FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18073, 24 April 1922, Page 9

FOOTBALL.

UNDER LEAGUE RULES.

OPENING OF THE SEASON.

STANDARD OF PLAY MODERATE.

Tho Auckland' Rugby League opened its season on Saturday, when keen interest was taken in the four senior grade matches played during the daw Tho weather was dull and threatening, and j two heavy showers fell during pl»y, but tho grounds were in good order. The I senior games were well contested, but lowing to the early start of the season I tbe standard of piay was not high, the ! lack of combination being the marked | feature in the attacking movements. The j Principal attraction for league supporters | J was the match between Ponsonbv and j Newton at Unlaw r ar k, where upwardsl !of 4000 spectators assembled to witness ZZ V T mh J won b >' IS points to 10 PONSONBY V. NEWTON. wa T ß h nKv^ dl Ponaonbj and Kawtcn o er he line Newton forced. After the drop* driven ofl \T *'**?'> was thrJmmrL u 8 ! 0880 ' the Ronsonby wing kiefse? V: i br ° ke ft "' ay and Wllh ft 6m k.ckwT» I A itot ? a - pcnalt y Delgrowo o twl V , d *??'■ eim * Ponsonoy a icao Newt™ f ol3 ' °, n ■{"'■motion of play tho rush bntT"? 1 ? broke , ?,"" in a combined Del™., defence of Ponsouby was sound. * r^K n , away, but the ball £nim Ri* hl lK k f ? r ° ff9lde ' and from a ! renTn wf ** b !" oke 4 cle *f , and Dassed * Sor- ! !"f° * h ° "«* 0D »? Cloke. tho latter trans- '■ he lL in p "' u the Newt<ra u& " Betting ' cloViS n J I ? 1 . nßo s by twenty-five. Ponsouby cleared, and the Newton backs eecunng the suit \i^° m l Si l s pas9 , inK rush enci ed on the thV i ak . Jonsonby's twenty-five- Prom i {~?! i' m Newton backs secured the «i »u t? EOcd , P ass 'nß rush ended in front 0 the lonsonby goal. Poneonby cleared,! *n<t play was taken to midfield, whero Vovsey, the Newton five-eighths, had a freo kick, but after a good effort failed to place the, ball over the crossbar. Aether free kick i followed in a better position, but Voysev : a " a '.l fa ;i ed ' V om the droP-out play swung . to the 1 onsonby twenty-five, where Loin as ' na4 a kick from a penalty, but missed the goal. Newton backs again swing into ! action, and Nicholson was prominent in a hot attack, but was tackled on the line and j 1 onsonby forced. From the droD out the I tonsonby backs Sot away. Cole passed to Hing who sent on to Hanlen, the latter transferring to Lawry, who wa9 tackeld near the Newton line. Another rush was well stopped by Gregory, the Newton fullback, who cleared with a good kick. Newton forwards and backs now came away in a fine rush and set up an attack in front of Ponsonby s eoal where, from a free kick, Poison kicked a goal, equalising the Bcorej. On the resumption of play Cook, the Pon«onby forward, broke away, and after a good run carried olay to Newton'e twenty-five 'where, from a penalty. Delgrosso failed with an easy kick m front. After the drop-out Newton attacked strongly on Ponsonby's line and Delgrosso saved with a eood kick to the touch line. From the subseauent play Cook broke clear and kicked over the fullbacks head, and from a scramble at tho corner Hm? dived over, scoring a try which McGregor failed to convert, the wind changing the direction of the ball. Ponsonbv 5

