THE LEAGUE ROOSTER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 212, 8 September 1930, Page 12

THE LEAGUE ROOSTER.

PURSUIT OF THE TROPHY.

LAST YEAR'S WINNERS OUTED

RICHMOND DEFEAT MARIST,

WINS FOR CITY AND SHORE,

Keen football was played at Carlaw Park on Saturday afternoon, when the Roope Rooster knock-out competition was commenced. Most of the games possessed sparkle that has been lacking in recent club games, and one of the biggest crowds of the season got their money's worth. The surprise of the day was the defeat of Marist, winners of the Silver Wyandotte for two successive seasons, at the hands of the light Richmond thirteen, by 6 points to 3. In the curtain-raiser to the main game, City thrashed Kingsland by 31 points to 13. Across the way Ponsonby had no difficulty in defeating Ellerslie by 30-points to 12, and Devonport upended Newton by 15 points to 2.

RICHMOND'S TRIUMPH. League fans have come to regard Marist «o much as Roope Rooster finalists that their defeat by Richmond by the slender margin of <"> points to 3 came as a considerable shock. Be that as it may the fact remains that, on the day, the suburban team won on their merits, and territory v had the better of a grim struggle. Excuses can bo made for the wearers of the green. Firstly, they were minus the services of Brisbane (who is still suffering from the effects of the gruelling tour of Australia made by the "Kiwis'' recently), Brady (who has not recovered from injuries received in Auckland's match with New Zealand) and "Jock" Graham (one of their most rugged forwards, who was ■ a spectator). Then, again, they missed several scoring chances, particularly when "Stump" Campbell, after a great dash, elected to toss a pass to a support when a few more paces or a mighty dive would have carried him across. On the other hand, Richmond were also unlucky not to have rattled on more points. While they were at full strength, save for the defection of Tim Peckham, their mercurial half-back, all honours go to them for their resolute tackling in face of towering rushes, grim determination and ability to break down the defence of one of the most solid combinations in the code. Right from the jump the light Richmond side gave some indication that they were right on their mettle, and but for faulty handling by Mincham would have scored. Marist fought back gamely, countering attacks by low tackling and opening up the play at every opportunity. Well into the spell they were rewarded for their persistency by Young flashing across for a well-merited try. The interval, however, showed the teams on level terms, Prentice forging a passage through the defence on the terrace side. The second spell was a repetition of the first, although when Ritchie received from the side of a scrum on the Marist line to bullock his way across for the winning try, the players enthused more than warranted vigour into their play. It was regrettable that Jim O'Brien, the great battling Marist forward should be compelled to finish a. season of good football on the side line. A great worker throughout the day, about five minutes before the end he apparently had words with Referee V. Simpson and was given his marching orders. Fortunately the deciding .ftry had been scored before the incident occurred, and Marist have no squeal coming that they were defeated with a short complement. The contesting packs were well matched, though it was rather surprising that the Marist hookers were beaten frequently for possession in the scrum. The greens shone in the tight, and for their ability to open up the play from the loose, Johnson and O'Brien being conspicuous for their work in the latter connection. The Richmond sextet Were quick to break up and to force the issue by fast following up. Young, the Marist forward, was probably the best packman on the ground, and bore a great deal of the brunt of the Richmond nttack. There was not a single "vaniper" in the Richmond forwards of whom* Potter, Dennie, Ritchie and the Jones brothers were the best. ' Potter would be well advised to control his temper, for much of the trouble that occurred in the dying stages centred round him. Feron and Lee, the Marist and Richmond fullbacks respectively, played fine games, although the former was probably the better of the two. He saved a sure try with a beautiful low tackle. Both men could improve in running their backs into position. Hassan, behind the Marist pack, emerged with honours, while Gregory and P.' Young, the inside backs, proved a happy combination. Young scored a beautiful try, finishing off a passing bout by his second entry into it. /Gregory's defence was excellent, but on attack he met his match in Prentice. Of the three-quarters, Schultz excelled, mainly for the reason that Batchelor and Clarke were too closely watched. Batchelor, nevertheless, was dangerous on several occasions for. dashes that had the opposition guessing. , Clarke defended well, but on the move he was inclined to hang on too long instead of giving his wingers a chance. He is not a three-quarter. Prentice finished the day with honours thickly upon him. His defence and ability to cripple movements by the opposition at their inception were greatly responsible for his side's victory. At no stage in the piece did Gregory take any change out of him. The Davis brothers did the right thing consistently, George making some nice openings. Mincham was.not in form on attack, though he is to be commended for the way he tackled. His faulty handling was the cause of several tries going west. Thomas was the pick of the three-quarters, his determined running 'giving promise of better things. Stallworthy was uncertain and did not appear to have sufficient pace for a winger.

