LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 124, 28 May 1934, Page 14

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

AUCKLAND CHAMPIONSHIP. NEWTON MASTER DEVONPORT WINS TO PONSONBY AND RICHMOND. The last scries of matches in the first round of the Auckland Rugby League's championship drew another large crowd to Carlaw Park on Saturday, when the Hon. A. Hamilton and party were in attendance. In the feature fixture, Newton proved too good for Marist in a game that was waged with speed throughout, their general combination being the telling factor. Devonport put up a greatlyimproved display in the curtain-raiser to concede victory to Richmond by a sevenpoint margin, while across the way City Rovers flattered their supporters, only to fail in the second spell.

Positions of Teams. The positions of teams at a glance are as follow: — Points. Ch. W. L. For. Ag. Pts. Richmond .... 5 1 125 30 10 Ponsonby 4 1 75 45 8 Newton 3 2 84 50 0 City 2 3 54 108 4 Marist 1 4 45 107 2 Oevonport .... — 5 30 SO • — Senior Reserve Grade.—City (points for 45, points against 41), 8 ; Marists (84 —41), 0; Richmond (7S —32), 0; Newton (34—48), 5; Devonport (18—01), 4; Ponsonby (IS —70), 1.

MARISTS ON UP-GRADE.

A splendid game to watch was that between Newton and Marists, all conditions favouring play that always was skilful and entertaining. Newton were a shade lucky to win by 22-13, as on several occasions the green and golds just missed tries which well might have altered the complexion of affairs, particularly in the second stanza, when the Rangers notched 15 points to 11. The team combination of the winners, back and forward, was a revelation. Dempsey, at full-back, was a host In himself, fielding the ball perfectly from all angles, kicking with length either foot, running his backs into action and defending like a trojan—things that made his performance greater than that of his vis-a-vis, N. Campbell, for whom allowance must be made behind a back division which is just striking form and, on the day, probably was a trifle upset by alteration. The Newton three-quarter line was notably assertive. The tall Merrick on the wing made a creditable debut, following his promotion from the reserves and being taken out of the pack. His handling, however, can bo improved. Bright, at centre, is a rapidly developing customer, snaps into Rtride well, and'has a good pair of hands. Stephens is a brilliant three-quarter with rare speed and clusivencss. His try in the second spell reminded one of HanK'rave in the making. Brimble was magnificent at five-eighths, but his associate Crook, keen and nippy, was yet somewhat erratic. Porteous played one of the prettiest gamo.fi of his career behind the scrum, and, seeing that he has just recovered from injury, it made his performance nil the more meritorious. Middleton, Hall, . Quirke and Kelsall were the pick of the rorwards. The first-mentioned has never been seen to greater advantage, and looks like qualifying for high honours. His pace and supporting play were outstanding, and earned him a fine try. Glover, a newcomer, hooked the ball well, and, as the referee kept a watchful eye on the working of the scrums, there was further improvement in this department. G. Campbell, the international, was unable to monopolise the ball. His props. Herring and Laird, were prominent packmen, fit for any class. They revealed dash in the open, and Herring was rewarded for one of his determined dashes. Dan Keane. and to some extent. White (until he had to retire hurt) and Clarke, played usefully, but the trio are not yet at their best. At half-back, the ex-Sacred Heart College player, Hassan, showed versatility, especially in the second half, but the departure of I*. Schultz, who was not really fit enough to take the Held, disorganised the rearguard. J. Schultz was tricky enough at five-eighths, hut the kingpin of the side was Dunn. He made some dazzling moves and interceptions, and was inadequately sunported. Smith is an improver. B. Schultz did all he was called to do on one flank, and List, who camo on the left side before the interval, played listlessly, his one real sparkle being the opportune try he obtained before the final whistle. Marists should bo shin-shape for next Saturday against Ponsonby, and it will be more than interesting to see the second clash of these teams.

SHORE'S WORTHY BID,

Devonport United gave a tnste of their real worth in an engrossing struggle with Richmond, and in the second snell actually scored six points to. five by the maroons, whose earlier lead allowed thorn to win, 1G —0. The unbeaten leaders in the competition again gave a tine exhibition of concerted work, although ttie palm for dividing possession of the ball, per the scrums, must go to Devonport, for whom Stevens, late of. Ponsonby, excelled against Milicich, Against a telling defence it was the machine-like co-ordination of the Richmond backs that weighed in their favour, the mainsprings of effective attack being Jlincham at centre, and the racy winger, McNeil, who scintillated on many occasions, resulting in three tries. Cooke did some clever work as full-back, often extricating himself from what seemed well nigh impossible situations. C. Satherley was the best forward in the game. Milich, Metcalfe and lawless were a fine rucking trio, who met their match in Donald, Simpson and Leatherbarrow. Sowter (until he had to leave the scene) and Hunt, who replaced, were also well in the picture, Scott being also to the fore. The Jatter provided the thrill of the close of the match, when he charged forward and jumped for the ball, which had been cross-kicked by Scagar from in front of the goal-posts, in preference to taking a penalty goal shot. Seagar at centre three-quarter, was one of the stars of the match, bringing to bear all his experience and coolness as general on the field. His wingers, Hall and Smith, were not quite equal to the task of using opportunities, both showing a lack of positional play. Nevertheless, under coach Bert Laing, Hall should turn out to be a high-class performer. Rhodes at half-back showed much pace and ability, and finding that O'Donnell was too slow and selfish, though gameness personified, elected to vary his methods. He compared favourably with Powell on the day. Fitzgerald also was handicapped because O'Donnell was so often tackled with the ball. Shore will be looking forward to their first win this week, and Richmond, meeting Newton for the second time, may receive their initial shock in the current campaign.

