LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 162, 12 July 1927, Page 12

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

NEWTON SUPERIOR.

CONDITIONS BEAT PONSONBY.

A'EALL FOR THE LEADERS.

With the balance of weight in their favour in the scrum where it was required* • considering the • weatfier and surface filci out against Ponsonby -in the only 'Senior game played'at ■Carlaw Park on ,Saturday, literally bursting With confidence. And they proVfiid that confidence was not ovcr-estiniatod, for they emerged triumphant, turning the tables on tlipir consistent: Opponents by a comfortable double-point margin. The pace -they set at the outset, and tho determination' "they demonstrated in their initial thrusts prbved somewhat disconcerting to their most ardent supporters, who were not too sanguine as to whether they could last at such a bat. By the time the spell arrived, however, this fear was more or less dispelled, for, with the conditions militating against scoring opportunities, and the reds having an eight point advantage up their sleeves, it was apparent that the Ponies' taskwas going to be a tremendous one, even to make a draw of it.

The second spell was a repetition of the first, with the Newtonians invariably in the ascendancy, and their opponents hanging on tenaciously trying to fight back and make up the lost ground that Dufty's long-rancre kicks repeatedly stole from them. The game was a unique example of the power behind the hefty centre's boot. His ability to find touch, or go very close to it, with kicks directed from within the Tegion of neutral territory, was one of the deciding factors of the clash.

While Ponsonby. played a hard, tireless game, they seemed to be more puzzled with the squirming and squirting ball than Newton. They were the less adapted to the conditions of the two teams; and, weakened in the front row by the unfortunate retirement of Lowrv with a broken jaw, saw comparatively little of the. ball. This was more pronounced in the first forty-five. Oil the few occasions that the ball trickled through to the redoubtable Peckham, after the change-over, the bluea showed where their strength lay, and swung away in line. For a period their aggressive tactics proved perplexing to.the opposition, and Grey, swinging in-field, following a bright passing interlude, was hauled down within a few feet of his objective. The Ponies subjected the opposition to a taste of their own medicine, and hard ruck play on the last line saw Allen slip across for the blues' sole try of the match. From then on, with the scores standing at 11 —3 in their favour, Newton left nothing to chance, and piled np three more points before the curtain was rung down on the match. The scores were a fair indication of the merits of the two teams on the day, and the game, in the circumstances, exceeded expectations—it revealed the best wet-weather football seen on the park for many a long day. Beaten in the tight, the Pony forwards nevertheless held their own in the loose, and played a remarkable defensive game. Ward was the shining light, and was usually at the head of incursions into

enemy territory. His fast following through was an inspiratiQn to his side. McNeil, Payne and Allen were his most stalwart supporters, while Gardiner's weight was an acquisition in the second spell when he moved in from the wing ,to be relieved by Hutt. Langley played a sound fullback game for the blues under great difficulties, and it was no fault of his that Newton piled on points. Of the threequarter line, Grey was outstanding. He defended well, and initiated promising manoeuvres when opportunities—rare ones, indeed—came his way. Gardiner was not at home on the left flank, though his bulk>cking tactics were frequently in evidence. He played his best in the pack. Delgrosso bore a fair abate of the brunt of Newton's attack, but emerged with colours flying. Peckham was the choice of the insides, and was elusive, and nippy on his feet in spite of the mud.

Playing to the gallery', did not enhance Herewini's (fullback) play for Newton. He was solid enough, save for wild passing, after putting his chain in position. He over-did his .leisurely way of fielding wfien the forwards wete coming down on him, hut usually got away with it. The Hargreaves-Dufty-Littla threequarter combination waa a decidedly good one, and all three players were dependable, both on attack and defence. Dufty was the id?l of Newton's supporters, and he deserved his high pedestal, for the manner in which he piloted Ms side to victory. McLeod and Morman combined well, in the fiveeighths line, while the, diminutive McIntyre, behind the scrum, was as slippery as the eel he looked like at the end of tiie piece. He was in all the hard stuff, and mixed it with the best. He played a much better game than his vis-a-vis, Peckhani, whom, with a bit more experience on his shoulders, ho prot mises to replace as representative half. The try lie bagged in the first stanza was reflective of his genius and ability to dart into openings like a flash. Clarke was the must resourceful scrummager for Newton and the best forward "on the ground. Henry and Somers were his more enterprising partners.

PARNELL TEAM'S TOUR.

Two teams from the Parnell Club journeyed to Rotorua and played two :matches there against the local representatives. The games were very interesting, the passing by the Parnell backs being jjieartily appreciated by the spectators. In the junior game Parnell won by it) to 0, and the senior gamo resulted in a win for., Parnell by 27 to 3. •••; The teams, homeJ lat& Sujidfiv evening, after a most enjoyable trip. -

KLNGSLAND Y. OTAHUHU.

The weather which prevailed . last Saturday was about the worst that has been experienced of a Saturday afternoon this season. During the whole of the play between Kingsland and Otahuhu rain was steadily falling and this considerably spoilt the standard of play It was quite apparent after the game had progressed a little way, that Kingsland would win fairly easily, an d it was no surprise to see them compile 25 points to Otahuhu's nil. For the victors, -McDonald at fullback, gave a very good display, his handling of the ball twin* nearly faultless. Carter on the win? put in some nice dashes, but the best of the backs was without doubt List at centre. He was always there to seize an opportunity, and also* put in some solid defence work. Ho is about the best three-quarter Auckland has playing league McManus' display was quiteup to the mark, getting rid of the ball Amongst the forwards, and (x. Sims were conspicuous. ° On the Otahuhu side the backs did not combine at all up to their best and were liot able to get properly going. Ellery u- -.''J.r gave a safe displav, while \\ . 1 hilp, on the wing, was quite fair His brother, on the other side, was a httle disappointing. Jamieson, at half fed his backs when he got the ball from the scrums. It would be hard to pickout any forward, but Pilcher and Hart were prominent for their fine work in the loose.