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Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 119, 22 May 1928, Page 15

BELMONT V. TRAMWAYS. The game between Belmont and Tramways did not rise to any great heights as an exhibition of the code, although the Tramway forwards got in some good combined rushes. The kick and rush type of play was niost in evidence and this tended to make the game hard, so much so in the second spell that six players were injured. Although hard and fast, play was clean and the mishaps were purely accidental. Tramways had some difficulty in fielding a team, i Spencer had to be added to their already large injured players list, while Sims was also'indisposed. The club deserves credit for the way they turn out every Saturday under such adverse circumstances. Batty, in goal for Trams, was not as steady as usual, taking undue risks frequently. Hopkins played a first-class game at left back. Kendall, a new recruit, is a decided - acquisition and at right back, was outstanding, his work in all departments being of a high order. - Watson played his usual solid game at right half. Reid, another new recruit, is a player who is well up to senior class. Fyfie got in a solid afternoon's work, playing left half until Porteous' retirement, when he took his place at centre-forward and scored the goal that won the match. Spong was right on his game, getting in some clever work at right wing. Stretton, who usually plays in the" backs, played a useful game at inside right, combining well with the forward line. Porteous, another back, filled the centre forward position, nnrl until his retirement played a firstclass game, being always ir position and distributing the ball well. Davis was aa capable as ever. Scott gives promise of being a good left-winger,'some of his runs being very fine. He seemed to hang <m tothe ball .too long at times before ■ending upfield.

Chesney, in goal for Belmont, was again outstanding. Murphy was very, sound at full-back and was unfortunate in being injured. Follas gave a solid display, while Maekay, a promoted junior, .gave promise of being a firstclass right half. He played centre half in the juniors, and this no doubt had the tendency to make him get out of position on Saturday. Lithgow was handicapped by an old l,eg injury, but gave a good display. N. Bach was only fair, allowing the opposing wing far too much scop© by being out of position. The forward line did not impress, through the lack of cohesion. The fault lay with Allen and Bach lying too far back, and when the ball was sent to the front line Adams, at centre, did not have any support. Trewhella did not get a chance to shine, most of the passes sent to him being very weak and were generally intercepted by an opponent. R. Bach worked hard but was not a success at inside right and Adams got in some good individual work, but suffered through the lack of support. Allen was guilty of the same fault as Bach, with the result that combined work was at a discount. At times Belmont seemed to have five half-backs. Galloway, a fifth g>sde boy, played left wing and shows great promise. He has good ball control aijd put in some fine centres. He is only fifteen years of age.