SENIOR B GRADE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 161, 10 July 1930, Page 18

SENIOR B GRADE.

GAMES ON HEAVY GROUNDS. / NOETHCOTE'S GOOD WIN. Heavy ground conditions prevailed on Saturday last when the Auckland Rugby League played the second series of matches in the second round of the senior B grade. It was a new experience for players, and the games were not so interesting. Otaliuhu placed themselves in a good position by easily defeating Mount Albert, the score being 25 points to 8 in favour of Otahuhu. It looks as though Otahuhu will win the grade honours. Parnell won a well contested game from Richmond by a penalty goal to nil. Parnell deserved its win, as the magpies have not experienced the best of luck this season. Northcote showed good form in accounting for Mangere by 15 points to 6. Taken all round the matches of late have not been of a good standard. It seems the teams lack coaching. The most noticeable fault is the tendency to kick when in possession. Saturday was not a true indication of the merits, but several referees have described the matches as poor on account of foolish kicking. It only needs a team like Northcote to play good League football to beat both Otahuhu and Point Chevalier. _ The standard of play has not improved since the_ Auckland League inaugurated this section. It was always intended that the A section should benefit from the progress shown by B section teams. As a hunting ground for prospective representatives, the B section has been disappointing. After several good games Parnell won from Richmond in a well-contested match, the winning goal being converted by Maher. The winners were more superior than the score indicated. The ground was in a bad condition, and although the forwards predominated, some good work was seen among the backs. For Parnell Alderton was outstanding. The half-back got down to forward rushes in great style, and kept the play confined to the forwards. Kerr anil Munce also played well, especially the former, whope reliable line kicking was a factor towards success. The pack played really well, and was ably led by Sloman, whose pace and tackling often upset Richmond's backs. Veart, Reid and Doyle were also great workers. It may be interesting to relate that Clark, who was ordered off with the New Zealand team in Sydney, played for Parnell three seasons ago. Otahuhu had a comfortable win from Mount Albert, the grade leaders compiling 25 points to 8. The game was played in heavy rain at Otahuhu, and the local team carried,too much weight for its youthful opponents. The winners' rear division, however, gave a nice display, handling the. greasy ball to good advantage. Philip was a tower of strength at fullback. His fielding was certain and his lino kicking well directed.. Harris was the pick of the three-quarters, , getting good support from Reilly and Matson. Farrell played a heady game behind the pack, and gave the five-eighths, Eustace and Murphy, plenty of opportunities. Conway, Whye and Jury were the best of the forwards. Northcote had too much combination for Mangere and won well by 15 points to six. For the winners Robertson was easily the best back, while Batty also played well. Simpson and Keymer gave splendid displays, especially against a heavier scrum. For Mangere Jack and Lou Wilson did fine work on attack. Lipscombe and Roberts also played well.