THE LEAGUE GAME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15933, 2 June 1915, Page 3

THE LEAGUE GAME.

NOTES AND COMMENTS.

The Victoria Park, patrons hove been treated to some really good football since the senior championi''ip commenced, and last Saturday's contest between Ponsonby United and Otahuhu probably formed one of the most interesting matches _ that has been played on the ground this season. Otahuhu was much the heavier team, but what Ponsonby lacked in weight it mado up for by the alertness and the splendid combination of its backs. Matters were fairly even during the first half, but then Otahuhu lost the services of their captain, Hardgrove, and this made a great difference •to the team. Even in the second spell it put up a solid defence for some time, but Ponsonby never slackened its pace, and .towtrds the end quite outplayed its opponents. Prom all points of view, Ponsonby was quite entitled to its win., In the scrums Lawry geneially managed to hook the ball, and Walsh, who was playing half, made no mistakes. He quickly sent it out to McClymont, and the rest of the backs were soon in motion. They handled th«> ball quickly and with great precision, despite the rain and the greasy naturo of the ground. The team as a whole played a fine game. McClymont was certainly tho most prominent of the backs, and he- put in a great afternoon's work. He participated ia all the combined play, and made innumerable good openings, that soon had Otahuhu in difficulties. His try was a brilliant one. He snapped up the ball near the half-way flag, and, dodging through the Otahuhu backs in great style, scored between the vests. Jones and Corby, in tho threequartcr line, also played a ; good game. Walsh played as half till just before the interval, when he had to rotiro owing to injuries to his back. This weakened the Ponsonby team somewhat, for while Walsh was on the field he was very prominent, and never lost an opportunity of getting the ball out to his Wks. Matthews, who replaced him, made n. good substitute. Cross, who was associated with McClymont at five-eighths, distinguished himself at goal-kicking. McWhirtor had a couple of unsuccessful shots, and then Cross was entrusted with the kicking. He placed two penalties and converted the three tries scored, thus accounting for over half Fonsonby'a total. The forwards played a sjlid game, and among the most prominent were Longbottom, Edwnrdfi, and Cadman

The Ponsonby men have a great fault, and that is, that when they are tackled and thrown down on the ground, they will not play the ball immediately on regaining their feet. This led to several penalties being awarded against them on Saturday, and if the rule is not more closely observed a match will be lost to tho team by the free kicks given aeainst them. Regarding Otahuhu, it was most unfortunate that it should lose the services of one of its most prominent players, owing to the referee ordering him off the field. However, it would not be proper to comment on the matter at this, stage, for it will form a subject of discussion by tho Management Committee, probably at to-night's meeting. With 12 men Otahuhu could tot be expected to hold i's opnonents. who were playing a greet game. However, Otahuhu put up a good performance when all is considered. In the early stages of tho second spell Farroily had a chance to equalise the scores, a,s they stood then- from a penalty kick, but he did not take his time, and missed the posts by a very narrow margin. He, however, did pome fine kicking during the afternoon. His first effort was a magnificent one. Thero was a strong wind blowing against him, but ho -succeeded in putting the ball through the posts from about halfway. J. Fischer, who played centre threequarter, was particularly prominent. On several occasions during the game he intercepted passes, which completely turned the tables on Ponsonby. He was also sound on defence. Of the forwards, Richardson »nd Stnnnaway were the most conspicuous. The Management Committee of tho league arranged with the Tramway Company to provide additional cars from Victoria Park at the conclusion of matches. Four cars were available on Saturday, but they were very poorly patronised, despite the large number of people who stayed to see the conclusion of the game. The result of the second grade match between Thames Old Boys and Mangcre teams, which was won by th» former on Saturday, was reversed by the Junior Advisory, board Inst evening. A proles' was entered that Thames Old Boys played a senior player on Saturdav, and this was sustained last evening, and the match awarded to Mangere.