MARIST REARGUARD IN DECLINE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 147, 24 June 1935, Page 14

MARIST REARGUARD IN DECLINE.

In the early game Ponsonby teamed impressively to register an- B—3 finishing! advantage over Marist Old Boys, and thus avenged a 13 —18 loss of the first round. The green and golds lacked the inside thrust of McGreal, whose place was taken by the usual breakaway, • Bakalicli, as partner to Clover. Individually both played well, but there was an obvious slowness and uncertainty In the attempts made to open out the play. By comparison, this was Pofisonby's strength, Kay, operating in the inside berth, showing much resource and having the close collaboration of Riley. Payne, former full-back, was seen in good light as centre, and he ran with determination and tackled in splendid style. His try stamped him as a colt of promise who shines in action. lie also had a hand in the second try. Although Marists dominated the scrums and rucks, with Gunn, Keane, and Laird outstanding, it was the fleetness of Ponsonby backs, their combination and positional play that told the story. Yet in the fading stages Marist had more than an ounce of bad luck, and a couple of good chances for scores were lost owing to faulty handling. Htltt was easily the outstanding atrward on the paddock. His speed, anticipation, and all-round merit were evident, and he frequently sent his supports away in passing moves. His covering defence as loose • forward also was worth 'watching. Leatherbarrow, Rogers, and. Stockley were solid packmen. The hooker, Davis, constantly committed breaches of the hooking rule, but, 'being unsuccessful, the referee wisely let the advantage go. Holland was a little erratic on the left wing, but settled down better as the game advanced, although Smith was his equal. On the other side Bright and Loader were well matched. Loader, if anything, appearing to lack in directness when in possession. Ho is not ns quick off the mark as he used to be. Halloran varied his play as half for Ponsonby, and his vis-a-vis, Kerr, revealed quite good form. The respective full-backs, 6'Shannasey (Marists) and Murray (Ponsonby), had a busy day and were about on a par, with the laV® l ", if anything, running up and feeding his supports betterThe match was a good workout for the winners, who are looking forward to atone for their last defeat by Richmond, while Marists at the week-end will no»doubt use their bye to tuning up purpose, to recover the team form which made for (heir success when they last opposed the leaders.