LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 181, 3 August 1925, Page 10

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

CITY CHAMPIONS. DEVONPORT DEFEATED COMFORTABLY. RICHMOND BEAT MARISTS. PONSONBY'S EASY WIN. In beautiful weather and in front of an attendance of about 7000 tlie City Club on Saturday at C'arlaw Park defeated Devonport and won the season's senior-grade championship. Throughout the wearers of the red and black have consistently played good football, and although on more than one occasion they were perhaps lucky in securing victory right on call of time, taken all through their play justified them winning the honours for the season. They won because of their speed and ability to make the most of their chances, while the passing of the Devonport backs was particularly bad. At the Domain Ponsonby were too food for Newton, and won comfortably by 43 points to is. That consistent team Richmond scored a well-merited win over Marist Old Boys, playing on No. 2 ground at C'arlaw Park. The game was fast and interesting throughout. bo-.h sides being particularly evenly matched. First Marist would get ahead, then Richmond would lead by a point or two. In tlie last half of the contest Richmond played with much better combination and kept Marist solidly defending. Victory went to Richmond by 24 points to 17.

CITY V. DEVONPORT

Devonport won the toss and Bass set the game going, the first attack coming from "the blacks', when K. Scott dashed up to bustle Brown. City 'hen came away headed by Hawkes and McDonald, and the latter, failing to play the ball. Yardley got in a useful line kick. It was an exciting game and the City supporters rose when Hawkes. Bass and Mitchell broke away. K. Scott stopped the rush, but B. Davidson gathered up and sent to Georg". who tried to bump bis way across. Some hard play ensued and Shore forced. Suddenly. at halfway, Reid came away and hand'-d the ball to McDonald, and the latter, with no opposition, went down the side line to score. G. Davidson failed to convert. City 3. Devonport 0.

In ttte next minute Yardiey had a "pot" without success, and the blacks came back playing in their best style. Haddon and Douglas were right in the van, and Douglas, picking up the ball, sent a long pass to A. Scott, who went over to score. Yardleys shot was a poster. City 3, Devonport 3.

A breach In the scrum saw a free to Shore and Yardley landed a great goal from a few yards inside half-way. Devonport 5. City 3. Within a minute the score again altered. The blacks had City beaten and after several players had handled the ball Douglas failed to give a good pass to K. Scott, who had only to walk over. Wardlaw picked up and ran down to Yardley. kicking over the hitter's head. In the race to touch down A. Scott made the mistake of trying to kick into the "dead" area and missed, leaving Crewther to fall on the ball and score. Crewther failed with the shot. Two minutes later City were over again, this time Mitchell scoring from play near the Shore line. G. Davidson failed with the shot and City led — 9 to 5. A pretty try went to City when B. Davidson fielded a clearing kick by Yardley and after making a run passed to Crewther, to G. Davidson and back to B. Davidson, the latter having an open field. G. Davidson goaled. City 14, Devonport 0 SECOND HALF. When play resumed Laing had gone to full-back, and Yardley to the three-quarter line. City early became aggressive, and a mark by Greig came in handy. Laing brought off a dodgy run, Yardley had an unsuccessful shot, but A. Scott did better from a good position, and increased Shore's score to 7. O'Brien, Haddon. and St. George broke away, Crewther pulling them up. but the same player was well downed by K. Scott a little later. Keeping up the attack. City had to force, and McDonald was responsible for a good run till Johnson played for safety by finding the sideline. A wild pass by Godick let City in. and Crewther secured to pass to Bass to Hawkes, the latter having a clean run in between the posts. Crewther goaled. City 19. Devonport 7. Bright passing between the blacks saw Yardley almost over. Johnson being unable to gather in the final pass. Tbe same player made a nice run down the line, but tried to go too far. and forgot he had supports. City's ne.vt score was one of the best of the season. Mitchell started his hacks moving, and with the exception of the full-back, all handled in turn, for G. Davidson to outpace the opposition over the last 40 yards. Crewther missed the shot. City 22, Devonport 7.

