LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19027, 26 May 1925, Page 6

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

SATURDAY'S GAMES REVIEWED ATHLETICS NARROW VICTORY. POSITIONS OF THE TEAMS. Tlio positions of the (cams in t Jin A section of the senior gnwlo League championship competition are shown iri the following table, City and Marist being level at, the top of the list with four successive wins:— Champ. P. W. L. Points, ('itv .. .. 1 4 H Mar if, I 4 4 H Athletic . . . • r > j' ■? '' I'oiisonliy .. 4 « -i '1 Devon port . . 4 1 - Richmond ..51 4 2 Newton . . . . 4 Athletic v. Devonport. After a week of intermittent rain and sunshine, Saturday broke fine and clear, but just as the players lined up at Curiaw Park a heavy downpour soaked the ground. It was fully expected that the ganio between Devonport and Athletic would result in a fine exhibition of the code* but the greasy ball prevented a brilliant display. The game was nevertheless closely contested and it, was only a penalty goal that gavo Athletic a victory. Devonport, placed on the field a very different team from that which played on the previous Saturday and on the run of the play they were a trifle unlucky. Had the advantage rule been applied, Devonport would have been awarded a try when Godick got over. Athletic tried several new men, Faulkner and Watknis, wing threequarters, and Whitelaw, a, forward. AVatkins shaped the best of the trio and with a few more games should develop into a good back. Wilson-llall was the best back for the winners. He was sound all-round, running strongly, and handling and kicking well. Just "at present ho is in fine form Dufty was a tower of strength, especially when playing at full-back. ITis linekicking was "sound as usual. Timmins was solid in defence and Athletic were unfortunate in losing bis services, when be had' to retire owing to an injury. Athletic owe their success to the splendid manner in which their forwards kept the ball at the toe. Their fast following up was a treat to witness. Of the individual players Herring was perhaps the best, getting through a solid afternoon's work. Mason and McGregor were both prominent in the open. Hartley was below his usual good form. 'I he, state of the ground scorned to bother this fino young player. Dcvonport's Good Showing. Devonport are to be congratulated on their good showing and as a result of their display much of their lost? prestieo has been regained. B. Laing made his re appearance and played a tfino game. His solo runs were of the brilliant order that, is associated only with a player of undoubted class. Webb also played a good game, but is inclined to hang on to the ball a trifle long and many promising movements were spoiled in this way. Hooker, who came on as a reserve, played a fino game at fullback. Ho fielded the ball in all sorts of positions and his running and kicking were good to witness. Dovonport's best forward was uiyjoubtedly Dixon, who gave a high-class exhibition. With more experience of tlj," finer points Dixon will prove a great plaver. O'Brien and Vcart played a hard ruck game, keeping the ball at their feet. N. St. George gave his side a good share of the ball and in this department ha has shown much improve ment. Richmond's Improvement. To prevent the speedy City team trom scoring a single point in 40 minutes of play is an honour of which Richmond can well be proud. In fact, the men fiom Grey Lvnn more than held their own. Their forwards were quicker in adapting themselves to the weather conditions. and, it was only in the second half that City justified their reputation as a brilliant attacking combination. For the winners, L. Brown was again responsible for some clever football. Davidson and WctheraU were in all the attacking movements. E. Brown, at full back was verv sound. Of the forwards McDonald was perhaps the best, showing cleverness 'in supporting the backs. Bass, with his great pace and deadly tackling, was ever in the thick of the play. The Richmond 13 continue to show good form, and it will occasion no surprise to see them win some games against teams higher up the ladder. W. Ilanlon. and Avery arc two fine forwards who shone in the open play. J. Redwood gave his side more than a good share of the ball. T. Hanlon at full back gave a very sound display. His handling of the greasy ball was perfect. The five-eighths, Davis and Bass, played well together, as did R. Hyland, who is a very clever scrum half. Marist v. Newton. ■Marist had little difficulty, in beating Newton, who continue to battle against, heavy odds. It will be very pleasing to chronicle a victory for the wearers of the red and white jersey. Gregory was as usual, the star back. He got Marist out, of many trying positions, and his goal kicking was also excellent. The Marist captain, W. Ghent, is still laid aside with an injury, but it is expected he will lead his team against City next, Saturday. Brisbane also met with an accident against Newton, but it-is to bo hoped ho will be available on Saturday. B Division Contests. Tho games in the B Division were well contested, especially that between Maiigero and Northcoto. The latter team showed much improvement, and on Saturday was just a little unlucky in not securing a victory. L. Green, formerly of tho City Club showed fine form at half back as did Speight, a playeY of much promise Gtahnhu, by their superior back play, defeated Kingsland by 13 to 3. Both these teams have been responsible for some fino football. Otahuhu, although defeated by Northcoto earlier in the round, promise to play an important part, in the decision championship honours. SOUTH AUCKLAND GAMES. |BY TELEGIIAX'H. —OWN CORUKSI'ONDKNT. ] HAMILTON. Monday. The senior Loaguo match between Frankton and Taupiri. played at Hinemou Park or, Saturday resulted in the* defeat of the homo team by 21 points to 2. Orini defeated) Hamilton by 27 points to 5.