THE BUSY B'S.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 119, 22 May 1928, Page 14

THE BUSY B'S.

TWO AT THE TOP.

PARNELL AND ATHLETIC,

At the conclusion of games Athletic and Parnell retain their lead at the tob of the table in the B section championship, and the meeting between these two teams a fortnight hence should provide something extra good. Both teams, however, had close calls on Saturday and Mangere and Northcote fully extended the grade leaders. There is still room for surprises before the honour is won, but on form it looks as though, Parnell and Athletic will fight out the finish.

The game between Kingsland and Point Cheva,lier provided one of the sensations of the series, as no less than four Point players had to receive attention at the hospital. At half-time, Kingsland, aided by a strong breeze, had a little the best of the play and established a lead of 14 points to 7. When Point were expecCfed to rise to the occasion, bad luck dogged their chances and in quick succession Purdie and McLaren were taken off the field with bad injuries. The latter was playing „a great game until he retired. Ten minutes later Monoghan received a nasty kick in the head and he was removed to the hospital with concussion.

With only ten men, Point were hopelessly outclassed, and Kingsland added 30 points before time was called. It was a disappointing result. All being equal a good game may have been witnessed.

For Kingsland, Carter, on the wing, played a dashing game, and he was given every opportunity by List, who made some really clever openings.

Athletic had a great struggle against Mangere, and won by 11 points to 8 in a game that provided some fine football. A try by Longville from full-back was a feature of the match, and the blue and gold custodian showed rare resource in his stirring effort. Longville had a strenuous afternoon on defence and some of his saves were a treat to witness. Angelo played a fine game for the winners, and he proved exceedingly clever on attack. Lucas showed improved form but he can still do better. Martin was not so prominent as usual. His work behind the pack was somewhat hampered by Mangere's forwards, who were breaking quickly from the scrum. York was the pick of Athletic forwards, and he lead each raid, showing rare pace, and excellent judgment in supporting the backs.

Mangere showed better -ombination than in previous matches am', ilie Maoris will cause surprises before the competition is over. J. Wilsou, at full-back, saved his side on many occasions, and he was ever willing to pass to, his three-quarters. V. Paul scored a spectacular try for the losers, and he showed rare speed in the open. His brother, M. Paul, also played well. Wilson, junior, and Hapi were good, especially the former, whose work" was very finished. Roberts, Young and Grabb worked hard among the forwards. The latter played at half-back in the second spell and was a big success.

Northcote went near to causing a surprise against Parnell, and only two points were against the team from across the harbour when time was called. In fact, with a little luck Northcote may have beaten the local thirteen. Parnell have yet to strengthen their threequarter line to retain their lead in the championship. Little was disappointing on Saturday and time and time again he dropped simple transfers. Tanner, too, was also weak in his passing. Perry and Patton bore the brunt of Parnell's attack and the pair were really responsible for the work of the backs. Kerr gave' faultless display at full-back, and may be even better suited playing in Little's place at centre. Brockliss and the Molloy brothers were tlic pick of the forwards, while Sloman and Wilson did good work.