LEAGUE ROOSTER.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 219, 16 September 1929, Page 11

LEAGUE ROOSTER.

SEMI-FINAL PL.UCKINGS.

TWO DECISIVE WINS

MARISTS AND PONSONBY.

Despite counter attractions, tho turnstiles rattled merrily at Carlaw Park on Saturday, when conditions were ideal for good_ football. It was, however, a disappointing day for patrons. Richmond failed to reveal the promise they showed a fortnight ago, and bowed in defeat to Ponsonby, principally through a lack of cohesion in the backs. The winning rearguard showed sparkling form and treated tho spectators to some line rapid-lire attacks, which were mainly responsible for tho victory. City established an early lead over Jlarist Old Boys, but clever interplay by the hitter's inside backs, allied to sterling forward work, broke down tho opposition, which was conclusively beaten ju the second half, leaving two strong teams to dispute for filial possession of the poultry prize next Saturday.

Without detracting from the merits of tho successful thirteens, it must be repeated that both semi-linal contests ns games lacked the verve usually asso-

ciated with this popular annual coin petition.

City bucked into their task with refreshing relish from the kick-off, and within a minute were hammering at the corner. A scrum close to the line was followed by a tense melee, and Graham used his weight to break through and kick to touch. The greens opened out on tho left flank, but the combination of Brisbane, Gregory and Brady was foiled by quick tackling on tho part of Ivcrson and G. Perry. Then on the stand side, near the quarter-line, Brisbane took a snap pass off-side and enabled Watene to raise the flags. Shorthand pleased with several solo dashes, being a little 100 quick for his first five-eighths. Open formation, which indicated that neither team had settled down, preceded a bout of brisk kicking between Watene and Delgrosso, until Gregory came up in a swerving run to send Brisbane away. Tho centre side-stepped G. Perry, a bad pass spoiling a chance for Brady, G. Perry sized up the situation, and City I again invaded on tho far side toward No. 2 ground. Their forwards rattled on the pace, Clarke, Hamilton and Pascoe being to the fore. A few yards from tho line Hadley gathered and w;is about to plank tho ball down when Duanc and

(i. Campbell tackled and prevented what would otherwise have proved a sure try. A serum-out went down, and City hooked. The half sent out to Ivcrson, to

I. Perry. The ball went loose, and Delrosso cleared. Following fast, the reon backs were rapidly under way, irisbano carrying on past halfway.

Hero McLaughlin retrieved, repeating tho effort seconds later, and wisely inpassing to Jverson. G. Perry twinkled, and City were again battling at the point of the lirst onslaught. This time reward came swiftly. The forwards plunged into tho breach, and Hadley, playing his finest game this season, scooped up for W. Perry to receive and bound across incres from touch. Watene found the angle difficult, but the fact that the Booster holders were five points down, and up to this stage had visited their opponents' quarter only once—as the result of a brisk run bv Bradv—stimu-

lilted spectators. To cap this McLaughlin effected a surprise by neatly dropping a goal from the field. Then the cry went up, "What's wrong, Tykes?" and the Old Boys started to make reply. Gregory and Brisbane co-operated iu a meteoric burst, and Brady transferred nicely to Bachelor, who performed throughout the day in attractive style. From near halfway ho speeded to the corner, where Wateno pushed him into touch a couple of yards out. While still on the offensive a penalty was awarded, and Gregory notched a. great goal. City 7, Marists 2. It was obvious that the Marist forwards wcro intent upon feeding their backs, and, apart from tho duel between the two halves, O'Brien and Clarke were sending tho ball out to each flank. A return kick by Gregory from Watenc, who had run upfieu* found City unprepared, and Shortland, who everywhere, made a gallant effort to save from a short kick by Bachelor. However, tho latter and Brady were in hot pursuit, and Brady won, for Gregory to level the points —7 all. City backs were being continually caught out of position. Watene, who did a, prodigious amount of work, now attempted to run his backs into motion, changing his mind as the greens converged upon him. He failed to get his kick in, and Marists' strong winger, McDonald, the ex-Poverty Bay Rugby representative, snapped up the ball in a flash, just beyond his twenty-five, outpaced W." Perry and cantered 011 for a spectacular try as McLaughlin drew closer. Again Gregory goaled, and the greens had a five points lead. G. Perry led his team to tho advance, Pascoe and Pen Barchard were hard at it when N. Campbell came to light with a liner that placed the reds back at midway. Tho backs again functioned, this time as the outcome of fumbling by City backs. Brady and Bachelor had another run, the latter being quite unfairly tackled by McLaughlin after clearly having punted the ball. Hadley again led liis forwards on a rapid raid. From a scrum Shortland got G. Perry away. Iverson supported him, but got the pass too late, when a score was within possibility. Campbell, who was very safe as custodian, went down on the ball. From the scrummage Graham, O'Brien and Clarke dribbled back to midfield, Hassan dispatching his henchman 011 a rapid interlacing run. It ended in a grim test between the forwards at City's line. A stubborn defence was successfully resisted through fine work by Wateno and McLaughlin. The score was unaltered at the spell, shortly after which Shortland let his sido down by a badly directed pass. O'Brien, always on hand about the scrums, gathered in his stride and strolled across as Watene tackled. The greens now appeared to have tho game well in hand, though City never actuallycaved in. For this they have to be thankful to a good hooker. Brady, who has developed into a wonderful centre in the hands of Brisbane, and Gregory was still playing brilliantly, and he created a fine opening for Bachelor on tho terrace side. The winger responded in hurricane fashion, cramming on the pace and leaving Laurie Barchard stand-

ing. Changing as Watene approached, the Marist flyer gave a Horder thrill to the crowd as he swerved inwards to

score behind the posts after a run from near his own twenty-live. The kick did not materialise. Both Marist wingers showed that Auckland has splendid material- for the future. Two determined'attacks, with G. Perry outstanding, were made by City, and Leu Barchard had an easy but ineffectual shot at goal. In the dying stages Graham, who played solidly, scored from the ruck, leaving the final scores Marist Old Boys 2li, City Rovers 7.

