NEWTON'S HIGH STANDARD.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 117, 20 May 1935, Page 14

NEWTON'S HIGH STANDARD.

Newton's defeat of Devonport by 20—."> was in the nature oi a surprise In view of the Short) team's recent gliockfto liichmond. However, allowance must be. made tor the taet that the Uangera really had their lull team out in running order lor the first I time. There was no doubt about the • superiority, and yet every point had to be, well won. The Hangers staged Kugby League in all its brightest phases, atid their speed and team work were first class. Nevertheless, high credit must so to the Devonport pack, which came towards the end with devastating rushes to denote that better results might have been expected had the backs a shade more finishing ability as a combined unit. \V. Briltlbic, behind the Newton scrum, again revealed himself a brilliant half, his line handling and openings being made, with a disconcerting nonchalance that confounded the opposing insides. Ills partnership with K. ltiimhlc was good to watch, and the iiveeighth crowned his performance with a try full ot merit. Although a little over-eager ami Inclined to >?et out of position, l>. Young went with ila.-h. Pope was a trifle slow at centre, but the wingers, i'.r.idy and I'raiiich, were always resourceful. One of the delights of the game wa.s the masterful display of Dempsey at full-back. Ho was a veritable three-quarter as well us a lastliner, and his lino-finding was uncannily sound. Johnson, Qulrke, Kelsall, and Lunu were good forwards. Unfortunately, Nathan, who is not yet In his best form, and Donald, were frequently Irritating each other. Kelsall hud the misfortune when handling ail opponent rather vigorously to reap the penalty for the pettiness of others, but the referee soon after also sent Donald to the pavilion. The latter nnd Nathan got to grips nnd hung together like bulldogs until aeparated. It wrn, just a case of mild and needless fireworks, which is often thoughtlessly encouraged by that inane type of .spectator who rejoices in groans and cries ot "rut him oil!" Donald, Sowter, Hunt, and Rogers were prominent vanguardsincn tor .Shore, and the toughness of the .smaller packmen was always noticeable. Jlilicich was not as successful ns usual in hooking against Qulrki-, nnd the Newton pack was the better on the day. though Shore forwards were smart hunters In the open. Cowan is a doughty little half-back, but E. Scuti hardly measured up to Brimble at live-eighth. A. W. Seagar played his first game of the season in the second berth and was set a hard task. He mishandled frequently and found the opposing attack -.lilliciilt to cope with. Rhodes was serviceable at centre, and his wingers often flashed into (lie picture with limited opportunities. Scott is beginning to use. his pace well, anil his tackling is heifer K Smith was mediocre at full-back, and gave a colourless exposition. In the fading stages, however , , he came into the play nnd was the means of forcing and scoring Shore's one and only fry with credit Taken nil round, the game was full of exhilarating features and worthy of the occasion.