LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 226, 25 September 1933, Page 13

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

SYDNEY-AUCKLAND CLUB GAME. ST. GEORGE WINS FIRST MATCH. DEVONPORT LOSE BY ELEVEN POINTS. Tlic St. George Chib team, which was runner-up in tlie Sydney premiership, auspiciously opened its short tour of the North Island before a large crowd at Oirlaw Park on Saturday, in line hut dull weather. The visitors, who led Devonport by 11—3 at .the interval, were a shade lucky to run out winners by the margin reflected in the scores of 19-—S ill a tense and exciting game. The superior combination ar.d flashing positional play of ■ the popular "Dragonslayers" early told its tale, although the spectators were treated' to a wonderful exhibition of tackling by the home side. The second half was crammed with thrills, as the Devonport forwards took charge. A delightful match to watch, it was preceded by a highly attractive cur-tain-raiser, in which the Northcote third intermediate champions gave a brilliant display to beat South Auckland juniors.

A special minute silence was observed prior to the start of the match as a mark of respect to the memory of Pay Morris, the "Kangaroo" player, who died on the way to England, and whose funeral was held in Sydney at noon on Saturday. St. George players wore •black armbands, and Devonport white.

A notable absentee from the park was Mr. Ivan Culpan, popular secretary of the Auckland League, who was suffering from a bad attack of neuritis in the leg and found it difficult to walk. During many years of service Mr. Culpan has t-eldom missed being at his post. On the other hand, officials and supporters were glad to welcome Mr. James Carlaw, '•father" of the code in Auckland, who, through ill-health, has been off the scene a good deal during the season.

On Saturday evening the council of the New Zealand Rugby League decided that Richmond Rovers will meet the visitors at Carlaw Park on Wednesday.

The Teams. St. George (red and white): Robinson, Brennan, Hollingsworth, Tipping, Martin, Daly, Mork. Forwards: Hay ward, rail-all, iSprouster, Rutherford (captain), Kelly, Killiby.

Devonport (black): Laing, A. Smith, Seagar, Rhodes, O. Donnell, I\. Smith, Olliff, Simpson, Leatlierbarrow, Donald, Y. Smith, Sowter, Scott.

A scrum followed the kick-off and St. George hooked the ball, but though Daley sent it out fast, the backs did not get under way and play settled in the visitors' twenty-five. Here, for a scrum infringement, Smith had a chance to put Devonport on the scoreboard, but the shot, though a good one, went wide. Devonport continued to attack when A. Smith and Donald broke through with Oliff backing up to gather the ball almost on the line and go across. R. Smith's shot missed the post by inches. Devonport 3, St. George 0.

Daly made a brilliant opening before sending on to Mork, who went past halfway before sending"" oil to?"Martirf,~ the latter having a cleaT field in front of him and he scored without opposition. Eobinson missed, an easy shot. St. George 3, Devonport 3.

Tlie visitors were displaying rare dash, the hacks overshadowing the Devonport rearguard. Martin made an opening near the half-way peg and the ball travelled to Killiby, Sprouster and Fairall in turn, the last-named running in for an easy try between the posts. Robinson goaled. St. George 8, Devonport - 3,

The Devonport backs were not shining in attack and their play in this respect was in strong contrast to that of the St. George backs. On the other hand,' the Devonport forwards were playing desperately har&. Brennan made a brilliant run across the field, transferred to Rutherford, to Martin, and back to Rutherford, for the last-named to get a great try. Robinson missed the shot. Just before the bell Donald and Sowter broke away and Devonport were attacking at the interval, when the score board read: — St. George ' 11 Devonport 3

St. George set the hall rolling when activities were resumed and a penalty hick taken by Martin gained considerable ground, for the "dragon-slayers." Up near his goal-line A. Smith miskicked across in front of the goal and Martin Jnerely had to accept unmarked and fall across. lie fumbled, but Ilollingsworth was alongside. He dived and was awarded tlie try. Martin failed with an easy shot, hit. George 14, Devonport 3.

The play was swinging at a fast bat, tlic colours throwing the ball about with abandon in the face of a tenacious dofence. The "shepherding" tactics of St. George forwards were closely watched by the referee.

The home pack was now holding its own £jnd tlie crowd was cheering the heavy rucking operations. Robinson revealed.'fine judgment with his placements. ' A thrill came when Scott cut ill rough in magnificent style from a Ecruni in tlie open, his pass eluding R. Smith, who, next instant, used a penalty hick to every advantage. The visitors, who were hooking the ball freely, cleared with the aid of a powerful "liner" by Martin. The blacks were soon back and to stem danger from Donald, Scott and V. Smith,Jßobinson ran behind to force.

The St. George forwards gradually worked downfield. Then followed the crowning feature of Devonport's great effort. Seagar broke away, and Simpson kicked along in the loose. Five forwards charged down over the line, and, amid great applause, Leatlierbarrow obtained the try. Laing goaled. St. George, 14; Devonport, 8.

Shore forwards continued to rouse with their dasli, and a hectic melee ensued in front of St. George -goal. Robinson and Laing exchanged, and Laing found the line yards from the St. George corner flag. It was Robinson who relieved the situation, and the battle waged about midfield. A bad miss by Laing allowed the St. George forwards, playing just within the offside rule, to bring off a cheap try. Rurall snapped up in the loose, and before being downed from the rear by Seagar sent on in the nick of time to Hay ward, who materialised in a fair position. Fairall goaled. St. George, J9; Devonport, 8. The bell ended a game that pulsated with splendid. all-round pl<iy, resulting in honours to the more constructive visitors, the final scores being: St. George Devonport S — Mr. Wetherill was referee.