SENIOR B GRADE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 119, 22 May 1928, Page 13

SENIOR B GRADE.

MARATHON TRIUMPH

Marathon and Tramways provided a good exhibition of football for those fans who attended Victoria Park on Saturday, the game ending in a nine-point victory for the former team. Good combination and fast following up characterised the work of the winners, and although the opposition also threw the ball about freely their handling was not as it should be.

For Marathon Fowler led the forwards in fine style and was usually in the thick of everything. Kilgour and Stewart were probably the most outstanding in the backs. The latter is possessed of a fine turn of speed, and he touched down on four occasions, two of his tries being brilliant efforts. The team's goal-kicker (Wales) was in form. He kicked three goals, two of which were well-judged efforts from the sideline.

For Tramways Keenan showed good form, fast following being a feature of his play. Of the others, Whittome was probably the best, his surprise field goal being a brilliant effort. He got possession of the oval immediately following the commencement of the second half, and, catching the opposition unawares, potted it well and truly between the uprights.

'VARSITY STILL WINNING. Under ideal conditions and before a large number of spectators, 'Varsity and Suburbs provided the star attraction on the Avondale racecourse. Suburbs were the first to attack, their forwards carrying play to 'Varsity's twenty-five, but were forced to retire back to half-way through a nice piece of dribbling by the 'Varsity pack. Play kept moving at a fast pace. Several free-kicks were awarded for offside play, 'Varsity being the chief offenders, mostly through overeagerness amongst the forwards. Play was still merry till half-time without a score having been registered.

On resumption 'Varsity opened out, but their backs found the defence sound. Suburbs' forwards were seen in some nice play, B. Sly and Mercier leading the pack and play shifted t« 'Varsity's goal line, but they could not get over. 'Varsity started a fine back movement, Goodwin making a fine run, to score. Millar missed th* kick. The next try came soon after, Goodwin accepting a pass from Hart, and after making a nice opening passed to Baily, who dived over, Millar missing an easy kick. Suburbs rallied and had 'Varsity hard pressed, but play was shifted back to half-way by a nice kick by McLeod. Cheal, who was playing a fine game, was the cause of the next try. Snapping up quickly, he passed to Goodwin, who passed to McLeod, who scored, but the extra points could not be gained. Both teams were still playing hard, and either was likely to score again, but it was not until just on time that 'Varsity got their backs properly started, and Goodwin used all his pace and a clever swerve to register his second try. Kaa raised the flags. 'Varsity 14, Suburbs 0. Both packs were well matched, but 'Varsity had the fasteßt backs, although their combination did not seem to be quite the equal of their opponents, who were very unlucky on the ■day.

A HALF-CENTURY. Technical College Old Boys passed the half-century mark in their match against Newton at the Show Grounds on Saturday, rattling up 58 points against Newton's 3. The Technical team is comprised of a very fast set of backs, who seemed to develop a habit of running through the opposition, whose chances of winning a match this season seem very remote unless they improve considerably. There was not one player in the Technical team who did not justify his inclusion. Full-back Whittaker had hardly any work to do, but showed he will be an asset to -his team in the harder matches ahead. The three-quarters, R. and K. Couper and Keane, were scoring all the time, an dare a very useful trio. Hilliker and Hogg, five-eighths, and Harris, the half-back, all showed fine form, although they did not meet with much resistance from the Newton backs. The forwards were a solid lot, and rarely failed to gain possession of the ball, from the scrum. McMiken, Otto, and Rosevear were always in the limelight. As a whole Technical have a very fine team, and should gp very close to gaining the season's honours. Newton, on the other hand, are a very poor lot, Duncan, the skipper, being the only player in the team up to senior standard. Newton's sole score was a goal kicked by Moorcroft from underneath the posts.

MANUKAU V. H M.S. DUNEDIN. Manukau had great difficulty in fielding a team on Saturday, as most of their crack players were spelling after their gruelling game of the week before. Their places were hard to fill, but four fourth grade players came to their assistance, and gave a good account of themseleves. With Kalwasser, Wfctene, and Lenihan away, their back line was considerably weakened. Cargan, at full, u junior player, gave a nice display. Albon was patchy on the wing, but his try was a nice piece of work. Rata was the pick of the backs; he is coming back to last year's form. Sturmey was very weak. Bryers, who played for City last year, gave a good display at half. Taylor, Brlmble, and Young were the pick of the forwards. The Navy team must be given credit for a good display. Their tackling was excellent, and very seldom did a Manukau man get away from their tackles. Their full-back gave a good exhibition. He possesses a line kick. Their backs showed little combination,. but the ship possesses a good pack of forwards, who are pretty to watch on attack, causing the Manukau men many anxious moments. With a bit more practice the naval men should develop into a nicely-balanced combination. PIAKO UNION. The Piako Rugby Union executive at Te Aroha have decided on a draw for the Poland Cup as follows:—June 16, Piako v. Waihi, at Waihi (referee, E. Smith); Paeroa v. Plains, at Ngatea (T.Turner). June 30, Waihi v. Paeroa, at Paeroa (J. Reid); Plains v. Piako, at Te Aroha (A. W. Dunstan). July 14, Plains v. Waihi, at Ngatea (W. T. Jonas); Paeroa v. Piako, at Paeroa (N. Emmett). Sharebrokers' Cup.—June 10, Piako v. Waihi, at Te Aroha; Paeroa v. Plains, at Paeroa. June 30, >Waihi v. Paeroa, at Waihi; Piako v. Plains, at Ngatea. July 14, Plains v. Waihi, at '.Vaihi; Piako v. Paeroa, at Te Aroha.