SECOND DIVISION

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 13, 16 July 1934, Page 5

SECOND DIVISION

PONEKE IN FRONT

The two leading teams in the second divisiou met at Johnsonville, Poneke Winning by two penalty goals to a converted try. Johnsonville were unfortunate in losing, as, both back and forward, they were for the greater part of the game superior. The'game was characterised by dashing forward rushes, interspersed with good passing bouts. An unfortunate incident was the retirement of Turner, the Johnsonville full-back, early in the second spell with a broken leg. This accident held up play for over ten minutes and had an obviously upsettiug effect on the players.

Solid forward play marked the opening stages, with the Johnsonville backs passing nicely oiv occasions. Chancy and Welsh made several openings, but on each occasion Poneke cleared, several times'by the aid of free-kicks.: The Johnsonville forwards, with Cathcart in the van, were very quick off the mark, and were playing a fine loose game. From midfielcl Welsh secured, cut • through, then punted, and regained possession. He passed to Kelly, who scored in the corner. Turner converted Time and again the Johnsonville forwards, led by Kenny and Grant, crashed downfield to make things dangerous for Poneke,5 but at' half-time the score was unaltered. Play was even for a while in the second spell, but gradually the Johnsonville ' forwards . gained the advantage. The backs opened-up..-well on numerous occasions, only to meet good defence. The play, gradually deteriorated, and at times became,willing. Hatchard kicked two penalty goals for Poneke. Mr. A. C. Swan was referee.