever, was open, and, despite the adverse conditions, Marists came to light with a number of good passing rushes, which assisted them materially in the . compilation of the score, wUch stood at 31 points in their favour at the eorslu-1 sion oi the game. Newton, who frequeatly j made good recoveries from Marists' obstinate attack, crossed Marists' line to score two tries, -which were converted. " The match between Richmond and Fire Brigade was a tame affair, and witnessed by only a few spectators. It was Richmond's game throughout, owing to the absence of six of Fire Brigade's best ■ players. This is no detraction to the young Richmondites, who are improving ■ rapidly, and playing a fast and valiant " game. The final scores were 18 to 3 in ' favour of Richmond. The firemen did not score at all in the second half. • The match,between the Deyonport and - Ponsonby teams, played on the Domain, ■• was watched by a large crowd of League enthusiasts, who were keen enot'gh to : venture out on a sloppy field to witness ■-■■;'. the play. Devonporfc eventually won by 11 points to 5, after a hard, fast and .-•'. interesting game. The Devonport team : ;'; had slightly the better of the game, but ''■-.■. orty in the latter fjalf. The Ponsonby team, although not showing the same combined force as the winners, tackled ■'.'■ fcrtter, and thus kept the score down :;: somewhat. t CITY V.- ATHLETICS. ■ ■ Athletics went to the attack quickly, .'.'-. :'- and the ball was taken over City's line for Lonergan to score. Dnfty converted. Loner- . gan and Sntton headed another rush to City's territory, where Nicholson gained

* possession from a scrum and started a | passing rush with Dufty and Yardley, the i latter crossing. Dufty was unsuccessful I with the: kick. Athletics maintained the pressure, and another combined movement . saw Nicholson just stopped in time. Athletics were having much the better of the . game, and any passing attempted by City was suppressed by fine tackling. From a I kick by McGregor. Paki failed to field the ball, and the game settled near City's quarter flag. Another passing rnsli was initiated, and Lonergan registered his second' try, which Yardley' converted.- Athletics] gave City little respite, and from, a scrum, In the letter's territory Lonergan was again; left in possession, and scored. Yardley failed . with the kick, making the half time score: Athletics lα, City 0. V • : City- changed their formation for- the; second half, and they showed to better ! advantage. They promptly attacked, and, G. Davidson taking a mark near Athletics' ' twenty-five. W. Davidson kicked a goal, " Mitchell was responsible for City again i invading their opponents' territory, and a penalty, kick, which Dufty took, did not. avail Athletics much, for play remained In the vicinity of their twenty-five for a considerable period. Good work ,by Wetherall further improved City's position, bat Dufty eventually cleared. Play was -taken to the other end, but after TV.. David* ! son had had an unsuccessful shr , - at goal from a penalty Athletics assumed the off en-) J ■ slve. W. Davidson was caught in possession and Awry carrying on at toe eventually S picked up and crossed. Dufty failed with the kick. Athletics 19, City 2. City iben attacked. Townsend and Hawkes carried the ball to Athletics' territory. The latter seemed.to have a certain try,.but was well stopped by McGregor. Play settled in Athletics' ■':. twentyflve, and from a. scrum Thomas forced his way over. W. Davidson added-the extra points. Athletics 19, City 7. • Nicholson' and ■ Lunn - were responsible for Athletics turning; defence into attack, and from twenty-five Dufty had- an I unsuccessful penalty shot at goal. City, then took play to the other end,' but Satton and ■ Awry getting the ball at toe changed: opera;«ons to the centre. Here "Wetherall and B. Davidson broke through and dribbled over, the former touching down for W.; Davidson Ito convert, making the final score Athletics \ i», c«ar 12. • ■ .„•- ■ ■ -..•'■■■ SEVOITFOB.T V. POHSOWBT. .After a close!and interesting game Devon- ; 'Met won toom Ponsonby by 11 points to SMtttematch was.played, on tne Domain, on '■■m Moppy groand,' and In a bitfnjt wind. || Ponsonby won.the toss, and Devpnpart ; kicked off, a bright attack" following, but ■ Smith.-for Ponsonby, secured and^relietea ■ .wieri long line! kit*. Following the scrum, - McClymont picked up -from- the met and. quickly transferred to Henderson. Hβ : passe* back again to' MeClyntont,' who was ■ tackled- on the line, Scott- was instrumental In bringing the' play- right back Into 'Ponsonby's territory, .where eeveTal scrums toot ■ "»!ace." "Pip" Webb opened up a good Devon- : portifopward movement, and passed over to ■ eodfck, who made a swift run along tlie.lineOfason collared nicely, and waa the means ox PKventins a JMrtain score. The ball was : .hooked-from tie resultant serum by Taylor.: . and he' passed' across to Godfck. Asain lie made ft good mii towarts the Poneonby line,. hut was pushed out. Devonport, still on tue- ' aggressive, again- moved up to a position. that looked dangerous for the bine, and : blacks, - but 'Hand spoilt a good chance by ■ playing offside. iMcClymont took- the kick, and this relieved the .strong pressure that

