LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 235, 4 October 1934, Page 15

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

WESTERN SUBURBS WIN.

MATCH WITH PONSONBY,

PATCHY EXHIBITION. Feeble handling antf weak tackling by Ponsonby in the first spell of their match with Western Suburbs, the champion Sydney Rugby Leaguo team, gave the visitors victory by 20 points to 13 in the fourth match of their tour,' played at Carlaw Park yesterday afternoon. Except for occasional periods in the second stanza, the Sydney-siders were in the ascendant, and thoroughly deserved their win—the most comfortable by far to date. 1 Playing with elan and perfect uncler- ; standing, the visitors rattled on 18 points ' to their opponents' 5 in the first spell, and it looked as though the contest might develop into a debacle. In the second spell, however, Ponsonby rallied, rearranged their back line, and at one stage got within three points of the visitors' tally: 18—13. After this the defence once more crumpled, and Western Suburbs went on to win in splendid style. A fair midweek crowd witnessed the match, which failed to reach the standard set in any of the three previous encounters of the visitors with Auckland club teams. But for a spasmodic burst in the second spell, Ponsonby never looked like winners. Of the Sydney suburbs thirteen, P. Williams, the stocky little half-back, was the scintillating star. He was here, there, and everywhere—always in the picture— and in one scoring movement actually handled three times. When the score stood at 7—o in his side's favour, Ponsonby were penalised. Williams then decided to exhibit some of his tricks. Ho shortpunted, and the brilliant Hey was there to gather, and send the ball back to Williams. Hart well, the fleet forward, chimed into the movement to in-pass to the half, who finished off the superb movement in splendid style. The try was really the gem of the match, despite the fact that the Australians initiated several passing boute that had the opposition properly nonplussed. V. Hey, the first five-eighths, was again in form, and, although closely watched, demonstrated his genius by carving gaps through the defence. R. Knight, R. Ilines, and S. Tanered were the pick of the threequarters, and, ; although inclined to selfishness, were conspicuous for straight, incisive running. J. Lynch was solid also in this department, and gave a good account of himself as custodian when J. Sliarman, the full-back, retired hurt late in the first spell. Sharman made no mistakes as the last line of defence, while A. Ridley, the captain of the side, added balance and thrust to the line. Sponberg was the outstanding 1 forward on the field, combining with the backs whenever the opportunity afforded, and always being dangerous. Other forwards who were conspicuous for good all round displays were J. McConnell, A. Blake, and M. Gray. The Ponsonby scoring machine did not function too well early, but, when a reshuffling took place after the interval, they showed to better advantage. P. Halloran, behind the scrum, was patchy, but improved as the game progressed, while B. Riley and W. Stockley were sound in defence, _ and always looking for openings. A. Kay was not comfortable in the ccntre berth, but was more his usual 6elf on the wing in the second spell. Laing, too, was uncertain in hiS usual role of full-back, but when moved up to the three-quarter lirfe acquitted himself with honours. R. Hat'dgtave's speed saved Ponsonby on several occasions, but the St. Helens winger was looking too much for the opening that came only once to be impressive. Captain L. Hutt set his colleagues a good example by giving a good display in the forwards. He was always on the ball, tackled with a will througliout, and frequently made an extra back. 1). Herring was a grafter from bell to bell, while others who were constantly showing up were Donald and J. Davis. For Western Suburbs, Lynch. Williams, Gray, Knight, Sponberg, and Blake scored tries, and Williams converted three tries and kicked a penalty goal. Tries were registered for Ponsonby by Riley, Kay, and Hardgrave, while Laing and Jones converted a try each. Mr. M. Wetherill refereed.