LEAGUE CLUB GAMES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 194, 18 August 1930, Page 15

LEAGUE CLUB GAMES.

PONIES' STRONG POSITION.

DEFEAT OF MARIST.

SHORE ECLIPSE CITY,

WINS FOR NEWTON AND ELLERSLIE. TKe end of the senior League championship is definitely in sight as the result of Saturday's games. The Ponsonby banner is fluttering at the masthead in the bid for the Monteith Shield, and Western Suburbs -will surely carry off the trophy again unless a miracle happens and they loose both of their remaining matches. This eventuality however, is unlikely as they have what are regarded as two fairly easy fixtures ahead of them./ Much depended on Saturday's results, for had City won and Marist vanquished Ponies, the latter and City would have been level on the points table. The reverse happened, for City met their match in Shore, and Ponsonby accounted for Marist in convincing style. Ellerslie scraped home against Kings-land-Athletics in a high-scoring game, and Newton gained a comfortable win over Richmond.

Unless t'he managemant of the League contrives to cut tlie championship short it looks as though the season will be long drawn out, and like last year t'he final games will be .played on adamantine surfaces and in a 'blazing sunshine. Next Saturday's fixture will occupy another valuable day, and, when Ponsonby make no hones about the championsliip, the sudden death, and champion of champions competitions have to be decided. To all appearances tsere are several months of football yet ahead, and it is just a question whether supporters of t'he game are 'being given too much of a good thing. ' TYKES MAKE BOLD BID.

A bold bid to unseat Ponsonby was made by Marists, •when the teams met in the principal game of the day, but they were beaten by a team which defended soundly and conjured up pretty collaborative effort by 19 points to 10. Western suburbs, except on rare occasions, appeared to havo the game in hand. They early forged to the front, and at the interval held tho advantage by 16 points to five. Tho second spell was more evenly contested, the greens adding five points as a result of a very lucky try, and the blues only three points. While Tykes held their own in all departments of forward play, and raked the ball frequently from the scrums, their backs, man for man, were not equal to the opposition. In the iirst spell the appearance in the five-eighths line of Cronin, hampered the Marists scoring machine, as Delgrosso was given all too much latitude. Captain Johnson made a wise move in bringing Sehultz in from the wing to fill the vital position, and from then on the Ponsonby backs did not have matters so much tlieir own way. Schulta is one of the most promising recruits to the League game this season. Ha has performed consistently on tho wing for Marist, and now ho has proved himself in an inside position, He opposed one of the brainiest and most dangerous men in the codo in Delgrosso, but, not only did ho make a certainty of getting his man, but he outwitted the old general on occasions.

Ho was conspicuous for straight and incisive running, although at times he spoilt good play by a final erratic pass. The outstanding back on the ground was "Spot" Eiley, the clever Ponsonby second five-eighths. His head work, pace and opportunism contributed largely to Ponsonby's victory, and carried him across the lino for three tries. His first score was typical of his genius. Delgrosso started trouble with Marist hard on the defensive. The ball was sent along to Riley, who veered outwards, and then, like a flash, reversed the movement and cut the defence to shreds by a diagonal run that carried him over under the posts. Brady, Tykes' centre, was another player who figured prominently for heady work. Although given limited opportunities he made most of those that came his way, and engineered a nice try for Batchelor. The latter performed well, although closely watched by Winters, his vis-a-vis. The-winger defended better than he has done for many a long day, and his determined running was a continual source of danger to the opposition. Cronin on the opposite wing was a failure. While game on defence, ho could do nothing right otherwise. Both in taking and giving passes he was lamentably weak. Schofield, who marked the latter, did not have a great deal to do, but, except for ono. foolish mistake, performed soundly. Early in the second spell he threw points away through neglecting to force when he had beaten Batchelor for possession behind the line. He fell and the ball did not touch the ground. Batchelor noted the omission, and dived liko a shot out of a gun for a try. Referee Rogers was quite right in giving his decision in favour of the Marist player, although his action met with a mixed recoption. Young got through a lot of useful work in the Tyke five-eighths line, and combined well with his supports. Of the full-backs Wilson for Ponsonby gave the most convincing display, although neither he nor reran, the Marist custodian, rose to great heights in defensive roles. Both men .could improve their positional play, and their line kicking. Hassan was as consistent as ever behind the Marist pack, getting the ball away smartly and backing up and defending in great style. Mclntyre, the Ponsonby half, was resourceful throughout. Besides feeding his supports liberally, and at every available opportunity, he .scored as the result of his ability to keep up with the play. Of the forwards Clarke (Marist) was outstanding, and always gave his backs plenty of support. Webberley, O'Brien and Graham also performed soundly. Great battlers for the visitors were Fagan, Stevens and Lunn. Moore was conspicuous for fast breaking up, but offset a good display by running into trouble as usual. Moore has been advised before to control his temper, but apparently advice in his case is useless.

