B GRADE MATCHES.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 198, 23 August 1928, Page 18

B GRADE MATCHES.

GOOD FORM BY POINTS. SINGLE POINT MARGIN. After a sojourn of five weeks, the senior B competition games were resumed on Saturday, and it was only natural that the football would not be seriously contended, especially when, Athletic, the grade leaders, were having the bye. Nevertheless some close games were witnessed, and Point Chevalier's one point margin over Mangere was the surprise of the series. Otahuhu proved too good for Parnell, winning nicely by 14 points to 8, while Kingsland displayed better combination than Northcote, and won comfortably by 16 points to 5. The game at Victoria Park, between Point Chevalier and Mangere, attracted an unusually large attendance, and the spectators, estimated at three thousand, wjcre treated to a fast exhibition of the

code. Throughout it was evenly contested, and developed into a battle between Mangere's backs and Point's forwards. There were expressions of dissatisfaction over the time, and several prominent club officials were confident that extra time was played. The referee, • Mr. Emerali, however, was assisted by a touch judge, who was responsible for the declaration of time. The result, 7 points to 6 in Point Chevalier's favour, was, however, a true indication of the game. Point have a solid scrum, capable of extending most vanguards in the competition, and in each game the team generally show improvement. McPherson, a veteran League player, was the best forward on the ground, and he was in every movement, showing rare pace, and clever handling. Kindly, Spearpoint and Surtes were also great workers. The tackling of the whole vanguard was an object lesson. Forbv, at full-back, played a grand game. Hie fielding and well-judged return kicks repeatedly saved Point. Duncan played a sound game on the wing and showed pace and determination, when given a chance. Ifcimphries cleverly opened up the attack and Monoghan thrust home many good openings.

Without Wilson, Manegere would have been badly beaten. The speedy centre was always dangerous and with better support Mange re would have won comfort ably. Wilson has been given several trials in representative games, but his form has been disappointing. In better club teams the Mangere flyer would make good with experience. Lipscombe did some excellent work on attack, but his opportunities were few.

The game between Parnell and Otahuhu was marred by several incidents of rough play and finally an Otahuhu player was given marching orders, but only after being previously warned. Otahuhu had a better-balanced team than Parnell, who were unlucky not to score more points in the 6econd half. Levy and Martin played good games for Otahuhu, while Ellery did well among the rear division. He would be well advised to pay lesser attention to the man. Campbell was a tower of strength at full-back and saved his side with quick and clever handling.

For Parnell, Kerr, at full-back, spoiled a good display by weak kicking. He appeared to be bustled too easily into reckless kicking. Hosking was the best of the three-quarters, and made some clever openings. Keane let Parnell down by weak tackling. Perry and Anderson were the best backs on the ground. At times the pair played brilliant football, but the three-quarters failed to make the best of their openings. Ritchie and Molloy were outstanding among the forwards.

Kingsland threw the ball about in good style against Northcote and the maroons obtained a clear-cut win by 1G points to 5. The winners were without the services of List, who was at Dunedin for the second Test. Kingsland's backs played fine football and some of their tries came from excellent combination. Carter, Kindley and Carpenter played good games for Kingsland.

Keen to keep their unbeaten record in the B section Athletic arranged a practice game against Devonport, and after an interesting game the A section leaders beat Athletic by 20 points It was an excellent work-out and botii teams enjoyed the football. Athletic have an unassailable position in theB section, being seven points ahead to Kingsland. With only two more matches to be played the blue and golds have a mortgage on the champioiusMip. Furthermore, they will win the Xhjstle Cup, should they win the next two matches.

FIXTURES FOR SATURDAY. The following fixtures were arranged for Saturday :— SENIOR GRADE. Section A. —Ponsonby v. Devonport,. Carlaw Park No. 1, 3 p.m., Mr. L. Bull; City v. Marist, Carlaw Park No. 2, 3 p.m.. Mr. A. Itae; Richmond v. Eilerslie, EUeralie, 3 p.m., Mr. W. Mincliam. Section B. —Point Chevalier v. Aftiletic, Victoria Park Xo. 2, 3 p.m., Mc. W. Mincham; Northcote v. Mangere, Domain No. 2, 3 p.m., Mr. 11. McKubrey; Otahuhu v. Kingland, Domain No. 0, 3 p.m., "Mr. B. Emerali. SECOND GRADE. Ponsonby v. Devonport, Carlaw Bark No. 1, 1.45 p.m., Mr. T. Hill; Newrton v. Kemuera, Mount Albert, 3 p.m., Mr. 8. Blllman; Richmond, a bye. THIRD GRADE. Richmond v. Ponsonby, Outer Domain, 2.30 p.m., Mr. V. Stepson; Northcote v. Devonport B, Outer Domain, 3.30 p.m., Mr. V. Simpson; Devonport A v. Otahuhu, Devonport, 3 p.m., Mr. F. Thompson ; Mount Albert v. Kingsland. Otahuhu Reserve, 3 p.m., Mr. C. Gedye; Glen Eden v. New Lynn. Glen Eden, 3 p.m., Mr. C. Holmes; Ellerslie v. Glen Massey, Ngaruawahia, 1_45 p.m. THIRD GRADE INTERMEDIATE. Devonport v. Newton, Devonport, 2 p.m., Mr. F. Thompson ; Point Chevalier v. City, Grey Lynn Park No. 1, 3 pin., Mr. C. Moore: Ponsonby v. New Lsnn, Point Chevalier, 3 p.m., Mr. W. Simpson; Richmond v. Newmarket, New Lynn, 3 p.m., Mr. H. Meal. FOURTH GRADE. Otahuhu v. Ponsonby, Carta* Park No. 2, 1.45 p.m., Mr. W. Weston: Richmond v. City. New Lynn, 2 p.m., Mr. H. Meal; Northcote v. Reinuera, Grey Lynn Park No. 3, 3 p.m., Mr. A. E. Smith. FIFTH GRADE. •Browne Bros, and Oeddes v. Devonport, Domain, 2 p.m., Mr. W. Caddy: Richmond v. Mount Albert, Mount Albert, 2 p.m.AMr. S. Billman. SIXTH GRADE. Section A.—Richmond v. Devonport. Domain No. 1, 2 p.m., Mr. V. Rose; Marist v. Newmarket, Grey Lynn Park No. 1, 2 p.m., Mr. C. Moore; Northcote'v. Kingsland, Grey Lynn Park No. 3. 2 p.m., Mr. A. E. Smith; Point Chevalier v. Akarana, Point Chevalier, 2 p.m.. Mr. W. Simpson. Section B.—.Newton v. City, Victoria Park, 2 p.m., Mr. C. Thompson ; Richmond v. Newmarket, Outer Domain, 1.30 p.m , Mr. W. Lauder.