By Two Points.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 145, 21 June 1930, Page 2 (Supplement)

By Two Points.

Devonport Make Strong Bid Against Ponsonby. In a spasmodic and even contest on No. 2 area Ponsonby were extended to win. The teams were:— Ponsonby.—l. Wilson, Winters,- Delgrosso, Schofield, Angelo, Riley, Mclntyre, Pagan, Stevens, Lunn, McLeay, Gardiner, Moore. Devonport.—Saxon, Smith, L. O'Leary, Beattie, O'Donnell, Preston, Rhodes, Casey, St. George, Dixon, A. Scott, Ruby, Rule. The No. 2 area was in a very greasy condition for the contest, which opened with the Shore men on their toes, led by Alf. Scott, making his first appearance this season. Shore compelled Ponsonby to force twice. The position was suddenly reversed, when Saxon fumbled and Delgrosso made the most of the change. He sent the ball out to Lunn, to Schofield, who went on for half the field, and scored behind the posts. Delgrosso goaled. Ponsonby 5, Devonport 0. Getting a fair share of the ball, Devonport were making open, lively play and continued to press. Several passing bouts broke down owing to faulty handling, Beattie missing several good chances. Smith also failed with a penalty kick. The forwards, Casey, Ruby; St. George, Dixon arid Scott battled hard • and valliantly. Reward came when Casey forged his way through the ruck. Smith failed with the kick. Ponsonby 5, Devonport 3. Then Ponsonby returned the . compliment v by a nice burst of rearguard work, originating from a scrum, about midway. Mclntyre dispatched Angelo, Riley and Delgrosso away. The last-mentioned threw an inpass. which Winters seized, going at top and through the defences. Gardiner missed with the kick. The blue and blacks were now doing better, but their efforts did not show much cohesion. Then came a dramatic turn. Casey intercepted between Gardiner and Riley and sped goalward. • He handed on to Dixon, who spurted and gave to Scott. Running strongly and straight, the big forward registered his first try of the season. The kick was too far out for L. O'Leary. Half-time was called with the board reading: Ponsonby 8 Devonport « On resuming, the team from across the harbour was continually aggressive, but lacked just that finish to score. It was mostly forward tussle, relieved by one or two breakaways in the open. A pretty interception by O'Donnell and a smart running exchange by he and Rhodes went near to fruition. Play was not inspiring, and Ponsonby were eventually in the ascendancy, but were unable to increase their points' tally. The final score was: Ponsonby ® Devonport " Mr. N. Simpson was referee.