LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 142, 19 June 1933, Page 12

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

! DEVONPORT BEATEN. < MARIST RUN TO VICTORY. SATURDAY'S TRIPLE SURPRISE SCORES. ■ The' second series of matches in the second round of the Auckland Rugby League's championship drew a very large crowd to Carlaw Park on Saturday. Marist Old Boys turned out a tremendously improved side to that seen earlier in the season, and it reversed in convincing style defeat toy Devonport in their first encounter. The inside backs—Hassan. Brisbane and Dunn —performed in classy style, and were well supported in some spectacular moves. Dunn, the ex-Rich-mond star, revealed outstanding brilliance, obtaining three fine tries. Shore's lighter ■'scrum mers made a gallant stand, and the margin was B—4 at the interval, but Marist predominated to win 3.5—9. Richmond prevailed over Ponsonby in the curtain-raiser, and City Rovers, across on No. 2 ground, comfortably beat Newton. It was a day of surprisingly high margins compared with the initial meetings cf teams. Again, the system of the referees putting the ball in the scrum worked to general satisfaction, although there are always a few spectators who expect too much in the early stages of the experiment. Positions of Teams. The championship positions of teams

SHORE'S SECOND DEFEAT

In a great game notable for its tactical moves, counter thrusts and rapid fluctuation throughout, Marist Old Boys outplayed Devonport by 35—9, which represents the largest margain of points scored in contests between these two rivals for some, years. It must have been a surprise to Shore supporters to see their popular thirteen wilt under the driving power of the Marist spearhead, supported by piercing fast flankmen. It can but be conjectured that I>evonport, as with the losers in other matches on the day, suffered to some extent by easing up in training during the Taranaki representative visit. A slackening up in practice affects form greatly at this period of the season. In the ease or Devonport, however, the slump was more marked because the coaches were so confident nbout the team's condition. The number of injuries to players rather negatives that idea. Fact is that, after holding together well up to half-time, when the board read B—4 i n Marists' favour, the Shore side, except in patches, lost its grip on the game, whilst the consistency of their opponents developed to commanding confidence, well denoted by what might be termed almost a "foreign" margin of scored points. Had it not been for casualties, the total may not have changed from the 19 —9 stage. Early in the piece It. Smith opened the Devonport account with a penalty goal, but Marists' first try, and the brilliant manner in which it was accomplished, seemed to presage a hard task for Devonport, whose defensive work at times weakened to much below par. The Marist forwards were heavier and dominated the scrums, but Shore were splendid in the loose rucking. Their fanning out and quick passing was missed. It was the Marist rearguard positional play, clean passing and handling, and swift design whilst in full cry, that turned the scale, so that Devonport's 10—5 win in the first round was wiped off the slate, so to speak. Marists' triumph, reducing Shore's lead by two of four ladder points, brings other s *eams into line for championship honours. Campbell played a remarkably fine game for the winners ns custodian... Drew, back again on the wingi •showed by three good tries, that he is a resourceful player with plenty of speed. For the first time this season List was well in the firing line, proving to some of his critics that he has the quality of a good centre. Two of his tries were the best he has produced for quite a long time. B. Schultz was a trifle uncertain. Hassan, behind the scrum, played with all the art of a champion, sending the ball away well and defending strongly. Brisbane and Dunn went like clockwork. Dunn revealing that he has few peers in his position when given the ball at the psychological moment. His speed off the mark and guile were a treat to watch. Without exception the forwards teamed in first-class style. Donald. Simpson and Sowter were the pick of the opposing van, which appeared to miss the sturdy E. Scott. Olliff, at half, made the best of a trying day. O'Donnell, It. Smith and Rhodes were overshadowed and except In the first half attempted little constructive play. Too often possession was given away bv kicking and mistakes in concerted action were not supported by adequate covering defence. The consequence was that the three-quarter line invariably was thrown Into disorder. Therefore A. Smith and Rhodes on the flanks were not given the best of chances. Laing, at full-back, again performed with distinction, extricating his side from danger time and time again, handling well and clearing with uncanny accuracy. Measured by his responsibility he was superior to his vis-a-vis. but both delighted for their reliability and placements. RICHMOND ASSERTIVE. I Richmond unfolded the best of football to [ eclipse the young, but worthy Ponsonby team (32 —12), which has been going through a process of reconstruction. The Rovers are developing into a powerful combination, with dashing forwards and a back division that Is striking top form now. Hanlon was safe at full-back. Marshall, Mitchell and Bennett make a speedy threequarter trio, and the centre's play on Saturday was most impressive. Bennett's defence and tendency to'klck overmirch were noticed, but be is a resourceful player of promise. Abbott, Prentice and Young blend well as inside backs. Abbott was fine behind the scrum. With Telford. Hawkes, Milicich, Sathcrley and Powell. Richmond has forwards of calibre, Powell revealing cleverness as breakaway. The Ponsonby full-back. Jones, is the makings of a capital back, and : apart from his speed and elusiviness, is a useful goal-kick. Draper did not do too well against Richmond, being often out of position or lacking in alertness. Bright at centre and Keesing bore the brunt of battle, and they did well. Kay is very young and has possibilities. Riley, who did a great deal of heady play Inconspicuously, evidently found it a little difficult to' get Kay going properly, but towards the end the.lad responded well. Ferrall was erratic at half. Brown, Stevens, Lunn and Keith were in the forefront on the day., Moran; the breakaway was on the light side, but was a willing worker, and he scored an opportunist try.

CITY IN GREAT FORM.

