LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 195, 18 August 1924, Page 10

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

A SURPRISE WIN ATHLETICS BEAT MAKIST 0.8. PONSONBY OUTCLASSES CITY. DEVOXPORT AND KICHMOXD WIX. Despite the strong counter attractions that prevailed on Saturday afternoon, there was an attendance of between 4000 and 5000 at Carlaw Park to witness the two senior games. Xo. 1 ground was in good condition considering the recent heavy rains. The pame between Ponsonby : nd City ended in a win for Ponsonby, who completely outclassed the red and blacks, by 25 points to 10. The winners dominated the position practically throughout the entire game, and although City played with determination, their combination was of the weak order. Ponsonby won the majority of the scrums, and consequently the City backs were much starved. On Xo. 2 ground Athletics sprang a surprise victory over Marist Old Boy's, the final score being 23—16. The ground ivas fairly soft, but both team 9 handled well, and a fast and exciting game resulted. Tykee showed to advantage in the first spell, but in the closing stages Athletics srnve a highly improved display, and scored a popular victory. • After a hard, but not brilliant, game at Victoria Park, Richmond proved their superiority over Ellerslie, and defeated them by 10 to 3. Devonport romped over Newton at Victoria Park, and tries came fast towards the end of the game, which ended: Devonport 27, Newton 9. MARIST V. ATHLETIC. Dufty set the -ball rolling for Athletic. Gardiner returning play to the blues twenty-five, where Graham put In a dash which had the blues defending, and compelled them to force. Manst worked their way downfleld, and Stewart, getting possession near half-way, had a run before sending out to Ghent, who in turn passed infield to Johnston. The last-named player met little opposition, and ran through to score in a good position. Gardiner converted. Marist 5, Athletic 0. Duftj lad a coupie of unsuccessful snots at zoal, acd the bine and yellows continued to press until they were penalised for not playing the ball, and the Marist vanguard, with O'Brien and Stormont to the fore, went downfleld; and their backs, getting the ball, a score looked likely, when Draffln intercepted and ran well past half-way before sending ont, but this pass was not accepted. Shortly after a movement, in which the majority of the, backs participated, saw Sweeney score another try for Marist. Gardiner failed with the kick. Marist 8, Athletic 0. ; Dnfty gained a lot of ground with " i strong kick, and Tykes, finding the line on i the full, a scrum was put down outside ] Marisfs twenty-five line. The greens hooted, but passing in their own territory cost them a try, Hadley picking up and divinp over between the posts. Dufty missed an easy kick. Marist 8, Athletic 3. Marist set up a dangerous passing movement, and after some loose play near the line Niukln force*, but a scrum was ordered. The Marist forwards then carried -he ball over the line for 3. Stormont to ■ ouch down. Gardiner failed to convert. jtfnrlst 11. Athletic 3. A spell of even play -n neutral territory preceded a handlinif iout between Avery and Lucas. Athletic ■vere Awarded a free, and Dufty kicked a rood goal as the half-time whistle sormiled. •Jurist 11, Athletic 5. Gregory was responsible for a nice .-im, but lost a certain try by bailing ■ n send out to Gardiner when near tbe •.hie. A penalty to Athletic saw Uuv'tv find the line well down. A ran by Stor- i mont put M.irists In a good position, and | Lang started a movement which looked ' promising until Gardiner failed to take : n pasa from Brisbane. Athletic then broke away in a sensational fashion, the ball ■ wins carried over the line, for Sweeney to force. The blues, however, were not to be denied, and a few minutes later Duftj capped a passing bout by scoriae a try •veil out. lie failed to add the minor points. Warists 11, Athletic 8. Gregory enrneil applause when he took the ball fror a difileult angle, and a mislake by Dufty had the; blues in trouble. BrisbaDS came into the picture with a stron x run. but he w.is unsupported, and Atliletic cleared in good style, and after rome loose play in Tykes' twenty-live. Hartley- scored his second try. Dufty converted from well out. Athletic IS, M.-irists 11. Athletic were soon bacK asiiin. aud within a few minutes Yardley scored pnother try for the bine and yellows. Dufty again converted. Athletic IS, Marists 11. Aftrr this reverse . ilariste rallied, and Brisbane was nenrl.r* over. Lang anil Brisbane were both doing more than their share of the work. After Athletic had been bemmeu iv for some time. Short made a nice opening and secured possession again soon after, to secure a try which Gardiner converted. Athletic 18, Muriate 16 With two points between them, both teams played hard. The greens started a handling bout, but McGregor intercepted a )>ass and ran over the line, but the referee judged it "no try," and a scrum .was ordered. Athletic continued to press and a movement started by Dufty saw McGregor score. Dufty added the other points. Athletic 23, Martets Iβ. The remalnlus stages were evenly contested, Lucas and McGregor showing to advantage. but there was no alteration In the score when the final whistle blew. Athletic 03 Marists : '..'