ELLERSLIE'S FIRST WIN. A brilliant display by the Ellerslie forwards was a big factor in the victory of Ellerslie over Klngsland Athletics by 18 to 10, when they met on No. 2 ground at Carlaw I'ark on Saturday. The vanguard were always in the thick of the fray, while tlioy gave the maroon backs no chance to get" going, owing to their fast breaking up from the scrum. The backs did not shine collectively, but did good work on defence. On the other hand, the Kingsland backs were disappointing, their tackling being very weak, this fault having much to do with their defeat. It Avas an uninspiring game, neither side showing to advantage iu their efforts at collaboration.

Kingsland opened up in quick style. A movement in which Lucas and List were seen to advantage soon placed them on the offensive. Dix shot away in possession, drew the defence, and then transferred to List, who cut through fast and then passed to Carter, who fended off Kelly and scored wide out. Somers retaliated in quick fashion when he turned a penalty to account. Ellerslie swept downiield with the ball at toe, Hickey gathering * when nearing the line and scoring under the posts. Once again the tricolours swung to the attacK, Quirke finalising by scoring in a good position. Olliff converted. With a five-point deficit, Kingsland made strenuous efforts to pierce tlie defence, and were ultimately rewarded when Longville wiped off two points from a penalty from the side-line. Ellerslie went invading, a combined movement culminating in Hickey scoring, Olliff again converting. Kingsland then took a hand, List putting in a brilliant solo dash before sending a pass to Di::, who in-passed back to List, the latter diving over. Longville converted. Halftime came, Ellerslie leading 15 —10.

After a period of desultory play, Kingslaud added another try when—List scored. A brilliant, opening in midfield by Cox had Ellerslie defending hard, but the maroons were not to be denied, 1 Carter drawing the defence and leaving List a clear- run in. With only one ~ point between them, both teams were making every endeavour to penetrate the defence. Ellerslie pressed,