PONSONBY'S WIN.

The game between. Ponsonby and City, which in the early stages gave promise of being a close, and low-scoring fixture, developed remarkably in speed and action towards the finish.

Faced with possible defeat the Ponsonby players swung into a fighting stride, and put a decisive finish to movements that proved irresistible. As indicated by a scoreless first spell the play was remarkably even for most of the game, but the speed and conrbination of Ponsonby prevailed towards the end. Throughout the game the tackling on both sides was sound, and the Ponsonby tally came chiefly from seizing opportunities when one or more of the opposing players were out of position. The fact, that City led early in the second spell by two goals to nil, is an indication of the trend of the game. The Ponsonby backs always looked dangerous, but good tackling prevented a scoring finish to most of their movements. They made the most of their opportunities in the flosing stages, when they were clearly having tho better of the tight struggle. The outstanding back for Ponsonby was Kay, at centre three-quarter. He handled the ball splendidly and ran with pace and judgment. He has only to maintain his present form to make a bold bid for representative honours. Midgeley, at wing-three-quarter, played a sound game, and the same may be said of Stockley, at fiveeighths. Jones, at full-back, fielded the ball in great style, but his kicking could have been improved. In a fast and hardr working pack McLeay, Hutt and K. Brown were always prominent. The failure of City to cross their opponents' line is a tribute to the Ponsonby defence, for the City men were always grim triers. With a. little more luck their tally would have been greater. . They have no reason to be disheartened .oyer the defeat..and should be hard to dispose of in subsequent games. In tho City rearguard McLaughlan was responsible for a fine game, saving his side On numerous occasions. White, at threequarter, was very sound and his field goal was a neat and snappy effort. Among the forwards Nathan, Clarke and Herring were prominent. A feature on both sides was the' absence of, unnecessary kicking, the punt being only used in defence. The fact that possession of the ball is. an advantage is a lesson that has evidently been well, 1 taught players of* the code. 1

GRADE GAMES. SENIOR RESERVE. Marist 24, beat Newton 3. Richmond 23, beat Devonport 2. City 14, beat Tonsonby 8. SECOND GRADE. Otahuhu 8, beat Point Chevalier 0. Mount Albert 21, bent Ellerslie 12. Fapaki-ja 11, beat Mangere 0. THIRD OPEN. Richmond 42, beat Mangere 0. Marist 6, beat Papakura 3. Mt. Albert 12, beat Akarana 3. THIRD INTERMEDIATE. Manukau A 5, drew with Richmond 5. Pousonby 13, beat Akaraua 3. Marist 5, beat Papakura 0. City 18, beat Otahuhu 5. Manukau IS 11. beat Point Chevalier 8. Marist 5, boat Papakura 0.

FOURTH GRAPE. Manukau 6, beat Glenorn 5. Newton S, boat Richmond 5. Marist 20, beat Point Chevalier 3. Papakura 3, drew with Ellerslie 5. FIFTH GRADE. Manukau 0, beat Devonport 5. Mount Albeit 7, beat Pousonby 5. City IT, beat Papakura O. Richmond 10, beat Otahuhu 0. SIXTH GRADE. Richmond 5, beat Newton 2. Point Chevaliei 18, beat Ellerslie 5. Devonport 12, beat Avoudale O. SEVENTH GRADE. Richmond A 10, boat Northcote 0. Richmond P. 31, beat Mount Albert 0. SCHOOLBOYS' GAMES. Richmond 17, beat Marist A 2. Ellerslie 11, beat Northcote 0. City 8, beat Devonport 3. Seven a Side.—City 3. beat Ellerslie 0.

GAMES IN THE PROVINCE.

TUAKAU. Manatla 24, beat Hula 3. Oncpoto i), beat City 0. TAUPIRI. Juniors. —Taupirl 11, beat Kia Ora 3. HUNTLY. Seniors. —Taupiri 20, beat Huntly 6. WHANGAREI. Senior. —City 0, beat Kensington 0; Hikurangi 3, beat Whakawaro 2. Junior. —Ivamo 0, bent Ouerahi 5; Whakawai'o 3, beat I'ortland 0. GAMES IN THE SOUTH.

CIIRISTCIIURCII. Addington 32, beat Sydenham 10. Brighton 9, beat Linwood 7. Hornby 23, beat Rum 15. DUNEDIN. > - Chrlstian Bros. 21, beat Athletic 0. City 17, beat Pacific 13. NAPIER. Clive 25, beat Le Ngaruc 8. Taradale 12, beat Aliurirl 8. Tc Awn S, beat City 3. NEW PLYMOUTH. Inglcwood 20, beat Eastern Suburbs 5, Western Suburbs 19, beat Stratford U.