pointa Newton 2 points. On the resumption of play Newton attacked, but Ponsonhy rephed, McGregor breaking away with the ball at his feet and taking it rieht up to the iNewton line, where it was kicked into touch-in-goal. From the drop out Ponsonhy secured the ball, and carried day into Newton s twenty-five, where the same wis temporarily suspended owing to a slight injury to Hing. On his recovery play was resumed, and swung to the left wing, where from a scrum Ponsonby broke away, but Biggs saved with a good kick. Fast following ud by the Newton forwards saw Somers secure the ball but he could not break through, and Cole came to the resiur of his side with a godd run which carried play to Newton's twenty-five, where McGregor had a free kick, but made a roor attempt. Just on half-time Newton rushed piny down to the Ponsonby line where, from a scrum, Person secured and da«hed through, scoring a try wm'ch he easily converted, and at half-time the score was: Newton. 7 pointsPonsonby, 5 pointe. On resumption of play McGregor got. away for Ponsonby and carried the ball over the Newton line, but the leather was brought back for a pass forward, and from the subsequent scrum Hing passed out. The Ponsonby backs failed to make good use of it, and Newton staved off the attack. Cloke cleared for Newton, who set up an attack in Ponsonby twenty-five, where from a scmm Poison passed out to Yoyscy. and the ball was kicked over the line for a 1 touch-in-goa!. After the drop out Newton | again attacked, Somers and Virtue being j prominent in a rush which Ponsonby l staved off in time. Newton was not to be | denied, and aet up another hot a'.tack, which resulted in Poison, the Newton halfback, i dashing oyer and scoring a good try, vhich j hg failed to convert: Newton, 10 points; Ponsonby, 5 points. On the Tesusnption of ptay Ponsonby backs broke away, and McGregor, with a good run, carried play to Newton link, where Southernwood dashed over, scoring a try, which McGregor converted, and the Bcore was 10 Points all. After the drop out play became very fast, the ball travelling up and down the field with rare pace The Newton forwards were playing with great dash, and Bomers headed a fine rush j into Ponsonby territory but Ponsonby j turned tho attack, and from a scnim at midfield Voysey secured and took play to the twenty-five. Ponsonby saving with a fin* kick. A break away by Norman saw that player beat the Newton fullback for the ball to score a try, which Hanlia converted with a good tick: Ponsonby. 15 points; Newton. 10 points. Immediately afterwards McGregor got away for Ponsonby, and after a dodgy run kicked the hall over the Newton line, but Poison beat him for the leather and saved with a force- : down. Ponsonby were ' now attacking ; strongly, and from a free kiek Hanlin just ; missed a goal. Attack and counter-attack ' followed, and subsequent play let NeWton , in on attack in Ponsonby twenty : five, where Ponsonby cleared with a good kick. «»«* Gregory took, but was captured with the: ball. A good passing rush by Newton backs threatened the Ponsonby line, C.okej passim? to Somers, whose pass when in a good position was missed by \ oywtf who knocked on when he had a .clear field in front of him. Newton continued the at- | Lck but offs.de play lost Newton tta£g , tion in front of goal, and ionsonoy eared Within a few minute, of tun Norman got away for was well tackled by Gregory the back and a t«uch-in-goa. reau ted. vvnen time'was up Newton was attacking hot on Ponsonby line, and the game ended: n u„ .15 points Ponsonby .. ••

Mr, A. Ball v« referee. MARIST BROS. V. FIRE BRIGADE. The match between Marist Brothers and Fire Brigade for League supremacy wm cmitested at Carlaw Park on Saturday. The ground Vas in good order despite recent rains but th» gamp wan not. of a. li.tn standard -nd the teams lacked any Bemblaoce : of combination in the passing movements. ' On the run of the play Marist Brotbws was the better side, and won easily at the nnisn. ! The first spell was well advanced before a i score was effected, when Watinc. the iiro Bngide wins threcquarter. scored a try, which was not converted. Marist Brothers then set up an attack, and Stormont scored a try. which Ghent rnnrerted, and the score at half-time was; Marist Brothers, 5; Fire Brip-icie. 2. Shortly after the opening of the second spcel Fire Brigade scored a try, wh:ch Worley converted, and the fire-fighters led by 6 points to 5. Marist Brothers then lookup the attack, S)ormont scoring a try, which was not converted. Maintaining the lead Marist Brothers again pressed the attack, Lang on this occasion securing the and Bcorine a try. which Singe convened into a goal with a fine kick. Marist Brothers were now leading by 13 points to 6, and reBtimins the attack. Lang broke through the defence ind passed to Gallagher, who scored a try, which was not converted. In the final stages of the came Marist Brothers initiated another hot attack, Singe securing the ball and scorin" a try on the call of time, when the game ended : — Marist. Brothers , s . • i. 19 Firs Brigad» .. .. •• 6 CITY V. DEVONPORT. The match between City and Devonport attracted a iarge crowd of League enthusiasts to North Shore on Saturday to witness the first meeting of the season of these teams. City was well represented, and l showed fine combination for so early in the i season, but Devonport lacked finish in the passing rushes I A cross wind was blowing when DevonI port kicked off. and from a scrum the ball ! was passed out to Davidson, who kicked out of touch. City attacked after the diop out, but were penalised for nn infringement and Taylor took the kick. From the ensuing play the Devonport backs were flung into action, and set up an attack in City's I twenty-five. The attack was thrown back, and play centred in raidfield. whore W. Davidson secured and broke away, but was well tackled before he became dangerous. Loose play followed, and Wetherall cutting off a pass racod down the field, and passed to Paki, who 6ent on. to Laing, the btter player scoring 6asily between tho posts. Davidson took the kick and converted tbe try. City 6 point* Devonport 0. Oo re-