CITY TOO GOOD. Kingsland were thoroughly trounced by City in the first round of the Roope Rooster competition. In last week's game Kingsland won by one point, but on Saturday City were avenged, when they won by a decided margin. Although the major portion of the game was uninteresting, there were occasions when brilliant rearguard movements were witnessed. Kingsland rarely used the ball to best advantage,, a forward pass, or knock-on, spoiling many opportunities, and only their brilliant (Visplay of tackling made some amends. City collaborated well, and in the closing stages the defence was hopelessly beaten, City adding thirteen points in the last few minutes of play. Although there was five points difference at half-time, play was fairly even, but in the second half City had the game much their own way, and added a further 21 points -while Kingsland scored 8. Kingsland attacked from the kick-off, but it was not long before they were held on the defensive, and all their defending powers could not keep City from scoring a converted try, that Davidson and Barchard were prominent in, the lastnamed going across under the posts. However Kingsland retaliated in quick style, and Simms, intercepting, made the opening for Wright to score. City were attacking strongly and several times a score appeared likely, but the ball was fumbled at the critical stage, and it was not till near the end of the first half that their efforts were rewarded. Davidson, gathering from the loose, cut in and passed to Barchard, who scored in a good position. Before halftime came Kingsland added another two points to their score. Herring raising the tings with a field kick, and on resuming play they ngnln opened the play in good style. this time being rewarded with a converted try. However Kingsland were not long on level terms, Clarke making a splendid opening for Perry, who raced down the line, and scored. Up till now no combined rearguard movement had brought results, but this time, all the City backs handled, and Perry was able to cross the line unopposed. Kingsland made one more effort to reduce the leeway, and were rewarded after a struggle on the line, Herring passing to Atkins when about t° nc tackled. City again held territory advantage, and Barchard added five points, while shortly after Leek scored wide out, but Barchard failed to convert. City were not content with their margin, for Davidson broke through the defence to scoro in a good position, and Barchard' converted, making the final scores 31—13. '

For the winners, Perry gave a good display at full-back, fielding and kicking to the best of advantage. Barchard and G. Perry both did brilliant work on the wings, but the former was exceptionally good, while Perry, who did not see the bail very often, made the most of the opportunities that came his way. Shortland fed his backs well, while of the hardworking forwards Hadley and Ivesen were outstanding.

Longville, full-back for Kingsland, had a hard day's work, but was equal to the occasion, and List, who did not get many openings, was the better of the wings. iSirams gave a brilliant display in the rearguard, and Lucas fed Ills backs to the best advantage, while McCloughen and Hogg were the leaders of the vanguard.

SHORE IMPROVED. After a scoreless first half, during which Newton revealed good form, the weignt of Devonport tolu its tale, though tne marine suuui'b was natterect by' tne final ngures—to to 2. Tne game was played With plenty of vim, it iacKUig in spai'Kiing combination on oitnur siuc. .as Shore Win now have another llutter in the raid on the "iiooster," it is expected that their team win rally to practice in good force and make its biggest bid of the season for nonours. There can be notning but admiration for tne line stand ottered by Newton on Saturday, Despite defeats they nave been consistent penormers this year. Nov. fcjt. George won a fair number of scrums for Devonport and was conspicuous in the heavy going throughout, well supported by Casey. W. Seagar showed ability in the open and made several hue runs. O'Donncli was the best of the rearguard, though A. \V". Seagar, Harding and T. were wormy supports. The number of missed and mishreu passes, however, was appauutg. The opposing inside backs profited considerably nuiu this weakness combined with a tendency to tackle men too high. The two iaults enabled the brilliant E. B tumble, an live-eighths for Newton, to smash attacks with' judgment and to initiate counter-moves wnicn in-' variably spelt danger. Smith had a busy day at fuilrbaek tor Shore, though distinctly over-shadowed by his vis-a-vis, Dempsey, whose display was one of the treats of the match. His sure handling, thrustful running and co-operation with the other backs —with reduced kicking— deserved better result. Hill, at centre, was also first-class. Willi anything like assertive wingers to follow through the efforts of E. Brimoie and the previous two mentioned, Newton might have been well on the map. When McLeod went off hurt, Butterworth took the field on the inside. He has too much a propensity for kicking. St. George junior compared well with his brother, getting the ball in the scrums. Francis played with admirable tenacity and Mollett was also to the fore for the losers.

PONSONBY LIVELY. Although quite u lot of fuss was made over the fact that Unity was ineligible to play lor Ellcrslie 011 Saturday, it is doubtful, as events proved, whether the inclusion of that player would have altered the issue in the match between the racecourse suburb and I'onsonby. The championship winners were l'ight on their mettle and appeared to have too many guns for their opponents, eventually running out victors by lit) points to 12. Uotli for lheir wise decision not to allow an exaggerated incident to interfere with their engagement and for the general merit of their unflinching defence, Ellerslic are to be complimented. The score was only IX —2 against them at the interval, and even after I'onsonby bad added another live points, the red, white and blues for one period kept the Western Suburbs side anxious for eight minutes, the while they raised their total from 2 points to 9. However towards the end, I'onsonby found their feet and the ball was tossed about with telling certainty and Ellerslic had to bow to the inevitable. Herewini, the exNewton custodian, was found donning I'onsonby colours in place of Ivan AVilson. The former did fairly well after being oil the scene for some time. Kiley and Dclgrosso starred for the winners, co-operat-ing in a series of concerted passing attacks that were launched against a stubborn defence. Winters, 011 the wing, showed more than usual resourcefulness and Angelo, behind the scrum, fed his backs well. The forwards we're not. very impressive, Gardiner, Goodwin and Moore being about the best. The' Ellerslic scrum mors went well without, exception and Somcrs not only won the majority of scrums, but was always in the thick of play. Chapman and Hobbs were tine in tlie open and the best tackier was Calder. Olliff. Blong and Drew were outstanding of the backs. Webb also did some useful things, showing traces of his remembered representative form'. Up until the last few minutes, when I'onsonby took control, the match was anything but one-sided.