NEWTON'S HEAVY ARTILLERY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 142, 18 June 1934, Page 14

NEWTON'S HEAVY ARTILLERY.

After going through the first round without: a win, Devonport registered thoir third success in the throe series ->C J.he second round by a surprise defeat of Newton (10—0) in a grand curtaln-raleor. In tlio early part, with the play last and fluctuating merrily, the Shore thirteen held t lie balance of power to lend 10— J! at Hie interval. It was a different story in thi» second stanza, wlieu spectators were treated to a thrilling battle between tbo two forward sexlets, Newton making a remarkably Mue bid against a redoubtable defence which was beaten only once when that classy winger, Stephens, crossed the line in a. determined dash far out. That was the only try in that grim second halt, when Newton, winning the scrums,, wit unable to drive home repealed thrusts by the backs, and the successive tense tilde by the forwards at the Devonport line were equally unproductive, unluckily so iu some instances. Devonport won clearly ou the merit of their defence, and that is unusual, but a high compliment. Seagar, at centr", was tbe directing inspiration o£ his tide. The wingers, Newton and Hall, were not much in the picture. O'Doniicll and Kadonich were alert and clever at Hveelghtbs, particularly in spoiling play. Tlioy bad plenty to do in stopping K. Nathan (an ex-St. John's College boy. Northern Wairoa Union rep., and brother of A. Nathan, the forward) and Porteous. Combined with Newton's half-back weakness, it was the inability of their inside backs (they miss E. Krimble, who is on tbe Injured list) to open up the play, thnt cost the Hangers the loss. There was constant mulling and misunderstanding at critical momenta. Rhodes, half-back for Shore, was good under pressure, though Crook was more effective as the game progressed. lliekey, though willing enough, was over shadowed as Newton's ecu (re, aud Urigbt showed improved speed and steadiness on the right Hank. Ou the left. Stephens shone as a star. Donald, Simpson, Stevens and Leatherbarrow were Devon port's best packmen, the last-mentioned, with Scolt., being prominent iu the loose. Newton's forwards, with Hall, lilacklaws, Kelsnll and Nathan to the fore, virtually outplayed their opponents. Dempsey was splendid at full-back, and Laing, for Shore, also did well. Devonport will have a hard match against Mariste tbis week.