NEWTON'S SURPRISE

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 139, 15 June 1931, Page 12

NEWTON'S SURPRISE

The reserve teams had churnrd up the surface of the Western Springs ground where Newton and City played a rattling Rood wet-weather game, notable for heavy forward clashes, ending in a pointless draw. Newton made the play for the greater part, their lighter weight, speed and better form being telling factors. It was a willing contest all the way and quite a number of spectators defied the iain and witnessed a rousing finale when City, after having the worst of matters, made strenuous efforts to snatch victory. However, thpy met a stubborn defence and a team that was well fitted to last out the journey. Dempsey played a good game for Newton,at full-back, though some of his placing was ill-judged, right into the hands of Steve Watene, who had a busy after'noon and was often caught by Newton's fast-raiding forwards before he got rid of the ball. Harris, Hill and Bddlescon showed a fine understanding in the Newton three-quarter line, the performance of the last-mentioned indicating exceptional promise. It was the dash and collaboration of Brimble and Pope that were mainly responsible—with the forwards—in the smashing of City's rearprunrd cohesion. Brirable handled well and Popn ran with confidence, besides being effective on defence The half-back, Porteous. was a ti-er for work and fed his backs judiciously, rlfough Alderton was by no means overShadowed and adopted the right tactics, with somewhat disappointing support. He had to deal with the quick breaking up of a nimble and flashing set of opposing forwards, amongst whom Kirkup, Allen, St. George and Francis were pjOminent. The hooking was not quite up to the mark, but Newton made reparation for that by virility and smothering movements. Munce, on the win- ior City, was not too much at home on the day. but improved as the gimep* ce«ded. McLaughlan, at centre, did quite a let of smart things but was erratic, whilst the other flankman. Laurie Barchard, was not much in the picture. Neither was Ben Davidson seen to advantage very often, being ill-served by Reynolds in the inside berth. Still, the latter could hardlv be judged on the run of play wltn conditions as they were. Iveson was Ine jve wire of (he pack, which, comparatively, seemed slupj.ish. Pascoe and Hamilton stood up to the pace fairly well. On performance the Rangers deserved to nave

won, but they were probably quite as woll pleased to emerge unbeaten, especially after withstanding City's farewell breakaway rally and Watene's creditable penalty goal effort at the last moment. Having curbed City's march, Newton will be found taking scalps in the second round. They have the bye this week.