POINT MARGIN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 84, 11 April 1939, Page 16

POINT MARGIN.

RICHMOND WIN. SECOND LEAGUE GAME SYDNEY TEAM DEFEATED. UNNECESSARY HARD PLAY. In a match at Carlaw Park yesterday, in which the issue was in doubt until the last moment, after a game that was hard, fast, open and exciting, Richmond defeated the Combined Eastern Suburbs team from Sydney by 17 points to 16. For most of the way the match was a great battle between the two forward divisions, and play at times had a tendency to get hectic. On occasions instances of unnecessary hard play occurred. There was a climax in the second half, when a melee developed on the side line and blows were struck by opposing players before the referee and spectators intervened. The referee gave a caution to the players, and the game then proceeded in a better spirit. Richmond led right through the game, which was marked in its final stage by a •big recovery on the part of the visitors, two tries and a conversion in a run, which left the Auckland team with the slender lead of a single point.

On the day the better team won, and victory was due to the solid and sustained play of the tireless Richmond forwards. The Richmond backs did not impress as an attacking combination, and there was neither rhythm, sureness or a concerted plan of attack. There was individual merit, however. F. Furnell did good work at full-back, without reaching his impressive level of last season. Mills showed glimpses of brilliance on the wing, Tittleton tackled superbly, and Watkins, behind the pack, played with method and ability.

Devine and Mitchell were outstanding in the Richmond forwards, and Broadhead and McLeod were always up with the play.

The Sydney forwards put up a great fight and played aggressive football all the time. They had a great trio in Stehr, Arnold and Pierce, all men of powerful physique and very hard and vigorous players.

The Sydney backs were disappointing. They showed flashes of great speed and brilliance, they threw the ball about freely, often with abandon, but mistakes were many, and faulty handling marred ■many good chances when there were opportunities for success.

Thompson showed remarkable speed, Mitchell ran strongly in attack, and Tottey proved a brilliant scoring wing when given a chance.

For Richmond tries were scored by Mitchell (2) and Devine. Devine kicked a penalty goal, and Furnell converted two tries and Devine one.

For the visiting team tries were scored by Tottey (2), Redman and Quealey. Thompson con-verted two.