PONSONBY'S ASCENDANCY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 230, 28 September 1936, Page 13

PONSONBY'S ASCENDANCY.

In a game of quick changes Ponsonby merited victory over Devonport by 19—15, though the latls from across the Waitemata playeil commendably for a side including several emergencies. The performance of Thorpe and Barnett, hardy young reserve players in the pack, calls' for special mention. If Ponsonby had visions of an easy success they were speedily disillusioned. Shore, keeping the play tight with close rucking and covering flp capably, hud the better of the deal in the first half. Ponsonby were In more constructive mood when they resumed, but their opponents chased every chance to the utmost with the result, at the midde-stage in the second half, that the blue aird black colours were still in jeopardy. It was only the line understanding and tlie attractive pace and thrust of Stoekley, Kay and Jones that turned the scale. Even then the marinesiders, with Ted Scott in his most brilliant form, were always liable to retaliate •dangerously, hut the combinative touches were just lacking. Kerr was solid and safe at full-back for Devonport, and liusli was equally reliable for Ponsonby, whose threequarter. line was impressive. Kay's centre work was delightfunl, though his handling can still be improved. Jones was the most aggressive figure oil the ground. He lias greatly benefited by Bert Cooke's coaching. McKinney on the other wing dhl not have so much of the play. Halloran seems to have found his berth at first fiveeighth. and linked up well witli Black at half-hack. Davis, Carter and leatherbarrow were the best forwards. Hollows, Sowter and Thorpe were a splendid trio of the Devonport vanguard, behind which Cowan was resourceful. V. Scott was shaded at five-eighth tliroutrli standing too flat-footed. L. Scott and E. Scott showed up in the rearguard late in the game, and Hunt was steady at centre, his defence being sound. Itliodes was doing duty on the wing, a strange position for him. Ponsonby will be at their best to oppose Marists in the seconvl semi-final.