THE LEAGUE CODE.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 223, 21 September 1925, Page 10

THE LEAGUE CODE.

NORTHERN UNION CUP. RETAINED BY AUCKLAND. SOUTH AUCKLAND OUTCLASSED. BEATEN BY 36 TO 19. As was only to be expected in view of the strong counter-attraction, the attendance at Carlaw Park on Saturday afternoon was a very small one in comparison to the huge crowds that have attended the League game this season. The South Auckland representatives had challenged Auckland for the Northern Union Cup, which they had held from 1921 until six weeks ago. In their fight to regain the trophy they were allowed to put up a good showing by the Auckland thirteen in the first half. In the second spell, however, the Aucklanders ran all over the visitors, the game ending with a score of 36 to 19 in favour of the locals.

THE GAME IN DETAIL. Teams: South Auckland.—Full-back, F. Raynor; three-quarters, Finlay. Hemingway, Smith; five-eighths, Paki, Jackway; half, G. Davis; forwards, Hutt, W. Raynor, Timms, Dufty, Stevenson, Allen. Auckland.—Full-back, Gregory; threequarters, Kirkland. Davidson, List; fiveeighths, Riley, Cole; half, Delgrosso; forwards. Mason, St. George, O'Brien, Te Whata, Dixon, Singe. South Auckland won the toss and Auckland kicked off in face of a strong wind. The visitors came down field with ball at toe causing List to force. South Auckland were awarded a free kick for an infringement, F. Raynor kicking a good goal. Once again Auckland was penalised for lifting feet in ' the scrum and from three yards beyond half-way, F. Raynor again kicked a great goal. It took Auckland some time to get going, but the defensive tactics indulged in by the visitors caused play to be quickly transferred to the opposite end. A promising rush initiated by Delgrosso, St. George, Te Whata and Dixon was nullified by Smith in South Auckland's twenty-five where a series of scrums took place. The visitors were beating the locals in the scrums and Finlay, Hemingway and Jackway made a good passing rush which penetrated well into Auckland's territory where Singe relieved with a timely kick. Davis, half-back, South Auckland, ran through and short punted. Gregory was safe, however, and found the line about halfway. Auckland was penalised for offside play, giving Raynor another chance to goal which he did in no uncertain manner. South Auckland G, Auckland 0. The visitors' backs began to sling the ball about. Hemingway, Paki and Finlay ran right through the opposition, the latter scoring in a good position. Raynor made no mistake with the kick.

The locals attacked strongly and Delgrosso, Riley, Davidson and* Kirkland were associated in some bright passing, but the effort failed five yards from the visitors' line. South Auckland looked like scoring, but a good chance was spoiled by Finlay knocking on. At this stage of the game, Auckland appeared to be playing in a half beateu manner and were being hustled by the visitors. Had it not been for Dufty getting offside the visitors would have scored. Even when the locals had a chance they seemed to lack the necessary finishfng touches and a free kick right in front of the goal was thrown away. South Auckland's tackling was deadly and there were no beg pardons. List essayed a side dash down the line but was well grassed by Smith when near the corner flag. Delgrosso and Kirkland also made determined efforts to cross the line but seemed to lack the necessary dash to finish the movement. The fact that South Auckland were getting the ball from the scrums nonplussed the locals and when the backs did get possession of the leather, faulty passing spoiled chances. Several melees took place right on South Auckland's line, but the locals stood still and allowed themselves to be collared. Auckland's first score came as a result of Delgrosso making the best of an opening. He transferred to Cole. Riley, Davidson and Kirkland taking up the movement saw the latter scramble over. Singe missed the kick. A few minutes later, List again tried to penetrate the strong defence and after dribbling, picked up the ball, threw across to Singe, who scored a good try. Delgrosso succeeded with a difficult shot, and at half-time the score was:— South Auckland H Auckland 8 Second Spell. With the wind in their favour Auckland made an excursion into the visitors' territory, Delgrosso setting his backs going well. Riley failing to take an easy pass, however, spoilt the effort. A minute later South Auckland -were penalised for off-side play, and Delgrosso landed an easy goal! After a spell of even play at half-way. Davidsou secured, and passed to List. Coming up fast, the former again took a good pass, and raced for the line, outstripping half-a-dozeu visitors. Delgrosso goaled. ihe locals livened up considerably in this half. The whole team seemed to work with better combination, and forced South Auckland back to their own twenty-five. When a few yards off the line Delgrosso passed to Kirkland, but Raynor intercepted, and saved a certain try. Not to be denied, Auckland again attacked. Davidson passed to List, who touched down at the corner. Delgrosso missed a difficult shot. At this stage Referee Mincham had occasion to warn two players for rough play. Again Auckland got going, the ball travelled from Cole to Riley to List, who again scored in the corner. Delgrosso kicked a splendid goal. It was a real hard go, neither side giving quarter, and on occasions the spectators were brought to their feet. One of these was when Kirkland shortpunted over the visitors' full-back's head. The Aucklander. accompanied by Mason, raced for the line. F. Raynor and Finlay were also in the hunt,"and just beat their opponents for the forcedown. In striking contrast to the first spell the Auckland backs were promptly arresting any movements initiated by the other side. From an Auckland rush down the line. Cole and Kirkland went through, and the latter scored. Delgrosso goaled. From a movement initiated by Gregory, the whole of the Auckland team got going. This pretty movement was finished by O'Brien, who accepted a pass which was sent across by Rilev. Delgrosso missed the kick. Away wont the Aucklandcrs again, taking all. before them. St. George scoring, and Delgrosso goaling.

