LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 216, 12 September 1928, Page 13

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

STALLARD CUP GAMES.

THE OTAHUHU INCIDENT.

The opening round of the Stallard Cup knock-out competition matches was marred by regrettable incidents which occurred during the progress of the Otahuhu v. Kingsland match, and whatever is the outcome several Otahuhu players cannot be commended, for their conduct. Early in the game it was apparent that the referee was in for a hard time and as the game progressed it got almost beyond control. When Otahuhu were leading things went on smoothly, but a try to Kingsland roused the players to an ugly mood. The qjowd, too, excited the players, until one of Otahuhu's players was ordered off the field. The incident followed a general uproar and Mr. Hill promptly called the game off, leaving Kingsland the winners. It was certainly a hard ta«k to concentrate on the game, so intent were at least four Otahuhu players on stopping the match. It is to be hoped that stern pleasures will be taken by the Auckland League in dealing with the offenders, whose names are no doubt known. In fairness to the remainder of the Otahuhu side good things can be said in their favour, but the code cannot afford to be brought into disrepute by several who glory in playing the man, not the ball, and whose language was offensive.

Little can be said about the players, but for the winners, Linden, at fiveeighths, played a brilliant game and beat the opposition with tricky running. List was not in a fit condition to do himself justice, as the New Zealand rep. is still suffering from an injured leg. He, nevertheless, shone in patches. Simms, aided by powerful running, proved a dangerous scoring back. Athletic were successful in beating Northcote by 10 points to 5 after an uninteresting game. In the first spell play was ragged, but it brightened up considerably in the second half, and both sides showed improvesd form. Athletic had a little bit the better of open play and their backs were able to finish off passing bouts. JJorthcote can find room for improvement, and it only requires careful attention to training and coaching to make good. Both sides as a matter of fact have young players capable of rising to great heights.

Longville played a sterling game for Athletic, and as a full-back has few equals. His fielding was certain and he ran with good judgment in opening up the game for the three-quarters.'Christ-mas and Haydon -were prominent on attack, while Martin at half-back never failed to feed his backs. Nelson was the pick of a solid pack of forwards. Northcote were unfortunate in losing Fitzgerald, who was playing a sterling game. May was not bo prominent as last Saturday, but nevertheless made few mistakes. Robertson, behind the scrum, is an improved player with a variety of moves on attack. Pennycook was Northcote's best forward, but displays a tendency to play the man.

Point Chevalier recorded a surprise by beating Mangere at Carlaw Park in a closely-fought game, that was, however, unimpressive. Good individual play featured throughout and there was an absence of team work. Point Chevalier, however, are improving each Saturday. The points, 15 to 8, about represented the run of the play. Point's best back was undoubtedly McLaren, whose pace and clever running badly beat the defence. The wing three-quarter is a dangerous scoring back. Purdy and Monoghan combined splendidly at five-eighths and completely outplayed their opponents. Humphries played a sound game behind the scrum, and Surtes, usually a forward, was a success at full-back. Among the forwards McPherson and Goodwin were prominent. Goodwin scored two tries, one being a particularly good effort. Point have a reliable hooker in C. Speirpoint. J. Wilson saved Mangere in good style by powerful kicking. Wilson, jun., has played better games. He appears to have lost a lot of confidence. Paul and Lipscombe were the best of the threequarters. At the conclusion of the round Athletic. Point Chevalier, Kingsiand and Parnell, who had the bye last Saturday, remain in the second round, which promise to provide good games.