Quirke flashing out of the ruck with Somers j in support. When nearing their objective ] Quirke passed to Somers, the latter going across. It appeared from the side-line to | be palpably a forward pass. This score was the last of the match, Ellerslie gaining | a lucky win. i Kelly gave a good all-round exhibition at full for the winners, while Kennedy had | moro opportunities than Glynn. Hickey and Webb shone on attack, especially the ! first named, who scored two pretty tries. Olliff made the most of what came his way, while of an even pack, Quirke and Hobbs were particularly noticeable. Lougville was brilliant as custodian for the maroons, while he also kicked two fine goals from the side-line. Carter was the better of the two flanks, also being very solid on defence. List showed a return to his best form, making some very fine openings for his supports. Lucas and Herring combined to advantage at five-eighths, and in a tireless pack Railey, Carter, and McCloughcn were always at the head. A BRIGHT DISPLAY. Playing from the start with the (lash that delights fans, Devonport trounced City on Saturday by the tune of 11 to ft T™»J they met as the curtain-raiser at Cailaw Park. Devonport have been playing good football of late, but after City's convincing display when they drew with Man two weeks ago, it was thought the seasiders would gain such n« '»■ There was a lot of merit in Devonport s win, as they fielded a team pracUca y composed of juniors, whereas Ue city team were the more experienced J e fault behind the failure of City was the erratic handling of the rearguard time and again excellent chances going astray^ by one of the players mulling his pass when a score' appeared likely. , As a result of their defeat o? City, Devonport take second place with City in the championship, four points be strongly fromtte outDevonport had bad luck in not opening tl| scoring, when Smith went across, but wis called back for an infringement.. City hen took a turn, Shortland draw ng the defence and then passing 'to Reynolds, but the latter knocked on. A ceitain try wb thrown away, when with only Simons to beat Iveson gathered when standing palpably offside. Half-time came without either side having scored. Shore swung to the attack from the resumption, City being forced to kick behind. Prom the ensuing scrum Shore hooked and Rhodes sent a long pass out to Smith, the latter forcing bis wav across. L. O'Leary converted. Shore" now"began to show their excellent combination and added another score, when Rhodes short punted, O'Donnell racing up fast to gather and dive across. With these two reverses, City made a determined effort to score, but excellent defence by the seasiders kept them out. O'Leary received in midfleld, beat his man and thert passed to Smith. The centre flashed through, the defence and with only Perry to beat, kicked, for Harding, showing a nice burst of speed, to accept and score at the corner. The bell sounded shortly after, with a victory for Devonport 11 to 0. Simons, who is at present on leave from Wellington, gave a very sound display, his kicking and fielding being brilliant. L. O'Leary had more chances than Harding, but the last-named showed a nice burst of pace when he scored the last • try of the match. Smith opened the play for his supports in grand style, while he exploited tho short kick to advantage. T. O'Leary showed nice initiative, while Rhodes fed his backs assiduously. The forwards were a hard-working lot, with Laiug, Rule and Ruby standing out. The firstnamed was the best forward on the ground.

W. Perry was sound at full for City, while Paton was the better of the two flanks. He put in some very fine dashes down the line. G. Perry was a constant source of trouble to the opposition, his defence also being very solid. Reynolds and Shortland, collaborated well together, only to see tHelr good work amount to nothing owing to indifferent handling. The forwards all worked tirelessly, most noticeable being Iveson, Hamilton and J. Hadley.

OUTCLASSED. In the main feature at the Domain on .Saturday, Newton gained a comparatively easy victory over Richmond, emerging the winners by 11 points to 3. Although Newton held territory advantage for the major portion of the lirst half, play was fairly even, Newton gaining a try on one occasion, but in the second half they had the game, much their own way, adding another eight points, while Richmond gained their one and only try. There was little difference between the packs, and although Richmond gained possession from the majority of the scrums, the rearguard did not make full use of the advantage: Faulty handling was most noticeable in the Richmond rearguard, but when on defence, their tackling was solid, and very effective. The Newton backs were inclined to kick when unnecessary, and on several occasions when a try appeared most likely, the ball was fumbled. From tiie kick-off the Richmond rearguard swung into motion, Davies securing, and passing to Mincharu, who made u brilliant dash down half the length of the field, eluding several opposing players, but the movement broke down when he inpassed to Edwards, who was tackled a yard from the line. A penalty relieved the situation. From a forward rush and scramble on the line, Ilill sccured, and opened the scoring for Newton with a try that he failed to convert. Davies set the backs in motion, passing to Prentice, who transferred to Mincham, but when he passed, S. Davies failed to accept and a splendid opportunity was lost. .Tust before half-time Peckliam replaced Mills, who had received an injury. On resuming Caminick accepted from a series of kicks, and sent out to Brirable, who passed to McLeod, but he was pushed out at the corner flag, and from the scrum McLeod gathered and inpassed to Brimble, who finalised by scoring in a good position for himself to convert. Richmond retaliated in good .style, and it was not long before Peckham cut through the defence and scored wide out, but Mincham failed to convert. Richmond were kept on the defence, but were unable to keep McLeod from adding a further three points, Hill being instrumental in sending McLeod away. Cammick, gathering from the ruck, passed to Francis, to McLeod, who, for lack of support, kicked out of play, and when the whistle wont Newton were the jvinners by 11—3. For the winners, Dempsey, at full-back, was sound, fielding and kicking in great style. Ferral was the best of the fiveeighths, while the Brimble brothers gave a brilliant display. Francis was the best forward on the ground, with Kirkup and Mollet the other outstanding players.

