LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 244, 16 October 1933, Page 14

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

ST. GEORGE DEFEATED. RICHMOND'S SECOND SUCCESS.. SPLENDID CLOSE WET-DAY GAME. The seventh and final match of the tour of the St. George Kugby League team of Sydney resulted in its second defeat by Richmond by 5 points to 3. In the first contest between these clubs, the Auckland thirteen won by 13 points to 8. Played before a large attendance —in spite of wet weather—the game was one of the best exhibitions that could be imagined for such conditions, there being a surprising amount of fast, open handling play, even when drenching rain was falling as the game progressed. Richmond forwards, as in the previous match, dominated the play and the backs gave good support, quickly breaking up, by means of sure tackling, moves engineered by the opposition and turning defence into attack. Though beaten in the scrums and heavy rucking, the St. George forwards were clever in the loose, being brilliant at running into position and opening out the play. Both sets of backs were unable _to work with their usual effectiveness owing to tho conditions, coupled with the deadly but clean nature of the tackling. Although play fluctuated a good deal, Richmond held a pronounced advantage, but the visitors offered a notably tenacious defence. There

was no score at half-time and the game was well on in the second half when the home side, whose forwards had been battering close up, drew first blood with an opportune try, which was converted. St. George responded in great style and obtained reward with an unconverted try. The visitors, after being hemmed at their line for some time, made another dangerous bid, to which Richmond replied in the fading stage. It was a fine ing the end of the successful St. George tour. Cooke played in his old position as fullback, and his display was almost faultless. Ho kicked the wet ball strongly and with unerring accirracy, and often ran the backs into action, besides being safe on defence. The three-quarter line was lively, and Young, at centre, played a heady game. McNeil was the more impressive winger, although Abbott was well in the picture. Their respective opponents, Brennan and Martin, were not given many chances, Martin being most dangerous. Within two minutes of the bell, he almost clinched the game for St. George. Fine inside back play by Powell, Prentice and J. Satherley prevented the half-backs, Daly and Carey, from going far, and consequently the visiting centres, Ward and Hollingsworth, were not too well served. Even allowing for the poor form of Robinson, who had not recovered from soreness caused by bumps received on Wednesday, Cooke's play was remarkable. At his best Robinson would have been more than extended by the international's placements. However, the St. George custodian deserves credit for standing up so well to all demands. He is a very young player of considerable promise. The maroon forwards all did their share, with Telford, Milicich, C. Satherley and Metcalfe outstanding. Hayward, Fairall and Killiby were the pick of the opposing pack, with Rice prominent at times for his dash and speed. He received a nasty cut over the eye and left the field just before the bell. Both teams had a number of shots at goal, but these were futile under the weather conditions. The match was a creditable finale to the Sydney team's tour. During a lull in the rain prior to the start of the match, the sprint race was staged and resulted in a very close finish, B. Martin, the St. George winger, gaining the verdict with inches to spare from Adams (Devonport). Other starters (all in full football togs) were: Hickey (Devonport), Munce and Wayne (City), Weltub and Jones (Marist), Bennett (Richmond), Stephens (Newton), Holland (Ponsonby) and Brennan (St. Ceorge). The event created much interest. | The St. George team left immediately after the match by the Wanganella for Sydney, a large crowd assembling on the Prince's wharf to give the visitors a cheerful send-off.

FOURTH GRADE.

Richmond C, beat Ellerslie 3.