SENIOR B GRADE.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 168, 18 July 1929, Page 18

SENIOR B GRADE.

TWO CLOSE MATCHES.

OTAHUHU BEATS POINT CHEVALIER.. V-

The first round in the League B section: competition, for possession of the Stallard Cup, was commenced on Saturday under trying conditions. Tlie outside grounds suffered considerably, and good football was impossible. The meeting of Point Chevalier, winners of the grade championship, and Otahuhu, roused most interest, and the usual army of supporters journeyed to Mangero racecourse in ianticipation of the Carlaw Park battle over again. The heavy rain, however, militated against a fair test. Point Chevalier did not have- the same team as the* week pre T viousj several new players being tried, and others moved into different positions. Otahuliu. were keen to avenge its defeat, and early in the game scored a try and a penalty goal, and these were the only points scored. Prom then on it was a great battle., the forwatds, with Otahuhu _ slig y

superior. Point did not have the best of luck, as Lane left {lie ground with injuries in the fii'st half-, and Cronin retired in thd second session. Otahuhu deserved their' win, and will take a lot of beating for the trophy. It was mentioned on Saturday that Point Chevalier .intend to go into solid training in anticipation of its match against Ellerslie, 'for the right to play in the A section next season. The game will be staged at the conclusion of the Auckland Rugby League's club competition. .

For Otahuhu, Phillips gave his usual sound display at full-back. He fielded the greasy ball Well. Farrell did some Solid work behind the pack, and wisely kept the game controlled by his forwards. MatsOn was a tower of strength on defence, as was Harris. The conditions suited the blues' forward division, and each, of the set did yoeman service. Conway and Wliite Were most prominent. Had Humphries adopted different tactics behind the scrum, Point might have won-. He invariably kicked the ball hard enough for Phillips to fiejd. Short punts would have enabled iiis fast forwards to get possession. Twice in a passing bout the half kicked when well supported.. Monaghan played a fine ganie at five-eighths. Smith was all over the groiilid, doing useful work. Cronin made few mistakes at full-back. Goodwin played a great game among the forwards and was well supported by McMillan and. Sertes.

Darnell and Northcote contested ail even game at Victoria Park, where the ground, although very wet, was free from mud. Northcote won narrowly by five points ta two. The backs of .both teams attempted too much passing, and in consequence many mistakes were made." The fact that the backs controlled the play made the game bright in patches. There was little to choose betwedH the ieamß, and a draw would have been a fairer indication of the merits of the sides. A feature of the game was the splendid display of Robertson, at full-back for Northcote. He fielded cleanly and saved Northcote on numerous occasions. Without Robertson the seasiders wotild have been defeated. Paltridge caught the eye at five-eighths, getting through some splendid work on attack. Thomas and Carter were also prominent. Simpson stood,out .as Northcote's best forward. For Parnell, Kerr gave a sound display but would' be well' advised to refrain from questioning decisions. An argument with the referee resulted in a penalty goal to Northcote. Campney and Kelly were, best of the three-quarters, while Reid stopped somo_ dangerous rushes; Anderson was easily the best back and would have scored had Little passed sooner. Ritchie, Brockliss and Watson played splendidly •in the front division.