A better understanding between the Marist forwards and backs, together with greater collaborative speed, were responsible for City's defeat, which was, however, by no mean a walkover, although the greens established clear, superiority as a team. Hadley (who went off with a sprained ankle)- and Clarke, a conspicuously fine type of heavy young forward, and Pascoe were outstanding of the City pack. Shortland, who went off with concussion, again proved his worth behind the scrum, but tho opposing inside backs quickly nipped passing in the bud and generally succeeded in ringing the changes. McLaughlin, as well as Watene, was overburdened with responsibilities. City merely petered out.

Little need be said about the winners, Tho forwards were not quite as cohesive as they have been seen this season, and Clarke made a reappearance. Hassen served his backs well. This Sacred Heart College old boy is a clever little player. The rearguard should be seen in even better trim next time out.

Tho final "plucking" of the rooster, between Marists and Ponsonby, should leave the bird fairly exhausted. It should be an event worth going far to see.

RICHMOND VANQUISHED,

Contrary to general expectation, Richmond failed to hold Ponsonby in the preliminary game at Carlaw Park, Ponsonby winning by 23 to 0. The winning team wag seen at the top of its form, and 'treated the spectators to some sparkling movements. In fact, there was only one team in it over the concluding stages. On the other hand, Richmond failed to show the form of a fortnight ago, when they gained a convincing victory over Devon port. On occasions they broke away in combined passing rushes that carried them near their objective, but over-eagerness and faulty handling spoiled many chances. The vanguard all played well, and if the backs had shown to advantage it is quite likely that they would have given Ponsonby a much harder light for honours than that witnessed.

Ponsonby took the initiative from the kick-oil, a dash by Skelton taking proceedings to Richmond s territory. From an ensuing scrum, Melntyre whipped the ball out to J hompson, who sent on to Skelton, the latter Hashing over under the posts. Delgrosso had no difficulty with the kick. Richmond retaliated deteimincdly, a certain try being thrown away when Hamilton "elected to Jiang on when he had two men supporting him. Again Ponsonby attacked, and a free against the maroons gave Delgrosso another chance, Ponsonby's captain goaling. Although Richmond made strenuous efforts, half-time came with the score 7—o against them. Richmond put more vim into their attacks from the resumption, and the championship winners were hard pressed to keep them out, but it was only momentary, and ere long Winters auded another try, after one of the prettiest pieces of play of the match, the issue was now beyond doubt, owing to the failure of the Richmond backs to collaborate, and further tries came per medium of McTntyre, Rilev, and Seholield, while Skelton and Moore each converted one.

For the winners. Delgrosso was coolness personified, kicking' and fielding with accuracy. He relieved his team frequen?»<» with great line kicks. iSeliolieid did not have many chances, but made the most of any that did come his way. Riley and Skelton were the two best backs on the field, excelling in nice interpassing, and worked the scissors pass to perfection. Winters put in some excellent dashes down the line, and it was n very line effort when lie scored. Mcintyrc showed keen anticipation behind the pack, while the forwards all toiled hard, with Payne, Fagan, and Gardiner standing out. The Richmond full, Paxton, was too casual, and frequently brought trouble by taking things too easy. Neither Minciiam nor Patterson showed to much advantage, owing to the ball hardly ever getting as far as the wing. Befridgc made some brilliant openings, and was the only Richmond back to play up to his best form. Prentice is one of the best defensive players in the code, his display on Saturday being quite up to his usual standard. Peckhnm, behind a winning pack, 'was as elusive as ever, and made many beautiful opening?, but his supports failed to carry them on, the movement generally breaking down through faulty handling. The vanguard were the better sextet 011 the day, and, with more assistance from the backs, would have given Pon.sonby a much harder fight for victory. R, Jones and Stewart were particularly noticeable for great work in the loose.

OTHER RESULTS. SENIOR B GRADE. Richmond 9, beat Northcote 5. THIRD GRADE OPEN. Ellerslie 10, beat Kinsslaml it. Ponsonby A defaulted to Richmond. THIRD INTERMEDIATE. City 11. beat Northcote 0. Newmarket 12, boat Akarana 2. FOURTH GRADE. Akarana 11, beat Richmond 0, Ponsonby S, beat Kingsland 0. FIFTH GRADE. Richmond 14, beat Point Chevalier 4. SIXTH GRADE. Newton 2, beat' Marist 0. City 11. beat Newmarket 2. Devonport 12. beat Kingsland O. Point Chevalier 10, beat Otnhuhu 0. Richmond Hi, beat Marists 0. Richmond 1! 45, beat Richmond A 0. I'onsunby 2:>, beat Richmond 0. PRIMARY SCHOOLS. Newton 12, heat Mount Albert. H. Newmarket -'io. boat Otahuhu 0. Ellerslie 11, beat Akarana G. » Onehunga 24, heat Devon port 3. HOUSE MATCHES. The Smith and Smith-\V. Monteith match was postponed. J. R. Herring 0, beat A. B. Wright C. GAMES IN THE SOUTH. CHRISTCHURCH. Addington S, beat Sydenham 5.