The visitors caught the locals nap. ping. Stevenson ran up fast, and, on being tackled by Kirkland, he passed to Dufty, who developed a lot of pace and just got over, being hung on to by Cole. F. Raynor failed with the kick. Auckland were now getting all over their opponents, but were being held un on the line. Then the visitors' backs got possession, Hutt being prominent in a combined forward rush to the locals' line. After Raynor had a free-kick Smith secured, and passed to Paki, who scored the final try. Dufty increased the points. Auckland 36 South Auckland 19 THE CURTAIN-RAISER. As a curtain raiser to the representative match, the South Auckland junior reps, played the Parnell fifth Tade thirteen, the latter winning by 9 to 8 QUEENSLAND TOURISTS. GOOD GAME IN WELLINGTON. BANANALANDERS BEAT FERNLEAVES. (By Telegraph. —Press Association.) WELLINGTON", Saturday. Tbe Queensland Rugby League team met a combined team at Newtown Park this afternoon before about 5000 spectators. The weather was windy and threatening and the ground heavy. The vistors had the advantage of a strong wind, but were not able to use it to the extent anticipated. The opposition was keen at spoiling work and kept a fairly good check on the Queenslander.-,' efforts. The visitors were not showing the brilliancy of their earlier games but two attractive bouts during the early stages resulted in tries hy Paten and Fraunfelder. Aynsley eonvertinz both. Following dashy play by Johnston. New Zealand obtained a free kick. Peckham goaling. Queensland improved their play towards half-time, and practically the whole team combining in passing from their own line, Armbruster scoring. Aynsley kicked the goal. Queensland 15. New Zealand 2 The New Zealand team subsequently made a series of loose rushes, from which three tries were scored in quick time, Menzies scoring all three. Peckham converted one. Aynsley added a try for the visitors making the half-time score— Queensland 13 New Zealand 13 New Zealand continued to hustle the visitors after the interval, the latter making little impression. After a period of scrappy play Jackson made a great run, cleverly beating several opponents to pjre O'Connor an easy try. Peckham goaled and the scores stood IS—IS. The visitors' again drew ahead as a result of Aynsley scoring from a passing bout, but no goal resulted. Queensland 21 New Zealand 18. Later Crewther wns successful with a penalty kick, but Queensland thereafter showed their mettle. Tries were scored by Aynsley, Crouch, Purcell (2), Paten (3), Aynsley'converting one. The final score was— Queensland 44 New Zealand 20 PARNELL BEAT NGARUAWAHIA. As a curtain-raiser to the Auckland v. South Auckland match on Saturday, Ngaruawahia colts played Parnell. the game ending 9-—S in favour of the latter. On August 15. at Ngaruawahia. the colts beat Parnell by 8 to 6, and it has been decided that a deciding game shall be played in the country centre after the conclusion of the knock-out competition. THIRD GRADE. City won the third grade championship by defeating Ponsonby by 23 to 0. Athletics 40, beat Pacific 3. FOURTH GRADE. Richmond won the fourth grade championship on Saturday by reason of Ellerslie defaulting. They take the premiership with six points, having gone through the season undefeated. Parnell beat Devonport, 21 to 0. COUNTRY MATCHES. HAMILTON. First Juniors.—Ponsonby 15, be?t Hamilton 3. SOUTHERN MATCHES. CHRISTCIICRCH. . Addington 4-"i. beat Sydenham 0. Hornby 12, beat Marists A 10.