Playing ■with elan reminiscent of the City Club of- three seasons-ago; the red and blacks never gave Newton any .chance qn Saturday .at Carlaw Park, finally running out winners by 35 points to 13. Although early in the game Newton looked likely to, put up a stubborn fight, City livened up as the game proceeded, .and :at the conclusion were thr6wing the • ball about with the glad abandon so delightful to watch. Both forwards and backs were joining in passing rushes, and it was a very convincing victory that City registered. The. team has improved considerably on early season form and with victories over Marist "and Newton in their last two essays, supporters are looking forward to their meeting with the leaders, Devonport, with plenty of confidence. It was hard to ■ advance any. excuse for- Newton's failure, except perhaps their' inability to combine with any degree of certainty, the handling of the inside backs being very poor. For the full second spell, Newton were playing one man short, as Cameron and Brimble collided early,; the former having to go off while Brimble was palpably lame. • '■ * Hughes, full-back for the winners, was a little uncertain, waiting for- the bounce instead of going up to meet the ball. Terry gave a glimpse of his best form, and his display was the best he- has given this season. Turei did his share of work, both on defence and attack. Watene was - in his best kicking form, turning seven out of eight shots to account. He is inclined | to . be a little selfish on attack. Wayne 1 put in some dashing runs on the wing, while Axeman worked hard behind the scrum. ■ Of a hard-working pack- Clarke, Herring and McLaughlin were the best. Dempsey was safe and solid at full for Newton, but was easily bustled. Crook did his best with the few opportunities-, he

received while Brimble, while standing out the first spell, was only a passenger over the concluding stages owing to a severe kick on the knee. Porteous made valiant efforts to set his backs in motion, but his efforts were mostly nullified through mishandling. The vanguard never gave up, with Hall, Thompson and >athan always prominent.

GRADE GAMES,

SENIOR RESERVE GRADE. Newton 16, beat City 6. Devonport 3, beat Marist 0. SECOND GRADE. Mangcre 21. heat Point Chevalier 3. • Otahuhu 14. bent Ellerslie 5. Mount Albert 13. beat Manukau 3. THIRD OPEN*. Glenora !), beat Mount Albert 6. Marist 23, beat Ponsonby 2: Otahuhu 7. drew with Manukau i. Mangere 33, beat I'apakura 0. THIRD INTERMEDIATE. City 5. beat Devonport 2. Northcote 3. beat Richmond 0. I'apakura 10, beat Akarana 2. FOURTH GRADE. Marist B 10. beat Point Chevalier 9. City 17, beat Newton B 0. Newton A 8. beat Ponsonby 6. Marist A 50, beat Manukau 0. Richmond A 8. beat Northcote 2. Devonport 8, beat Akarana 6. FIFTH GRADE. Richmond A 14. beat Point Chevalier 2. Ellerslie 44. beat New Uynn 0. Richmond B 3. beat City 0. Otahuhu 0, drew with Devonport 0. I'apakura 40, beat Akarana 2. SIXTH GRADE. Devonport 0, drew with Otahuhu 0. Itichmond 22, beat Avondale 0. SEVENTH GRADE. Richmond A 28, beat Ellerslie 3. Devonport 17, beat Newton 0.

SCHOOLBOYS' GAMES. Avondale 24, beat Northcote 0,

GAMES IN THE PROVINCE,

TAUPIRT. Tnupiri 10. beat Rotowaro 7. •'.- Juniors.—Kia Ora 15, beat Taupm (. HUXTIA'. Juniors. —Kia Ora 15. beat Taupiri 7. Seniors.— Hnntly 7, beat Ngaruawahia a. Xgaruawahia S, beat Huntly 0. GAMES IN THE SOUTH. NAPIER; Clive 20. beat Westshbre 0. Kiwi T5 drew with Ahuriri. Taradale 2. beat Kiwi A 0. City 21, beat Tongoio IS. NEW PLYMOUTH. Tnglewood 40. heat City Rovers S. Eastern Suburbs 31, beat Waitara 12. CHRISTCHURCH. Addington 13, beat Sydenham 10. Hornby 5, beat Rieearton 0. Linwood 23, beat Brighton 7. DUXEDIX. Christian Brothers 32. beat Athletic 8. City IS, beat Pacific 3. « THE KANGA»OOS.» AUSTRALIAN TEAM FOR HOME. BRISBANE, Juno 18. The Australian Rugby League football team for England will comprise:— Full-backs.—F. McMillan (New South Wales), W. Smith (Queensland). Three-quarters—A. Ridley, F. Gardner, R. Morris, D. Brown. C. Poarce and J. Why (New South Wales), F. Laws and F. Neumann (Queensland). Five-eighths.—E. Norman (New South Wales), F. Uooner (Queensland). Half-backs.—V. Thieknesse and L. Mead (New South Wales), F. Gilbert (Queensland). Forwards.—A. Folwell, G. Bishop, R. Stehr, J. Gibbs, F. Curran, F. O'Connor, S. Pearce and W. Prigg (New South Wales), J. Little, L. Heidke, M. Madsen, J. Doyle and H. Denby (Queensland).

QTTEEirSiAin> BEATS W.S.W.

BRISBANE, June IS. In an inter-State Rngby League football match to-day, Queensland defeated New South Wales by 10 points to 8.

arc:— Points Oh. r. W. r„. d. V, a. rts. Devonport ... 7 5 2 — 118 107 10 Marists 7 4 3 — 93 b7 fe City 7 4 3 — 123 111 S Newton 7 3 4 — 98 130 0 Richmond ... 7 3 4 — 129 101 0 Po'nsonby ... 7 2 5 — 100 I3u 4