Ponsonby On Top.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 249, 21 October 1933, Page 2 (Supplement)

Ponsonby On Top.

One-Goal Victory Over Trams. Tramways went clown to Ponsonby by one goal in the early game at Blandford Tark. The pace was a stinger from beginning to end, and though both teams failed to display much combined Work, there .were plenty of exciting flashes. The teams were :— Tramways: Batty, Tinkler, Simpson, Bell, Jones, Hltchen, Cummings, Williams, Spencer, McMillan, Donaldson. Ponsonby: Rodwell, Haggett, Stewart, Quirk, Grant, Masters, Innes, Mulholland, Jepson, Morrison, Forman. Referee: Mr. B. Rickard. Ponsonby started right in from the whistle, and after a short left-wing thrust goalcd within three minutes of the start with a smart shot by Innes. Tinkler and Simpson were defending again three minutes later, and Innes nil but netted a high one from a pass from Jepson. Batty saved splendidly. Trams made every effort to get through, but only once looked dangerous. Quirk and Grant did a deal of work, but Tramways penetrated, and Donaldson missed a shot from wide out. The pace was now on, and a series of long passes in open play finished with Jepson getting in a stinger for the second goal. Ponies kept at it, and Mulholland, after some tricky footwork near midiield, rushed through, but his shot was high. Tramways then came through solidly and held the advantage for a while by sheer speed and determination. Only one shot went near enough to worry Rodwell. After a brief setback, however, Trams swept through on the right and a sudden cross to Donaldson was goaled without trouble, reducing Ponsonby's margin to one goal. The scores were equalised soon afterwards, when from a corner Williams dropped the ball into a crowded goal-mouth. Trams were still at it when half-time sounded, with the scores: Ponsonby 2 Tramways 2 Two minutes after tlio resumption Batty dropped a shot, and Jepson snapped the ball in, putting Ponies in the lead. Trams returned the attack, but failed to penetrate the defence. Ponies went right up again, and play was even for ten minutes. Tinkler. Simpson, and Bell were working prominently on defence. They cleared effectively, but Trams plaved to a strong set of halves and backs. Nothing was possible from the Tram attack at this stage, and Ponsonby returned. A penalty for hands was unsuccessful off Innes' boot. A movement down the centre with neither team looking likely was in progress when the short second half finished. Pinal scores: Ponsonby 3 Tramways 2