LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Evening Post, Volume XCVII, Issue 134, 9 June 1919, Page 4

LEAGUE FOOTBALL

LOCAL GAMES

The Rugby League competition was advanced a further stage on Saturday afternoon; when Petone A defeated Athletic at Petone, and Suburbs accounted for Petone B at Newtown Park.

ATHLETIC BEATEN BY PETONE

Athletic journeyed to Petone, and met the local A team. The game "was interesting, particularly so during the second half. One noticeable fault, however, was the inclination of players to kick the ball, rather than attempt to pass, on every available occasion. Bradley -was absent from the Athletic team, and this, apparently, had the effect. of disorganising the backs. Petone made the pace from the commencement, and during the spell managed to cross the line on three occasions, the try-getters being Childs, Porter, and Kruse. Ashton converted two tries. Athletic played better during the second spell, and attempts by the Petone backs to add to their tally were of no avail. A fine opening by Bramley enabled Mears to register Athletics only score—a try. TJie game ended; Petone A, 13 ; Athletic, 3. Mr. C. Murphy was referee.

SUBURBS AND PETONE B,

Although many of those who participated in the Suburbs-Petone B match at Newtown Park were either recruits or players who had been idle for some years, it was evident from the display that before the season is far advancea highly attractive exhibitions will be the rule, and with a ground at the park now available, the League lias a more favourable opportunity of reviving interest. The Petone team was composed mostly of young players, while .theii opponents were in the main experienced men, and, as a result, sounder knowledge triumphed to the tune of 35 points to 3. In spite of such a difference in the scores, play was interesting throughout, the outstanding features being, on the one hand, the persistence wifli which the young 'blood played against heavy odds, and on 1 the other, the fast, open play and superior tactics. Many chances to indulge in bright passing rushes were, however, lost by erratic passing, the scoring being brought about as a result of individual effort. With the advantage of the wind in the first spel), Petone mads repeated attempts to cross Suburbs' line, Blacker finally carrying the ball over from a scramble. The kick failed. 3-0. Increased movement on the part of Suburbs followed this, and Les. Campbell sooti made use of an opening, equalising matters. Ensuing play was even until Green surprised the Petone backs by a fine run from the half-way line, scoring, in such a position as to enable Pooley* to add the. major points. 3-8. ■ The second spell found Suburbs almost continuously on the offensive, Petone making occasional advances, which, however, met with no result. Tries for Suburbs were scored by Pooley (2), Duske, Scott (2), Spencer, and Evans. Extra points to three of the tries were added by Green, Pooley* and Anderson. The final scores were : Suburbs 35, Petone B 3. Mr. N. Anderson controlled the game.

For the winners, good form was shown by Pooley, Jack Spencer, Les. Campbell, and Scott, while Brennan, Eraser, and Coxhcad were most Brominent for Petone. /