NEWTON JUST GET THERE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 165, 15 July 1935, Page 13

NEWTON JUST GET THERE.

A spirited exhibition of the game ivas given by Newton and Ponsonby at Glen Eden before a good attendance of spectators. Fortunes fluctuated throughout, flrst one side holding the advantage and then the other, and it was not until the last minute of the match that Newton clinched a victory to the tune of 14 points to 13. Neither side was at full strength, several of their best players being absent, but they were well matched and fought things out keenly and cleanly for the most part. Tempers became frayed at times, but little disagreements were few ami far between and in no way detracted from the fast and open exhibition. Newton were in front at the interval, but Ponsonby Tvho played sluggishly at the outset and dirl not look anything like the team that had rue. Richmond, to a draw the previous

week, improved and, with bustling tactics, drew level and then forged to the front. It looked as though they had the battle won when Kay carved an adroit passage through the defence, and Junes converted to make the score 13 to 11 in tlieir favour. Newton, however, had something in reserve, and with a great final rally dominated the play, and finally K. Brimble gave Quirke the deciding try. The kick sailed wide and immediately afterwards the h'nal whistle sounded. A draw, perhaps, would have been a more satisfactory result, but, as matters turned out, Newton carried the day by a lone point. For the greater part of the game the Kovers - backs outshone the opposing chain, Being much more nippy on the move and sound when it came to defence. E. Brimble played with resource throughout, being on hand when his side needed to bo extricated from a tight corner, and always looking for the opening that would bring points. He was perhaps the best back on the ground. VV. Brirable, behind the pack, was also in form, and, in addition to making some smart dashes from the base of the serum, gave his supports a liberal share of the ball, xoung was Incisive at second live-eighths, and Schlesinger, a reserve, as pivotal centre, teamed in well with his inside backs and three-quarters, Silva and Franich. Ihe last-named again played sterling football, showing pace and dash, and fending off defenders as though they were Hies, fcranieh has only to keep on playing as he has done in his last two matches to be assured of a place in the representatives. Pope was usually safe and sound at fullback, but was badly beaten by Hutt at one stage. Many changes were made in the positions of the Ponsonby backs during the game, and it was not until after the epell that they settled down and played w.th their usual elan and dash. They showed better combination when Ilalloran moved from full-back to his usual place behind the scrum, but the half was not at his best owing to nursing an injury. Kay was below form, but his try was a super effort acd made amends for his earlier errors. Jones, too, had an off day, and had he not missed the easiest of kicks his side would have emerged the victors. Whereas he failed with a shot near the uprights, he piloted the ball over the bar shortly afterwards from out near touch It was a beautiful kick. The remainder of the backs, with the exception of Kiley, who frequently had the opposition nonplussed with jinky runs, were indifferent. Newton had a slight advanage in the forwards the pick of whom were Clem, Kelsall and Lunn. The Ponsonby backs were goingreats guns as the finish, and those' who were most conspicuous were Hutt, Leatherbarrow and Moran.

GRADE GAMES. SENIOR B. Otahubu 30, beat Green Lane 9. SKCOND GRADE. Richmond 32, beat Papakura 2. Ponsonby 5, beat Manukau 3. R.V. 11, beat Mount Albert 5. THIRD GRADE. Otahuhu 22, bpat Devonport 14. Ponsonby 17, beat Manukau B 2. Northcote 30, beat Greonlane !5. Marist A 6, drew with Akarana A 6. FOURTH GRADE. City 8, beat Glenora 2. Ponsonby 5, beat Point Chevalier 3. Papafkura 8, beat Richmond 5. Newton 22, beat Point Chevalier 2. FIFTH GRADE. Richmond A 20, beat Richmond B 7. Newton 9, beat Mount Albert 0. SIXTH GRADE. Northcote 8, beat Glenora 0. City 13, beat Devonport 5. Richmond A 24, beat Richmond B 7. SEVENTH GRADE. City 9, beat Avondale 0. SCHOOLBOYS' GAMES. Pevonport 12, beat Otahuhu 3. Northcote 31, boat Avondale Convent 0, Marist 31, beat Greenlano B 0. Richmond 38, beat City 0. SEVEN-A-SIDK. Northcote 0, drew with Otahuhu 0. Marist 0. drew with Greenlane 0.