.." Iβ Mr. Hipley was referee. DEVONPORT V. NEWTON. Devonport kicked off in face of a stiff breeze and with the nun In their eyes They set up an attack, Taylor, Hand and Rutland flashing into prominence in c passing bout. A penalty gave Newton relief, but Devonport came again, for Newton to be penalised. Hand had a kick, but wag wide Devonport kept up the pressure, and In a pretty passing, bout Voysey looked like scoring, when I'olsen cut In to Intercept and gain a lot of ground by a good run. St. George got possession, and Devonport wore off again, Newton being on the defensive for some minutes till Scott touched down after a mnlcc on the line. Devonport 3, Newton 0. The reds now put more sting into their game, and managed to keep play in midfleld, till a long range kick saw the ball rolling in Devonport's twenty-five, where Hand gathered up. Ho was liard pressed, however, and gave a forward pass, which cost his side two points, Manslll kicking the penalty. Devonport 3, Nowton 2. Even play followed, with the backs on both sides doing good work, till Scott got over again in the corner. Hand's kick was low. Devonport 6, Newton 2. Manelll, Callnghan and Polsen started to make things lively for Newton, and worked the ball Into safer territory, Devonport eventually being penalised, for Mansill to kick successfully. Devonport C. Newton 4. The black backs all handled in an effective rush, Voysey eventually getting toe ball for a straight run for the line. When about to be collared, he transferred to Lning, who touched down in a handy position after a great run. The whistle blew for half time with the scores: Devonport 11, Newton 4. opening of the second spell, till Hand came to light In a good run, but held on too long, and Devonport were penalised. Mans 11 made a good bid with the kick, bnt imSfci He made amends soon after by some h5.2 notller , thKe P° lnte - Allowing on twTntvfi, y orU ' atter P lckin S "P at the Iβ Nlwto e n . VT ° ctos: converted. «aVeth..»i. A penalty kicked by Taylor SS»?bfSe awa , ,*?! V 0 J ,O " ,18 - Cal " leather .lowu fieldl with tO carrjr tne forrVtew B e£r^ c o o v"re & came ragged at this stage NewiJ?°. mc he ~ cuard being demoralised^ Sl' tk ewton ■ vantactics of the black? U " , £. c '" llkc scored by Smith «c tht «"■ H was sounded with the score*:— nal Wnlstle Devonport Newton ! i 1-I'C M" * "i Hi. Bovaird was referee.

CITY V. PONSONBY. The spin of the coin favoured the red-nd-blacks, and Walsh set the game going, he ball going out. From the scrum on the half-way line L. Brown secured, and attempted a breakaway down the line. Ponsonby were conceded a ••free," and Deigrosso gained a good deal with a wellplaced line kick. From a scrum five yards out from Clty'a line Walsh obtained the leather, and immediately handed it to Delgroaao. Thla player ran across the field and passed to Mormon, who registered a Une try. Delgrosso added the extra points. Ponsonty 5, City 0. The Ponies kept hard at City, the blue-nnd-blackß indulging in Borne tine passing bouts. City were then penalised for luting in the scrum, and Delgrosso kicked a perfect goal. Ponsonby 7, City 0. Later L. Brown dashed across the fleld, and with Baas he made a lust run d'iwu the line. Kuss, once he got the ball, dashtd Ponsonby 7, City 5. Ajjuin City were driven buck, and I'unsonby had them puzzled. Littlewood made a Hire Suiu ruu, but was pushed out. Offside play uy K. Crewtuer gave i'onsooby a goal. Puusunby 1), City S. For quite a few minutes play remained in City s twenty-flve, Wetherill, Davidson Ito relieve, but toe tucking ut the Ponies was too good. Walsh gut the bull lruui • a bcruin v lew yards out from City's posts, ! picked up and scrambled over. Delgrosso's Kick railed. A strong onslaught by the City forwards 1 Donovan and Delgrosso luude an opening, I the latter giving a long pass across neld. '■ The ball was gathered up well by Li'.tle- ■ wood, who ran down the line, beat two ut' ■ the opposing side, and scored under the 'poBCS. Deigrosso gualed. Ponsouliy 17, I City 0. I Ponsonby were having much the better of. i the gume. City s backs rinding it extremely ! difficult to get goinu. Wetlierill relieved 1 the pressure, anu kicKed down the Une,-u. D«Vid»ou beutlug Hadley lor the bull, lie I made a line eftort on his own, but Murnioa j tackled him wneu only a lew yards off I ponaonby a line. , 'i'he half-time score was: — j Pousonby 1J I <-»>' ° SECOND HALF. i On resuming, Walsh stopped a Ciiy rush, I anu Peekaum and Shirley tried to get I tnrough, but Wetherill and Mitchell ! stotLcd the progress. .Liulev.ood then got I well away uulU Baas forced him out. 