MANUKAU WINS THE AUCKLAND RUGBY LEAGUE HONOURS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 187, 10 August 1942, Page 5

MANUKAU WINS THE AUCKLAND RUGBY LEAGUE HONOURS

The Auckland Rugby League's senior championship competition was continued on Saturday at Carlaw Park, when the championship for the 1942 season was won by Manukau. The result of the matches left Manukau with a six points' lead. Although there are two playing Saturdays to complete the third round, Manukau cannot be deprived of the honours.

This is the second occasion on which Manukau has won the championship, the first time being in 1936, the year that the club was founded.

The Ponsonby XIII. had the assistance of R. R. Hull, the ex-Wellington and Auckland representative forward, who was in the North Island side which defeated South, 15—9, at Athletic Park in 1935. » Results were:— Manukau 19, v. Richmond 3. Marist - Shore 13, v. Newton - Mount Ponsonby 23, v. City-Otahuhu 11.

Extra Back Games. —Richmond made such a good fight of it against Manukau that the first hall was scoreless. In the second half Manukau played Te Tai off the scrum to make the extra bacK, and then forged steadily ahead. Interplay, in which the forwards Joined, caused open work, and five tries were scored. Chase converting two of them. Hemi and Murray, the Manukau five-eighths, were subject all the day to a swift, covering Richmond defence, but Hemi on one occasion broke clear and got away Co record a spectacular try.

Bright Richmond Backs.—Although two of the backs, Deason and Davies, had to be played in the forwards to fill gaps, a capable Richmond back division was fielded, despite the fact that Webb had to be fitted in at wing three-quarter in a position strange to him. The outstanding Richmond back was McGregor, who gave a brilliant display at centre. Kinney, on the wing, showed speed and dash. Magiil, at full-back, was extremely safe, and kicked with good length and direction. The sole Richmond try was scored by Davies, who followed through alter a sho.t placed penalty kick and went across the line with the ball before the Manukau players fuliy realised the situation.

Enterprising: Five-Eighths.—There has been decided Improvement In the team work of MaristShore of late, and In the curtain-raiser against Newton-Mount Albert the lormer gave easily their best display. All three tries scored in the first half came from excellent passing and good positional play. There was collaboration all the way to the goal line when Hunt scored. Botn Costello and Mc Williams at five-eighths were enterprising on attack, and the pair combined well. White and Dickson, the two wings, revealed speed and plenty of dash when it came to the last man to handle. Among the forwards Hunt and McLeod excelled, and Rutherford did his job well as a hooker.

Ponsonby Building.—A strong team is being got together to oppose Manukau for the Victory Trophq, and it wil occasion no surprise to see Ponsonby again successful against the powerful Maori team. The inclusion of "Dick" Hull, the Auckland Rugby rep. forward, came as a surprise to Carlaw Park followers. Hull was noticeable in the loose. He was unlucky not to score after actually getting over the goal line, and not knowing it! Ponsonby has appealed for a reduction of the four weeks' suspension on Marsh, and if successful his weight in the scrum addecj to tl.at of Hull should give the pack a decided advantage.

Williams a Fine Half.—Understanding and perfect positional play marked the success of D. Williams, A. Kay and Jordon, the stars of the Ponsonby back line. There is no more improved half-back in the code than Williams, whose anticipation, ana smart runs from the base of the scrum stamp him as an ideal player. Jordon can penetrate with the best of the code s backs, and with Kay in support it is a fine scoring combination. Ponsonby. however, badly needs the services of a good hooker.

The Final Positions.—As far as the actual championship is concerned, the competition finished on Saturday with Manukau taking the season's honours. The remaining two series of matches must, however, be played, in order to decide who is to become winners of the special third round trophy, for which Ponsonby is level with Manukau. The championship table is:—

P. W. L. D. Manukau 13 11 2 — City - Otahuhu .13 8 5 — Ponsonby 13 6 7 — Newton - Mt. Alb 13 5 8 — Richmond .13 5 8 — Marist - N. Shore 13 4 9 —

Points Ch. P. A. Pts 228 100 22 201 122 16 108 178 12 141 179 10 139 165 10 117 193 8