LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 222, 19 September 1932, Page 13

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

THE STORMONT SHIfeLD.

MARISTS SECURE TROPHY.

DEVONPORT BEATEN IN DYING

STAGES.

After holding the lead till about five minutes from the ring of the bell Devonport were defeated by Marists in the contest at Carlaw Park on Saturday for the Stormont Shield. The match was one of the moat exciting played this season, and the pace was full on from beginning to end. Devonport played with rare dash throughout the first spell and for a great portion of the second half, and dominated the position, but towards the end the pace they had been sustaining told its tale and, weakening slightly in attack, Marists took control, and in the last five minutes or so rattled on eight points which gave them victory by 15 points to 8. It was a great game, and had the crowd on their toes all the time.

P-oesibly some will consider Devonport a trifle unlucky not to win. They certainly gave a dashing display, but just as good as were the men from Devonport on attack, so were Marists brilliant in defence. There were few chances to send the ball travelling along the whole line of backs, because the sides were playing close up and making the game tight, and rarely did the ball in a passing bout reach the '.ringers of either side. Devonport were going so strong for nearly three parte of» the game that victory seemed certam ( but the final stages saw Marists swamping the position and, all things considered, they deserved to win.

On the Marists side Brisbane was the real general. He played at the top of his form, and was the solid rock which Devonport could mot batter down. Cornthwaite, too, was a source of strength, and both in defence and attack he was brilliant. Schultz and List on the wings, had few chances in attack, but were reliable on defence. Dunne was sound, and so also was Campbell at full-back, but Young, behind the pack, was handicapped by not getting the ball hooked to him nearly so often as the Devonport half. The Marists* forwards all played well, Clarke, Flanagan and Herring toiling honestly and hard all the time. Clarke was the best forward on the field, his work in the loose rivalling that of the backs.

Devon port went down with colours flying. Had they scored a win the credit would have gone to the forwards and Olliff, the diminutive half. He played a wonderful game and was in the thick of the hard stuff all the time. Tricky in attack, and surprisingly good in defence, he was the mainstay of the team. It would hardly be fair to single out any forward for special mention. All were grafters from hell to bell. Smith was the best of the backs, and at five-eighths he was in every movement. Seagar was clever. He fooled the opposition time after time, and made openings, hut something seemed to always go wrong once he bad parted with the ball. Laing was not long on the field. He was injured early and his place taken by O'Donnell, who did well, although he would have been more at home a little nearer the forwards.

THE CURTAIN-RAISER.

Early patrons were entertained by a brilliant display between Northcote and Marlst third intermediates. The former led 13—6 at half-time, but Marists showed fine combination in the second spell and gradually levelled the tallies. Extra time was played each way, and, amid general applause, the match, which will have to be re-played, ended 13-all.

INTERCHANGE OF REFEREES.

There was a representative gathering at the dinnfir given by the Taupiri Club at the Taupiri Hotel in honour of the City Rovers' visit to Taupiri on Saturday. Among those present were: Mr. Hill (president of the South Auckland League), Mr. Waring (secretary South Auckland League), Mr. Harlock (referee. South Auckland), Mr. Rogers (referee of Auckland) and Mr. A. R. Turner (manager of the visiting City team).

Mr. Harlock and Mr. Rogers both supported the idea of the interchanging of referees, as it would bring into line a better understanding between players and referees alike, and one interpretation of the rules. Mr. Waring spoke on tho benefit to the Waikato of the visit of Auckland teams, and said they were always sure of a good welcome.

The president, Mr. Hill, made some remarks in reference to the Sunshine Cup. All the proceeds of the match played for the cup go to tho Waikato Sunshine Club for the benefit of poor children in the hospital, etc., and as they are in need of funds to carry on the good work, he would like to see a good side from Auckland play South Auckland if arrangements could be made. Sir. Turner said he was in sympathy with the Sunshine Movement and would bring tho matter under the Auckland League's notice.

MID-WEEK MATCH,

Arrangements have been made for a return match to take place between the City Fire Station thirteen and Amalgamated Theatres on No. 1 ground at Carlaw Park on Wednesday afternoon, the proceeds to be devoted to the St. John Ambulance Association. The theatre men have hopes of avenging a recent defeat.

GRADE GAMES.

Second Grade.—Otahuhu 26, beat Ponsonby 0. Third Grade Open.—Knock-out finale Richmond 5, beat Marist 2. Fourth Grade.—rapakura 9, beat Otahuhu 0. Sixth Grade.—Knock-out final: Richmond A 21, beat Richmond B 5. Seventh Grade.—Richmond A 14, beat Richmond B 0. Primary Schools. —Ellerslie 23, boat Papatoetoe ,3 ; Northcote 7, beat City 2; Newton 10, beat Otahuhu 6. House Match.—Lovett's S, beat Gus and Co. 3.