Devonport were getting just as many chances, but their passing was erratic, and every time they attempted to throw the ball about the movement was shortlived. There was some tight play under the City posts, and Greig was almost over, being held np. Then Douglas. Scott, Haddon, and Veart showed out. and getting the ball Veart scored. A. Scott missed the shot. City 22. Devonport 10.

Yardley had Brown beaten, and left O'Brien and Veart to dribble over the line, but they missed tbe ball, and Mackie saved. A long kick saw Ruby follow up and gather in to score, and the tally read. City 25. Devonport 10. The latter attacked, and K. Scott sent a pass to Douglas, who ran round to score under the bar. A. Scott goaled. City 25. Devonport 15. A Scott dribbled over the City line. B. Davidson forcing. Time was called without further score, leaving City champions for the 1925 season. r'iry 25 Devonport 1.-, Mr. A. Sanders was referee. ELLERSLIE V. NORTHCOTE. The game between Northcote and EllPrslie. played at Victoria Park on Saturday. was a good exhibition, although Northcote was the better team in all departments. Winning by S points to 5 as they did. Northcote were unlucky in not scoring more. Ellerslie played a good game, but their passing and tackling was not of a high standard. Northcote opened proceedings, but it was Ellerslie who set up the attack. ,md from the start the game waxed fast and furious. Both teams were tackling well, Speight (Northcote i doing great work. A tendency, however, to hold too long was an offence that was too much in evidence and thereby lost a number of good chances. Pressing hard, Ellerslie held the advantage for a short spell, and then Northcote opened out and made the pace hot, and incidentally assumed the attack. Holding the advantage Northcote kept it lively, but Ellerslie were not wanting in tbe defence. Spasmodic dashes that usually ended in scrums seemed to be the order of the day. Speight, setting his team iv motion with a good rush, established a passing bout that brought play to Ellerslie's twenty-five. A succession of passing bouts with Greening. Speight. Campbell and Green mostly in evidence marked the nest few minutes, and then their efforts met with success. A splendid opening was made by Speight, who sent out to Pennycook. who dashed over. Green converted. Northcote 5, Ellerslie o. Ellerslie rallied somewhat after this reversal, but Northcote were too strong. and half-time came with them holding the advantage. The second snei! opened with Northcote attacking hard." Ellerslie were trying and making strenuous efforts to break the opposition, but they would hold the ball and lost innumerable chances. Combination and style was a feature of the Northcote team and their passing bouts were well worth watching. Greening broke away from a scrum and sent out to Speight, who in turn passed to Wilkin, but the latter slipped, and a certain score was lost. The next rush, however, saw Thompson secure and get across. Green failed with the kick. Northcote S, Ellerslie 0. The succeeding piay saw McMahon ana Cook shine out. but Northcote was too strong and domineered the game. A good dash by Hettet (full-back) gave Ellerslie a chance, but CampbeU secured and relieved >with a food run. Then, Green started a

