LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 107, 8 May 1929, Page 15

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

LOWER GRADE FORM.

INTEREST IN SENIOR B

COMPETITIONS

APPEARANCE OF RICHMOND

Richmond's appearance in the senior B grade has provoked more interest in the competition, -which promises to provide some more closely contested games in the near future. Otahuhu and Point Chevalier appear tie strongest teams, but Parnell will soon be in a position to dispute grade honours with either of the suburban thirteens.

Northeote played its first game at Victoria Park on Saturday, when the men from across the harbour went near to beating Point Chevalier. The first spell provided spectators with plenty of excitement, and Northcote's forwards ■more than held their own.

Points , backs, however, showed better combination, and, late in the second half, turned the tide in the green and whites' favour. Point have a well balanced team, and their meeting with Otahuhu is being eagerly awaited. For Point, Hing at fuii-baek played a sound game, and kicked with good judgment. His, defence, however, was on occasions weak. Lane, a recruit from the Union game, showed a lot of pace on the wing, and gives promise of making good. Smith played ably at centre, his defence being very sound. Monoghan and Humphries were associated in good play, which at_ times badly beat the opposing five-eighths. Point's forwards had a little too much experience for Northcote, and their better condition stood them in good stead. Surtees a Soccer player, was the best forward on the gronnd. His fast following up bustled the Xorthcote backs, and i his footwork was a treat to witness. Callender gave Surtees good support, and played a fine game. The veteran, MePherson, who replaced Kindley, did well in all departments. For Xorthcote Eobinson at full-back played well. His fielding was certain, and he kicked with excellent range. Northeote would have been beaten by a big margin, but for Bobinson's defence, Fitzgerald was also j good in patches. , j Parnell had little difficulty in heat-1 ing Mangere by 29 point 3to 6. The i ''magpies" had a strong team on Satur- j day, and the side displayed improved form. Although Parnell have lost several | good players, the substitutes are im-j proving, and they may take a lot of beat-: ing in the championship. Mangere had a j fairly strong side in opposition, but lack t of training, so essential to win matches, was noticeable. In scoring three tries, Lynnburn played a fine game for Parnell. TTTs attack -was very effective, and he revealed a splendid swerve. Kerr, at full-back, made but few mistakes. Hosking and McLaren did good work in the open. Anderson and Lunn bore the brunt of defence. The latter is a promising youth. Little made some good openings behind the scrum. Ritchie was ParnelFs best forward. He revelled in [ the game, and did a lot of spoiling. York scored two tries, the result of following up. Wilson and Sloman also gave good support. For Mangere, Wilson scored a brilliant try, beating half the opposition in a great run. Pye was also good on attack, as was Rau, a hefty forward who led the Maoris in many dangerous raids. Otahuhu had too much combination for the lighter Richmond team, which were beaten by 20 points to 7. The "winner's forwards dominated the game throughout, and their backs did well on attack. Richmond, however, were by no means disgraced, and with a few more games together will be capable of extending much stronger sides.