LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18743, 24 June 1924, Page 6

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

THE CONTESTS REVIEWED.

COMMENTS ON PLAYERS.

DEVONPORT V. ATHLETIC.

A great contest was provided by the meeting of Devonport and Athletic in the League championship competition at Carlaw Park on Saturday, Devonport winning by one point after a strenuous game. This makes the championship issue very open, and when Devonport and Marist meet a great contest should result.

The Devonport fullback, Taylor, gave a fine exhibition and is showing very consistent form this season. B. Laing played a fine, hard game, and was to a great extent responsible for Devonport's victory. Webb and Garrat did a lot of useful work, while Goddick was often prominent. . The winners' forwards worked hard. O'Brien always showing up the most. St. George is a much improved player, and is a tower of strength to his side. Yeart also worked hard and his try was a good one. For Athletic, Dufty was, as usual, of great assistance, while Wilson-Hall and Nicholson played well. J. McGregor, on the wing, showed his ■ old-time form, being responsible for many fine dashes, and his defence was sound. Herring, Webb, and Avery showed up well among the forwards. Surprise Defeat of City.

The defeat of City by Ponsonby came bs a surprise to followers of form. However, the City team was not at full strength. It was unfortunate that City could not field their usual strong side. Owing to injuries to some of their players three juniors had to bo called upon to make up the - team. These boys showed op welL

Crewther proved the best of the City backs, and was ably assisted by V/eatherill.

Bass played a sterling game, and is showing fine form this season.

McClymont -was seen out again for Ponponby, and retained his old-time resourcefulness. Delgrosso played well, and was also consistent with his goal-kicking. Goodby made his first appearance in the senior ranks, and quite justified his inclusion. He should prove an acquisition to Ponsonby. Mormon played a very Bound game. Lowry showed his best form, ■while the other forwards worked hard and well.

It would occasion no surprise to see Ponsonby again defeat some other of the leading teams.

Marists Easy Win.

Marists ' showed great team work against Mangere, and had no difficulty Jn -winning the match.. - ... Owing to injuries received in the University match, W. Stormont was not available. . Gregory played a brilliant game at fullback, while Brisbane again showed fine form. Stewart shows improvement each match, and on Saturday played fine football. Gardiner -was the outstanding man on the field, and if he continues such form must catch the selectors' eye. He showed versatility and his goal-kicking was a feature of the match. Keary played well, and with a few more games should be in the very front rank. O'Brien and Stormont showed up prominently. Johnson, on the season's play, is one of the best hookers in the . competition. ' * '' ' ;

The Mangere fullback, Lipscombe, gave & sound exhibition, while Pai, Hapi, Tutaki, Ansell, and Rukuiai showed out ' most prominent of the others.