•was being applied by Devonport at this time. JDevonport were awarded a free kick througli a Ponsonby player tripping. Hand attempted a goal from a rather difficult angle, bat the wind cent the ball wide of the posts. : 'Following up tlie kick off torn the twenty- . five, Delgroaso was at the bead of a pretty movement that penetrated the Devonport quarter. (He passed and -regained the bait 7 again, completing a nice piece of work by V: dashing over and registering. M-oClyraont i took the kick, and was euccessful. Ponsonby - 5, Devonport 0. Play livened np somewhat, and took place in .Devonporfs territory for a little while, "until "Pip" Webb broke away in a good run : dawn the line, passing to Taylor, who spoilt a great chance by throwing forward. "Pip" •Webb got the ball, and passed to Godiek, who in turn throw to St. George. This -player lost the ball, and Scott picked up and dashed over, scoring a brilliant try. ?Pip" Webb was unsuccessful with the kick. Pon- ] aonby 6, Devonport 3. The half-time whistle -then sounded. : ■-. Sesaming, Ponsonby set up a strong at- ■ tack, which was nullified by the hacks or the other, side- C. Webb offended and Poneonby had a kick, which did liot result In : -jany further points beias registered. Hand' ,: -was prominent in. a daubing forwaTtl inore«nent that looked rosy for Deronport. For a time play was very fast and centred in the middleofc th e field, -with frequent, scrums.. McClyinont took a good mark. Then a fine j»iece ofvwork• on behalf of the.Bevonport team was; witnessed. "Pip" Webb ciafle an .opening,, which was taken full advantage ot ! liythe: other forwards. C. Webb accepted .1 pass from 'hi« brother, and sent the bait •cross to , Godick. who was collared when about to cross the Ponsonby line. The We bb , brothers act to- again and brought the same beck. "0. Webb passing across to "Pip ,, WeUb, who dashed over and touched down. (Hand did not convert. Devonprt 0; Ponaonby 5, r - Deyionport attacked for a long time, but ;dW not seem to to.Set further.than ! ithe Pon»on6T-.twenty-flre line, duo mostly :;to the dehd)inesß of the .tacklins. Jiy the ;: fJPensonbr foTwanls. pelgrosso. BincU, and. " -yiamon nhoved up in -n pretty piece of work in driTinz the Deyonport thirteen back to tteirown posts. The game was at this stage kard aad interesting, botii tesme ils-hting tue to 'increase the •core: After a period «Ti» aad dews viajr, "Pie" TFebb pickaj up ;

smartly, and running along managed to get the bull over to Price. This man made a line run over tnree parts of the field and scored under tlie posts. Taylor goaled and added the extra points. The play that followed up to the call of time was decidedly interesting, and m> further score resulted, leaving Devonport the winners. The nnal score was: Devonport 11. Ponsonby 5. Mr. W. Mincham was the referee. MARIST 03. V. NEWTON. Marists took rap the offensive from Newton's kick-oft', and contested the isene In tno latter's twenty-five. The slippery ground and heavy ball made things difficult from the outset, and it was apparent that under Uiese difficulties best football would not he ttie orde|r of fhe day. Newton broke up Marists' attack, taking play to neutral territory, but Marists again pressed liard. as<l an infringement on the part of ilie defending team gave Bass a successful shot at goal. From play at midneld, Newton invaded their opponents' quarters, i only to be sent back to their own twenty(five, whe,te, from the loose. Singe picked up the ball to score. Marists continued their offensive, going 'back to N'ewton'e danger zone from the kick-off to allow Ghent to get in on the toraer and register a try. liliuss failed to goal. Newton were kept back In their own half, the passing of the Marists' backs pressing hard on the defending front. Marists' attack, however, was held up until an infringement on their part ga\"e a successful kick at g</al to Ghent. Marists started another passing rush upon resuming, but Newton rallied and the game swum; downfield to Marists' twenty-nve, where fcomers got a hold on the leather to 'break through Ma'risU' defence to score. Toysey converted. Tae whistle blew a few minutes later, with Marists again on the defensive. Marists took up the attack from, the kickoft, and a passing move was initiated by Nelson, who passed to Ghent. That player toad a short run to the line to score. Loveridge added the goal points. Nelson and: Buss were prominent in a move which tt>ok Marists well on to Newton'e line, out the defenders temporarily held up the attack until Nelson again came to ligbt, pawing to Oallaughcr. who scored near the rairner. i A strenuous tussle followed at midneld, in i which frequent passing bouts on either side I were spoilt by the heavy ball and the sltpI pery ground. Marists, however, ehowed to I better advantage in face of these dlfflculi ties, and a pass among the backs, which carried the game into Newton'e twenty-nve. was rewarded with a try by Duane. The kick-off saw operations transferred to Marists' territory, where Newton made per-. eietent efforts to cross their opponents' line, and finally, from a scramble in the mvd 1 near the goal posts, Clofce got through to score. Voysey added the two extra point* with a good kick at goal. Newton put more dash in their play, and pressed hard on the Marists' front. The defenders, however, forced Newton back, and took up the attack themselves, poshing play Into Newton'e twenty-five, where from the ruck the ball passed oat to Gallaugher, who, although hard pressed just manager to fall over -the line in the comer. Marists Increased their majority a few minutes later in a strong rush, in which Singe was the last to receive the ball to score behind the posts. Stevens sealed.. Marietta were I again seen in a dash down field, which anjnounced the end of the game on the ball going out. Marist <Md Boys 31, Newton 10.

