SENIOR B GRADE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 140, 16 June 1930, Page 16

SENIOR B GRADE.

FIRST ROUND ENDS

OTAHUHU IN THE LEAD,

The first round of the senior grade B matches ended on Saturday, when Otahuhu, by defeating Northcote, placed themselves three points in the lead for the Rugby League championship. Point Chevalier, last year's champions, are in second place, one' point ahead of Northcote.

Although Otahuhu have a comfortable lead, the second round promises to become more interesting. Northcote and Parnell have played unluckily, and in the near future may cause some surprises.

A well-contested game between Otahuhu and Northcote was a feature of last Saturday's matches, when Otahuhu won by 10 points to 8. The winners gave a good display of the code, although there was little to choose between the teams. Otahuhu had an advantage in the scrum, and outweighed their opponents. The rear divisions were well matched, Northcote, if anything, being slightly better. For Otahuhu, Eustace, at centre three-quarter, played a brilliant game. He made some clever openings, and repeatedly saved his side with good defence. Phillip played a sound game at full-back, although hesitant when pressed by keen forwards. Matson got few opportunities to shine, but Ferrall behind the scrum was a tower of strength. The ex-City half is a great worker.

Led by Conway, the forwards did really well. Conway was an inspiring leader of a set which gave excellent support. '-.' ." ' s

Robinson again played a fine game at full-back 'for Northcote. The wings, May and Batty, plenty of pace, but lacked opportunities. Thomas and Nield were prominent on attack. Among the forwards,' Keymer played a great game. He was always on the ball, and a fine tackier. Hurley, Thomas and Kindley were also prominent.

Parnell have not had the best of luck lately but succeeded in beating Mount Albert by 7 points to 5. Play was fast and open, each team throwing the ball about in great style. But for Parnell's splendid defence Mount Albert might easily have won. The losers have been unlucky of late, losing three good players through injuries. With a spell next Saturday,. Mount Albert will have its full strength for-the following week. For Parnell, Kerr did not play so well as usual. His fielding often got Parnell into trouble. The three-quarters, Maher, Campney and Munce, did good work on attack.

Alder ton was easily the best player. Behind the scrum he did many clever things, which placed Parnell in good positions. He has only to pass more qxiickly to become a fine player. Ritchie and Brockliss stood out prominently among the forwards; which Sloman and McLaren played good games.

Point Chevalier showed improved form against Mangere,. and duly won by 8 points to. 3. PJay was fast and open, and' spectators at the Point were treated to a splendid exhibition of the code. Mangere led at half-time with an unconverted try. It was a wise move in "bringing Mohoghan back to his old position at five-eighths. The team captain was a battler in the scrum, but his knowledge of the game as a back,improved the attack. McLaren showed a lot of pace on the wing, and scored a great try. Lane played a nice game at full-back, while. Duncan did splendid work on defence. McLean was easily the best forward on the ground. Mangere have a brilliant player in Wilson, whose elusive running, repeatedly beat Points' backs. Roberts, at fiveeighths, was«also prominent, and is improving each game. HOUSE MATCH. Howie's Furniture Factory 11. beat Farmers' Trading Co. 3. ___£___ J SCHOOLBOYS. Newton,3, heat Avonuale 2. .v ; Onehu'nga Convent 0, drew with Otahuhu 0. '.-•■! Mount Albert 13, beat Devonpbrt 3. Richmond 37, beat Bllerslie 0. GAMES IN SOUTH. CHRISXCHUECH. Hornby 22. beat Marists 3. Sydenham 7, beat Woolston 6. Addington 6, beat Waimairi 0. DUNEDIN. Kaitangata 30, beat Athletic 0. - Christian Brothers 43. beat Kaikorai 23. City 5, beat Pacific 2.