passing rush, but Crogan intercepted and ended a great dash by scoring. R. Johnson converted. Northcote 8, Ellerslie 0. A good mark by Speight stayed Ellcrslie's rush, and Campbell, securing from .1 I bunched field, made a dash that took play | to Elierslie's territory. Fast play followed 1 but the whistle went with the final scores : Northcote * Ellerslie d I Mr. Mincham was referee. RICHMOND V. MARIST. j i Marist set the game going. Kirklanrt making a dash across the field, and passed j to Linneen, but the latter was collared. I Within the next two minutes Marist were twice penalised, and Ilanlen had two unsuccessful shots at goal. Hyland, Russell. Little. Mintie and Redwood then , formed in a line and started off in a fine , passing bout towards Tyke's end. but tic Richmond backs spoilt a nice effort by ; closing in too much. From the loose iv , his own <|uar:cr Ghent secured, and after • making a great run be passed to Singe, and th.- latter registered a fine try. Mannix converted. but the referee did not allow lhe goal, as Marist's line umpire failed t" raise his flag. Richmond's representative gave a goal. Marisr 3, Richmond 0. Kirk- ' land, Mannix and Lt-nihaii were at the ; head of a strong excursion by Marist. which penetrated as far as Richmond's line. From th.- resultant scrum Mintie secured and passed to Redwood, who re- ; lieved for Richmond. However Linneen i intercepted smartly, and broke up a pretty passing bout started by Bass. Tykes tried hard to again cross Richmond's line, bin were beaten right back to their own line. where Marist had to force. Redwood after a scrum picked up the leather and dived ■ across, but could not put the ball down. and was forced into the playing area again. Again Tykes cleared. Singe punting high. Hanlon. Richmond's custodian, j accepted and passed to Little, the latter j gaining some ground. Ghent, once be got j the ball, ran up, only to be collared by Devon. From a scramble Johnson got t over and Ghent added the extra points. Richmond pressed hard, and fought their | wav into Marist s twenty-five, a scrum j occurring. Russell saw an opening and j rushed round from the side of the scrum | and notched a brilliant try. Hanlen con-, verted. Marist 8. Richmond 5.

The game had not been resumed more than a few seconds when Since scored his second try. Ghent failed to convert. Marifl 11." Richmond •"">. Since broke away again and sent the ball over to Gallagher. who scored easily. Singe's kick failed. .Marist 14. Richmond 5. A few seconds before half-time Hanlen su.-ceeded in scrambling over to add another try to Richmond's total. He converted his own try. Immediate.v on resuming nphmoni brought off a great try. After l-eing beaten hack ;>y Marists' forwards. Mint!*" gained the bail an-1 ran up tbe field in company with Little. Avery and Duane. All handl.-d well .rd completely baffled the Marist backs, Duane s orin--. Hanlen took the kick, whi.-b failed. Marist 14. Ki-h----mond 13. Playing up much better Kb umond were keVping the pressure applied to the creens. who lost some ground. Fallowing a scrum in the middle <.f the field Little sot the ball from Redwood, and successfully giving the "dummy", registered a real'lv good try. Hanlon missed tbe kick. Richmond It. Marist 14. Marist advanced towards Richmond's line but were held OP a few yards off. After a series of serums Johnson managed to cross the line. pla.'inZ Marist a point in the load. Singe did not ionveit. Marist 17. Richmond Witn only a point separating the teams both sides made hen-meau attempts to score, end tlie game became very interesting. Kirkland. Gallagher and Lineen worked well !n an attack upon Richmond, but it was nullified hy Crowther and Hanlen. Singe offended by playing offside and this gave Richmond a chance. A good goal was got by Hanlen. and once again he put his side in the lead. Ricbtr.ond 18. Marisl 17. Play went u;> and down The field for quire a spell, being puncfjated by severa: serums but few penalties. Kirkland. wio w.i« playing a great game, repeatedly made tine openings "" and spectacular rushes through Richmond's forwards, but the backs were toe solid in their defence. Hanlen. after the backs had gained a lot of ground in a passing bout, broke away and beating three of Tykes' backs he passed to Rns.-ell who scored. Bass faileu with the kick. After a pretty piece or w.irk in running through Marists' backs Duane scored tbe try of *he mar-h. Hanlen azain failed. Kichraomi 24. Marists 1. Playing with excellent combination Richmond were keepini 'Marist within their own half, while the hacks made numbers of =tron; passing onslaughts. However, there was no further score. A great game ended: Ri hmon.l 24 Marist 0.8 17 NEWTON V. PONSONBY.

Ideal football conditions prevailed at the Domain on Saturday afternoon, when Ponsonby met Newton on No. 1 ground in front of the stand. Ten minutes after the start Ponsonby opened tbe scoring account. A Newton forward made a weak kick. Gardiner secured, and beating two or three men raced for the line. At the right moment he passed to Goodley. who finished the effort. Gardiner's kick, although a good one. was just short of the object. Ponsonby 3. Newton 0.

