JUNIOR GRADES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 123, 27 May 1930, Page 16

JUNIOR GRADES.

The second grade game between Abels and Y.M.C.A. ended in a win for Y.M. by three goals to one after a very tame display by both sides. The game'was of the kick and rush style, and combination and team work were at a discount. What little combination was attempted generally broke down before reaching the danger zone, and the finishing from the many scrambles that took place, in-front of both goals was weak in the extreme. , Abels could not be recognised as the team which put up such a good display against Ponsonby last week, and Y.M. evidently had a day off, as they are capable of better things. ~ ' : ; ... The Belmont and Tamaki fourth grade match proved a hard and fast game, both teams giving a bright display of the code. Victory eventually went to Tamaki by the odd goal in five, but a draw would have been a fair indication of the game. The Belmont front line gave a good exhibition of cohesive play, but were a little weak in front of goal. The'backs defended well, and their positional play in general was good. The Tamaki forwards played with dash and judgment, some of their combined work being first class. They were also more dangerous in front of goal than the opposing front line. The backs covered up well, and their defensive work was a feature of their play. They also kicked with judgment and placed the ball well. This match was one of the best displays to date in the junior grades. For Belmont Bowen, Bourdot, Cheator and Fraser played well, while Clark, Keys, Mullane and Broadfoot were prominent for Tamaki. Y.M.C.A. B ran out winners by three goals to one in their fourth grade match with All Saints. All Saints fielded ten men, but put up a good fight. They have several capable players in their team, and

with coaching in positional play and combined work would make a good side, which most teums in their grade would find it hard to beat. The winners were good in team work, and the forwards worked nicely together in combined runs, which brought out some solid defence by the All Saints full-backs. The Y.M. full-backs were also very sound in defence, but were inclined to get out of position. Burke and Watson stood out for All Saints, and Pearson and Hill were a good'; pair for Y.M. i Onehunga met a stiff opposition in their fifth, grade game with Metro-Col-lege, and after a fast and interesting game had a two goal to nil advantage' at the final whistle. The winners owe their victory to the forward line, who played with dash and cohesio'n throughout. The backs were patchy,- but generally their placing was good on attack. MetroCollege did not combine effectively, the team work being weak, but the' backs were very solid, their defensive work being a feature of their play. ' The forwards; got in some good individual play, but, lack of cohesion was very evident. For Onehunga Bower,, Gates and Carson were noticeable, and Colclough, Norton and Dallimore performed well for Metro-Col-Al though Comrades A, fifth graders, battled gamely against the heavier Y.M.C.A. A team, weight and pace told in the second spell, and Y.M. were at the big end of a six goal to one tally at the finish. The Comrades' defence was very weak, ,and their forward line did not get much of the ball in consequence. Although they have proved themselves a fast and nippy front line, with plenty of combination, without a share of the ball they were impotent. The Y.M. backs' practice of placing the ball into the mouth of the goal with powerful kicks when they had the wind advantage, with the forwards in position, proved too much for their opponents' defence, and was a big factor in their victory. Riggans and Murrains were outstanding for Y.M., while Pennycook. Ryan and C. Hayward worked hard for Comrades. In their fifth grade match, Belmont, playing ten men, were too strong for Carlton, winning after a close game by two goals to one. Carlton held the advantage from the start of the game, and pressed Belmont hard. ' Belmont took ' some time to-settle down, but when they eventualy did so, their front line began to play with'cohesion and were well supported by the backs. The score was'one all for the best part of the game, but Belmont had the advantage in the closing stages,, and added another goal. Carlton made several spasmodic raids after this, but the Belmont ' defence was too strong. Marshall (in goal) gave an excellent display for Carlton, while Selby was the best of the others. Barnett,. Yarnton and Clist were a good trio for Belmont.