For Richmond, Leo acquitted himself well, extricating his side on numerous occasions, and McLeod was the better of the wings. Mincham gave a brilliant display, and was easily the best in the rearguard, while B. Davies at ihalf-back fed his backs assiduously. The forwards had a hard day's work, Lennie and Ragg being prominent.

GRADE GAMES. SENIOR B GRADE. Mount Albert 19, boat Parnell •">. Ponsonby 5, beat Oneliunga 0. Northcote 20, beat Marist 0. SECOND/ GRADE. Ponsonby 0, beat Marist 0. THIRD GRADE. Richmond 5, beat Marist 0. Avondale 0, drew with Kingsland 0. THIRD GRADE INTERMEDIATE. Northcote 4, beat Devonport 3. Kingsland beat Mount Albert by default. FOURTH GRADE. Point Chevalier 9, beat Mount Albert 0. FIFTH GRADE. Otaliuliu 11, beat Northcote 0. Marist 38,-beat Ponsonby 0. Newmarket 28, beat Papatoetoe 0. SIXTH GRADE. Northcote 5, beat Newmarket 3. City 3, drew with' Kingsland 3. Richmond A 11, beat Marist B 3. Point Chevalier beat Ellerslie by default.

SEVENTH GRADE. Richmond A 32, beat Avondale 5. . Northcote 20, beat Marist 0. Ellerslie 21, beat Glen Lynn 0. PRIMARY SCHOOLS. Newmarket 14, beat North Shore 0. Ellerslie 9, beat Avondale 2. Richmond A 22, beat Papatoetoe 0. Richmond B 3, beat OtahuhU B 0. Akarana 36, beat Mount Albert 0. Ponsonby 5, beat Onehunga Convent 0. GAMES IN PROVINCE. HUNTLY. Seniors.—Huntly 11, beat Huntly Maoris 8. Second Grade. —Huntly Ramblers 20, heat Ngaruawahia Athletics 0; Huntly 'Pirates 6, heat Ngaruawahia A 3. Schoolboys.—Htintly Public School 54, beat Huntly Convent 3. GAMES IN SOUTH. CANTERBURY. Marists 17, beat Waimalri 3. Hornby 15, beat Sydenham 11. DUNEDIN. Christian Brothers A 37, beat City 2. Christian Brothers B 3, beat Athletic 2. PLAYERS HO TRAIN. HEP. GAME NEXT SATURDAY. Youth will he given an opportunity to make good in the match which will he played at Carlaw Park next Saturday between an Auckland representative side and the New Zealand team, which will return from . Australia to-morrow. One of the twenty players chosen by the selectors- to go into training for the match, Smith, the clever Devonport colt, was only promoted to senior rank this season, while several others have never gained representative honours before.

Tho following are the men who are requested'to train at Carlaw Park at 7.30 p.m. to-morrow and on Thursday next:—

G. Perry (City), Delgrosso (Ponsonby), Lee (Richmond), L. O'Leary (Devonport), Smith (Devonport), Brady (Marist), Riley (Ponsonby), Prentice (Richmond), Shortland (City), Hassan (Marist), Carter (Kingsland-Athletics), Fagan (Ponsonby), Stevens (Ponsonby), O'Brien (Marist), W. Hadley (City), Ruby (Devonport), Hobbs (Ellerslie), Clarke (Marist), S. Campbell (Marist), and Francis (Newton).

Players unavailable are requested to notify Mr. E. Asher immediately.