sumption of play the Devonport forwards initiated a good passing rush, and set up an attack on the City line, but the pjssing aoked finish, and City staved off Ihe attack to attack m turn on the Devonport line, where Keenan sent out; & pass to ijaing, vwo sent on to Davidson, that player scoring a try, which he also converted. City 10 points, Devonport 0. . Opening up the play. Devonport swung into City s twenty-five, where Douglas secured and passed to Scott who made several attempts to cross the City line. Eventually Johnston received a pass, and struggled over, scoring the first points for Devonport. Johnston took the kick at goal, but the wind carried the ball out of direction, and no goal resulted. City. 10 points: Devonport, 3. Devonport maintained the pressure on resumption, and Taylor, the half-back, was almost over, but City cleared, and the play was transferred to midfield for a time. Fast play followed and a dangerous attack by City was checked by Miller, who took a mark. From tho subsequent play, Price broko away and passed to Douglas, who threw forward, and from the scrum, City I attacked. Davidson took a mark in front I of Devonport's goal, but he failed with the , kick. City was not to bo denied, and from i a scrum near the linn, Keenan dashed over, j but Laing failed with the kick. City, 13 j points; Devonport, 3. From the subsequent | play. Scott marked, but failed with the ; kick. Price was then prominent in a dribbling rush, but over-ran the ball, which went I out at the corner, and from a scrum DougI las secured and dashed over. Miller missed ! the kick at coal. On resumption of plav, City attacked in Devonport's twenty-five, ' and from a passing rush, Townsend scored I and Davidson converted. Half-time was . called with the score: City, 18 points; I Devonport, C. Resumption of play saw City again on the attack, and Paki securing, scored a fine try which Davidson failed to convert. Devonport then took a hand, and from a scramble or. City's line. fit. George dashed across, but the try was not converted. After the drop out, City attacked. Davidson following up fast, scored a try which was converted, and City was leacbns by '28 points to 9 points. Devonport was the next to score. St. George converting from a free kick. Another score to Devonport quickly followed, St. George scaring, but failing to convert. In the final stages of the game City was awarded another try. which Laing converted and on the call of time. St. George kicked over the City line. Scott, scoring, but the try wa3 not converted, and the game ended; City 31 Devonport 17 Mr. A. Ferguson was referee. ATHLETICS V. RICHMOND.'

I The match between Athletics and Richj mond was played on the Richmond ground lon Saturday. Athletics kicked off. and ; from a passing rush by Gray and Yardlev, I Athletics set up an attack on Richmond's i line, where a freo kick to the home team relieved the strain. Play swept down the field, and a rush set up by J, McLean car- : ried the ball over the line. Athletics forcing in defence. The attack waj< thrown back. ! and play was confined to midfield, whero the j ball was kicked out and the game centred ;in Athletics' twenty-five. Yiudley was instrumental in changing the sccno of attack i to midfield. where Athletics were secunnp a I good share of the ball from the scrums but ; Richmond was playing soundly on defence. The game opened up, and Richmond set up j an attack, but a hard kick by Butler put J the ball out of play and spoilt the chance lot scoring. Richmond attacked again, but Hall dashed up the field with the ball in i possession, to be smartly tackled by J. 1 McLean. A free kick to Richmond found | the line at half-way, where Athletics instituted an attack, but another free kick relie\ed the pressure. An obstruction in front of Athletics' goal gave Richmond another free kick. Henderson piloted the ball between the posts. At half-time tho score wis: Richmond. 2 points: Athletics 0, On resumption of play Athletics atta-CKed strongly, and Gray scored a try. which, however, he tailed to convert. Athletics were now in thr ascendant, and another smart attack resulted in Hall Aooring a try, which Yardley converted. Richmond wi-r? on the defensive, and. although repeatedly clrarini! their line, were hard pressed by Athletic?, who again attacked. Gray scoring a try which he failed to improve upon. Continuing the attack. Avery secured the ball, and passing to Yardley, that plaver scored in a good position, but missed the kick at goal. Richmond rallied after this re.'eree. and rushed plav up-field where they were awarded a freo kick br.t Henderson failed with the kick, and the g.ime ended:—

Athletics H Richmond .2 Mr. T. Neill was the referee, THE ASSOCIATION GAME OPENING OF THE SEASON. SENIOR COMPETITION.