A few minutes later Gardiner retrieved his former effort by landing a fine goal from the field. Ponsonby 5. Newton 0. From half way Riley went off on his own, followed by most of the Newtonites. He was well supported by J. Peckham. Riley went on. however, and beatinc two Newton men very prettily by stopping in his stride, and side-stepping, scored a good try. which was unconverted. Fonsonby S. Newton 0.

Newton now took a tnrn and forced their opponents down field. The hall went over the line and Herewini. Tonsonby's full-back, placed one hand underneath the ball on the ground and the other on top of it. He then threw the ball out into the field. Hand, for Newton, went up to him. nnd realising that it was not a force, caught the ball and touched down. The scorer landed the extra points. Newton 5, Ponsonby S.

Ponsonby again got going and a good passing rush by J. Peckham, Donovan. Riley and Gardiner, saw the last-men-tioned touch down. Ponsonhy 11. Newton.""..

A few minutes later Gardiner got over again and Littlewood just managed to add the goal poiDts. Ponsonby Ifi. Newton 5.

It wns now Littlewopd's turn and he raced along the side-line and added three more points, making the score, Ponsonby 19. Newton 5.

Hand, for Newton, had to retire hurt and Newton felt the want of him on occasions. There was no alteration to tbe score at half time

Newton attacked well in the opening stages of the second half, but it was only a flash in the pan. Ponies added to their scoring account by Riiey renins over and Gardiner goaling. Ponsonby 24. Newton 5. Payne taking a rebound from a Newton player, experienced no trouble ln scoring underneath the cross-bar. Ponsonby 2T. Newton 5. Then another Tony man got over, making the totals Ponsonby 30. Newton 5. Warren, for the latter team', stopped the rot by scoring. Ponsonby 30. Newton S. The red and whites livened up considerably and Hargreaves was awarded a try for obstruction on the line. Tolson made no mistake with the kick. Ponsonbv 30. Newton 13. Goodiey then scored for Ponsonby, and he was followed by Donovan, the latter adding the extra" points to his own try, making the scores Ponsonbv 3-S. Newton 13. Towards the end both sides did not appear to take the game seriously. The ball was being flung about in a hearty manner, although at times it was a case of " anywhere will do." Smith (Newton) with the leather at his toe. went away on his own and Somers kicked the goal from the try. Ponsonby 3S. Newton IS. Then Moore scored between the posts for Ponsonby, and a goal resulted, the final scores being : Ponsonby 43 Newton 15 COUNTRY MATCHES. HAMILTON. Third Grade —Hamilton IC. beat City 3. Fourth Grade.— Punsonby 7. " beat Hamilton 3. HUNTLY. The Huntly v. Kiugslaud same resulted: Huntly 19. Kingsland 5. Tries were got for Huntly by W. tfmith (2) and Worskey, and Ray nor converted two. Kingsland "scored a penalty goal and a try by McHowell. Carter (Kingsland. sprained an ankle. Juniors. —Huntly 8, beat Klngsland 3. SOUTHERN MATCHES. CHRISTCHURCH. Marists A IT. beat Waimairi 5. Addington 42. bear Sydenham S. Linwood 13, beat Marists B 5. DUNEDIN. Pacific A. 9 beat Christian Brothers B. &. City A.. 9. beat Athletics 4. Christian Brothers A. IS. beat Cltj; B. 0. Kahaagata 46, beat Pacific 8,, <*, >

I THIRD GRADE. i Parnell 17. beat Ponsonby A 3. j Athletic 11. beat Ponsonby B 3. I Richmond S. beat United 6. i Devonport 30, beat Mangere 0. FOURTH GRADE. ' Tamer. 37, beat Point Chevalier 0. i FIFTH GRADE. Marist 0.8. 30. heat New Lynn 0. ! City 11, beat Parnell 3. 1 SIXTH GRADE. j RICHMOND CHAMPIONS. The curtain raiser to the Devonport-City match was the final of the sixth grade championship, and in defeating City by 7 to 0. the Richmond team won the cham- ■ pionship cup.