RICHMOND V. FIRE BRIGADE. Handicapped ■by the absence through injuries of Waring, J. and C. Woolley, 1 Anderson, Herring, and liOvett, Fire Brigade sustained a disastrous defeat at the bands of Richmond on the Domain ground on Saturday. At naif time Fire Brigade were two points behind <5—3), and they did not score at all in the second half, while Richmond successfully attacked almost all the while. It was a tame match to watch, in 'any case. Final scores were: Bichmond 18, Fire Brigade 3. SECOND ORADE.

I Ihumatao 37, beat Ponsonby 9. ! I Manukau 10, beat Nortfccote 6. Tries for ' th« winners were scored by Lipcontte, P. •Bailly, and goals by Upcomtte and Ansell. 'I'fllWTt tmtTW. ■Ponsotfby 38, beat Coromandei 3. Parnell won from City by default. FOTOTK GKADS. ißichmond 18, beat Klngaland 10. I ■ Parnell : iroh. fromvClty by default. ~ r - ;- ---' ■" fifth GBADK. Richmond 17, beat Deronport 6. Tor I Devonport Thorpe scored 1 and Duffy 1. for Bichmond the scorer* were? Donald V, i Mills 2. Mason 1, 'Pitcher 1. Mills converted 1. ' Newton 10, beat Takapnna 9. SIXTH GRADE. SIXTH GRADE A. Richmond 50, beat Klngsland 0. SIXTH GRADE B. t Bichmond 10, beat City 7. For Bichmond Menzies and Simmon* scored trtee, and Simmons converted two. 5 Manukau 8, beat Farnell 3. CADET COBtPETITIOH. '36th Company, Xorthcote 5, beat 26th Company Athletic .3. For the winners Snmmers scored and conrerted. For the losers -Brooker scored a try. 22nd Company S. beat 29th Company 3. For the winners-Hornby and Colemxn secured tres. Klndley converting one. Biley scored for 29th Company. , ' HOUSE MATCHES.

The match pftyed between Shariaed and I Co. and Chemicals, Ltd., «t Victoria Park to-day, resulted in a win for tee former by 5 points tQ nil. For the winners a try was scored by V. Boss and converted by K. Bash. . , POSTMEN V. MESSEH6EBB. .'An Interesting-.game was played at Vie- ' torla Park, and resulted in a substantial win for the Meaeengere by 22 to 11. Included in the Postmen's team were the well-known 'senior player* W. Davidson, B. Barley, B. Mackle, J. McLean,. W. McDermott, and A. Eustace. The opposing team included '•W. Fletcher,"-A.. Singe, and W. Coatee. The points' obtained for Postmen were ' scored by W. Davidson, H. Monro, and McLean, and for the Messengers by Fletcher, Singe (2), Coatee (2), Herd (1). HAXH.TOK MATCHES. (By Telegraph—Special to "Star.") HAMILTON', Saturday. A fair crowd; turned out this afternoon at Hiriemoa Park, considering the cold, raw weather, and they were treated to a spectacular game between United and City in . the -final for the Hamilton dub championship. The game was. very fast, United wln- . übag "by 24 to 8. ' . I. Athletic defaulted to Frankton, only one . AthetJc player turning out. CAMBRIDGE. Matangi and Athletics met in toe first round of the McLean-Drake competition.

Matangi winning by G points to 5, in a very even game. . For MatangH Campell. scored tiotb tries. Kelly scored for Cambridge, Stewart converting. TATJMARinroi. V. TOWGABIRO TAUMABUNTJI. Saturday. In the League senior game, played at Taumarnimi. Tongariro drew -with Taumaruimi,. 11 all. For Tongariro Hepl i and Roberts (2) scored tries and Takiran converted one. For Taumarunul Love, McLennan and Kilminster scored and Logan converted one. CHRIBTCHURGH. CHRISTCHOBCH, this day. Linwood 10, beat Sydenham B 3; Sydenham A U, beat Federal 8; Kalapoi 21, beat Atou S: Addington 18, beat Woolston S