Tho opening round of the Auckland Football Association's club curapetniuuj was played on Saturday afternoon i:\e-a was a good attendance of spectators at the various grounds, and, despite several cold and drenching showers, some skilful and interesting football w.is whnaatwi. Details of the various matches are :— NORTH SHORE V. PONFOXBY. Ponsonby won tho toss, and defeased tho northorn goal, taking advantage or a stilt breezo. Pass.ng well, the North 'Saurf for wards went throui.h at lifcs wntte Ironi llr; kick-off, but were held up by All v. who :e----turncd tho ball to his forwards, ary. Wallwork made a ckv-er run to North .-Jo.Te's back line, where L. Dacre was conspicuous in defenco for the home side. L a ,f fii.it 1C minutes of the «pel! saw tiu> i'onaonby forwards pressing, and shots ai goal, were taken by Simm and Wallwor'i, bl.t wi hout "esii'it. Play returned to th* .-is.t.irs' end. wh.'ie Roberts secured, and going through at ll.e centre, kicked hard p field. L. 1 acre received, and, placing veil to Aliso.i, the outside right raced awny dowr. the wing, >nd 6cnt in an excellent shot. *hkh Plummor eaved splendidly. lie faiicct to cleir, '.o'vever, and the ball hung round ihe visi'.. V goal mouth, until Meikie got bark t.i relit « a dangerous situation. North Shoi at tin stago assumed the upper hand, clever cji ibined play between C. D icre and V/ool'.c; on the left wing resulting in eoinp splendid passes to the centre, which tbo inside lorwards failed to use to advantage. A clever pasa from Meikie sent Simm away on Ponsonby's left wing, and Mr Rue of needed a corner in clearing but nothing came of it. Thfl' remainder of the ei-s'.l was fiirly even, both sets of forwards taking slots at gou! without result. C. Da(.-o was ivork.ng !:a wings to advantage, and both Voolley a 'd Alison put in gome fine work, but the insid-' men lacked finish in front of goal. ! ; 'or Ponsonby. Simm. Mclvor, and Wallvsoik made some fine individual dashefl, but th.. attaiking line of the visitors lacked combination Half-time arriverl before eilher side had scored. A heavy shower at the commencement of the second spell made the ball greaey and accurate footwork very difficult. The North Shore forwards showed to lictter advantage than their opponents on the damp ground, and had considerably !he better of matters throughout tho spell. About 10 minutes before time was called C. Dacre made a fino opening for Alison, who out-paced the opposing hacks, and sent a well-judged pa°« to tho centre, C. Dacre shot well, and Plummor clenred to the opposite wing where \Voo!W received and returned the ball right into the goal mouth. C. Dacre was in position, and neatly headed into the corner of the n"t. scoring the only <toal of the match and giving victory to his_ side. Tim o wag called shortly afterwards, with the score: North Shore . . 1 Ponsonby ~ (j Petty OSccr Banall was referee. Y.M.C.A. V. BROTHERHOOD. Brotherhood won the toss, and took advantage of the wind, defendiiin the western goal. The oponing stages of the game saw a spell of even play, with the Y.M.C.A. forwards combining better than their opponents. About 20 minutes after the kick off a Brotherhood player was penalised for ■ handing the ball in front of goal, and a penalty kick awarded to Y.M.C.A. Pitkin was. entrusted with the kick, but his shot went high. No further incident marked the spell, and half-time arrived with no score reentered by either side. With the wind in their favour in the second half the Y.M.C.A. forwards wero quick to attack. Smart passing in spile ot the greasy ball, resulted in Brotherhood conceding a comer. Williams placed tho tjall i accurately to the rcntre, and Catt was tin- . fortunate with a shot that missed by inches. I Continuing to press, the Y.M.C.A. forwards I kept play in their opponents' twenty-five, I where Saunders eventually secured, and shot i a clever goal, putting his side in the lead. ! From the kick of! the Y.M.C.A. forwards i continued to dominate the 'day, but erratic ! shooting lost them many chances to t.rore. | Repeated failure to find the net eppoared ; to take the sling from their attack, and Brotherhood, ouick to take advantage of tiie slackening off. were soon pressing round their opnonents' p" Tile forward" we'e over-anxious, howe\ . and many "nlendid opportunities to equuhse were spoiled by off-side nlay. After a spell of play a* midfield, WheatcToft. of Y.M.C.A., injured his hand, and wan forced to retire. Shortly after this, Catt made a brilliant dash down the line. R"d sent in a perfect centre, which enabled Williams to head a clever goal, and Y.M.C.A. were two up. The clo«ing stages saw Y.M.C.A. play up to a man, but although awarded nnothor penalty kick "they fai'ed to increase tho score, and the game ended:— Y.M.C.A 2 Brotherhood 0 Mr. J. J. Wright .was referee, SECOND DIVISION. North Shore, i gonls, beat Y.M.C.A., 1. For North Shoro goals were scored by Hipkins (2), Ford, and Pulman, while Lewis scored for the losers. Everton 2, beat Devonport Presbyterian 1. Jones and Robinson scored for Everton. THIRD DIVISION. North Shoro 5 goals, boat Y.M.C.A. 1. FOURTH DIVISION. Y.M.C.A. 6 goaia, beat Corinthians 0.