'lhe ball was then hooked Iroin the resultant acruoj by Mitchell, who handed out to 'I'honiaS: L. Brown flattered his side with v Une line ruu, but when confronted by laoodley he kicked, the ball going into play was In Ponsonby's twenty-live when Carglll intercepted, but could not get over. ! City livened up considerably, ana made I several excursions into Ponsoubys terri- | tory, but ou each occasion the blue and ! blacks nullified. By good play Wetherill. I llawkes and McDonald gained ground, I l'ooley offendlus by playing offside when City were in a good position, li. Davidson goaled. Pousouoy 17, City 7. -Nearly the ' ball after Walsh secured the leather from a scrum on City's twenty-live. Donovan bullocked his way thruugh the opposing pack and notched a good try, which, however, was not converted by Delgrosso. Ponsonby 20, City 7. • City pressed hard, Curgill, llawkes and ally gaining the ball to essay a solo effort. Walsh got from the scram in Ponsonby °s half and transferred to Delgrosso, who made a run. Donovap accepted, and continued down the line, where Walsh again -was handy to,receive, lie kicked across to Mormon, but Mormon missed, allowing Peckbam to dash over. Littlewood added the extra, points. Ponsonby 25, City T. After many attempts by the City forwards a dribbling tush ended in Curgill scoring. Davidson's kick went wide. Ponsonby 25, City 10. Poneonby once more forced the City men back, and, when in their twentylive, Hawkes played offside. D»igrosso did not a*d anything to tie score. There was no fuither score, Ponsonby dominating the (•me throughout In almost every department. ; Pousonby 2r> City ••■•<iw: 10 ; Mr. Murray controlled the jeame. j ELLERSLIE V. RICHMOND. , liicliniond opened, and almost Inimedi- ■ ately the forwards dashed down with a passing bout, and Swift scored. McDonald converted. Richmond 5. Ellerslle 0. The Ellerslie forwards followed up with a rush, and from a scrummage Harrison gained the I leather, eluded his opponents, and got I across the line. Khanil -failed -with the tick. Kichmoiid 5, Ellerelie 3. Willing centre play followed, Hanlon doing good work as full-back for Richmond. The game I moved into Ellcrslie's quarter, and, from I subsequent play, Ellerslle were awarded a jfrec kick. Shautl shot from half, but the ball fell short. Richmond again made things brisk in the others' quarter, Hyland being noticeable, but a Tree relieved. Ellerelie pressed hard, Bryan being conspicuous in some good play. Richmond once more took things before them, Hing, the Dilanca, and McDonald participating in some hnrd, but ineffectual dashes for the line.' The half-time score remained: ! Richmond 5 Ellerslie 3 - Soon after the opening of the second spell, Richmond forced play into their opponents' Quarter, but Ellerslic retaliated and reversed the position. An infringement kick was taken by McDonald, who put the leather over. Richmond 7, Ellerslie 3. Centre play followed, and a free took Ellerelie up field, where they were awarded another free. Hettet took the kick, but the ball -went wide From subsequent- play, CJrmpney intercepted the leather from v passing rush by the ElJprslie forwards, nnd dashed over the Hue. McDonald did not increase the score. Richmond 10, Eltcrslie 3. Ellerelie made frequent passing rushes, but failed to find the line, while Hing. Hyland, and Swift were noticeable on their side. Both eidei continued to attack solidly, but failed to increase the liiml scores: Richmond 10 LllcnrJie » Mr Miucham was referee. AUCKLAND B REP. TEAM. I " I TO PI-AY LOWER WAIKATO. I Following is the representative 1» team j chosen to represent Auckland in the match I against Lower Waikato at Carlaw Park next Wednesday:— Full-back: Grey (Ponaouby). Three-quarters: L. Brown (City), Morman (Ponsonby), Webb (Devonport). Five-eighths: Crewther (City), Wilson, jun. (Mangerc). Half-back : Walsh (Ponsonby). Forwards: Ward (Ponsonby). Johnson (M.0.8.). Hawkee (City), Shirley (Ponsonby, McDonald (Richmond), Webb (Athletics). Reserves.—Backs: Mitchell (City), .7. I McGregor (Athletics), Mansill (Newton). (Forwards: Clarke (Newton), Scott (Devonport). Members who are unnble to play must notify Mr. E. Asher at once. SECOND GRADE. United Suburbs S, v. Newton 5. l'onsonby 20, v. Richmond l>. J THIRD GRADE. City 17, v. Ponsonby 0. For the -winners Hamilton brothere and Tborburn scored tries. Sandham kicked a goal.. Parnell. 24, beat Otahuhu. 5. l.'nited Suburbs. 13, beat Mangere. S. j . . . FOURTH GRADE. ' I'onsonby B 21, v. Marists 0. Ashley : scored all the points for the winners. FIFTH GRADE. ! Northcote 10, T. Newton 6. i Athletics 8, v. Otahuhu 5. SIXTH GRADE A. J Athletics 14, T. Newton 5. . ._• SIXTH GRADE B. The Marist-Parnetl match was not l" ,5 "" , ow ng to t c a sence o .the referee. [ " COUNTRY MATCHES- - HAMILTON. United an"Ji b .Vjj, alu P ionsh lP fiu»l between mok Park £i» letica was P la^ed «* IIln «-