LEAGUE CODE.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 189, 12 August 1925, Page 14

LEAGUE CODE.

PONSONBY DEFEATS CITY.

The League football match yesterday between Ponsonby and City, played at Carlaw Park in aid of the fund to provide a training shed at Ponsonby, attracted a crowd of about 4000. Tie ground was In first-class order and the exhibition of the League code was bright, each side throwing the ball about. Ponsonby had much the better of the play and the final score, 15 to 5 in their favour, was merited. The teams:— Ponsonby.—Herewini, Littlewood, Gardiner, Ooadley, Riley, Donovan, T. Peckham, Fagan, Ward, McNeil, Payne, J. Peckham. Moore. City.—E. Brown, G. Davidson, B. Davidson, Wardlaw, R. Crewther, S. Crewther, Mitchell, Cleal, Townsend, Thomas, Kuby, McDonald, Mackie. The scoring opened quickly, when a relieving kick in the first two minutes of play by B. Davidson -was smothered by Moore, who scored. Gardiner goaled. Poneonby 5. Twice In. quick succession* McDonald broke away and the second time beat all but Herewini, but G. Davidson failed to accept a pass which would have meant a score. B. Davidson intercepted a pass and after making an opening transferred to Crewther, whose pass to Wardlaw was missed. Goodley spoiled some fine work by giving a forward pass when a score looked certain, and then Littlewood was downed with the ball only inches from the City line. The ground as in perfect order and both sides were throwing the ball about and playing the open game. Ruby looked liked scoring, but -svhen he reached the Ponsonby full he passed to Mnckle, the latter being downed by Littlewood. Payne, Peckham, Moore and Fagan were always showing up for Ponsonby, while Townsend, MrOonald and Cleal were doing great work for City. Ponsonby were unlucky ■when Littlewood scored a great try, but the referee ruled a knock-on. Just on interval Gardiner landed a goal from well outside City's twenty-flve. Ponsonby 7, City 0. In the second spell a solid pace was set with Ponsonby doing the attacking and playing fine open football. McNeil was hooking well and with Peckhain feeding the backs City were given a very busy time defeadlng. Riley got across but lost the ball. Hem-ever, they had better ruck a few minutes later when, after a smart passing bout, Goodley scored behind the posts. Gardiner goaled and I'onsonby led 12 to 0. Ho much had Ponsonby been controlling the play that for fully a quarter of an hour the full-back, Herewini, did not touch the ball. Goodley scored his second try when he received a long pass from Ward. The ponies had been playing all over City, but the latter were unlucky in not opening their account when the bounce of the ball beat both Cleal and B. Davidson when they had an open field. With ten minutes to go, S. Crewther retired with an injured shoulder. Mitchell dribbled through and McDonald picking up, scored near the coiner. G. Davidson converted with a fine kick. Ponsonby 15, City 5. It was one of the few real chances City had in the spell. There was no further Bcore and the game ended. Mr. W. Mlncham was referee.