UNDER LEAGUE RULES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19313, 28 April 1926, Page 16

UNDER LEAGUE RULES.

NOTES AND COMMENTS. FIRST GAMES OF THE YEAR. PONSONBY-DEVONPORjT MATCH. The Auckland Rugby league's club competitions- which commenced on Saturday wore, taking everything into consideration, exceedingly v tell contested and tho form shown was of a good standard. In their match against Devonport Ponsonby wero warm favourites and did not disappoint their supporters, bttt they must bo regarded as being very lucky. Within 20 minutes of tho start Devonport lost tho services of Stewart who pljnjyed so well last season for Marist. Ponsonby had a little the better of tho first spell but, on resuming, Devonport completely outplayed them. However, when tho 'score was 21 to 16 in their favour, Devonport wero without the services of both «T. Laing and Webb, who wore injured. To win with 10 players was out of tho question but they put up a great fight and only then did Ponsonby get tho upper hand. It was most unfortunate that Devonport should lose so many players in tho opening game. Besides, tho injuries, in at least threo cases,, aro so severe that it will be many weeks before they can again assist their teams, and it will bo a difficult matter to obtain suitable substitutes. A Lack of Combination. Thero appeared to bo a lack of cohesion among tho Ponsonby backs and most of tho movements wero tho result of individual efforts. Nevertheless tho winners havo many good players with a sound knowledge of all the fine points of the game and combination should come as tho season advances. For the winners Langley, at fullback, was uncertain in his fielding and at times his kicking was erratic. However, he was playing only his second senior game. Dolgrosso was perhaps Ponsonby's best back and gavo glimpses of his best form. Ho mado many fino openings but hung on to tho ball when well supported. Cole and Riley played fino football, particularly tho former, whoso straight running was a feature of bis play. Usher, a promoted junior, gavo an excellent all-round display, his opening try being the result of -clever running. Unfortunately, he had to retire owing to an injury to his anklp. In his position behind tho scrum Peckham has a style of play that is bewildering to his five-eighths. A halfback should certainly vary his play, but it should always bo to place his supports in a better position. On Saturday it was hard to follow Peckham, and the roar division was bewildered in consequence. Ponsonby's forwards wero outplayed by their more solid opponents, but they battled hard. Ward was outstanding and was ever on the ball. Fagan and Payne also played well. Devonport's Forwards Shine. Devonport's forwards can bo credited with a great display. Both in tho loose and in the ruck they were masters of the

game. Their fast following up and spoiling tactics often made Ponsonby's backs kick to save trouble. It will take a good front division to hold the Dcvonporfc scrum. A. Scott was tho hardest worker and i played a grand game. He should soon obtain a place in an Auckland representative team. J. O'Brien and Dixon were always on the ball, and St. George aided his team by securing a good sharo of tho ball from tho scrum. The Devonport backs were patchy, but with better understanding they should fare well. Cleaver, behind the scrum, was a tower of strength and made many good openings. A wing who impressed was L. Scott, a promoted junior. He has plenty of pace and handles tho ball well. K. Scott is another dashing player, but had few opportunities. Newton Outplayed by City. City had little difficulty in winning easily from Newton. They gave an excellent display. G. Wade, on the wing, is a decided acquisition to the code and his exhibition on Saturday was brilliant. I'. Brown was seen to advantage on attack, but he has developed the bad habit of throwing loose passes infield, W. Ghent, behind tho scrurn, has improved the team on attack, and should greatly strengthen the backs. With more experience, J. Lewis, who played his first game as a League footballer," should develop into a fine five-eighths. He weighs 13st. Wetherall and Davidson were City's outstanding players and showed thorough understanding of each other's play. City's forwards greatly assisted tho backs and took part in most of the passing movements. Mackio and Mitchell were most prominent, and Bass with his sure handling and good paco scored two tries. Newton's players did not have much opportunity to show up, their efforts being concentrated on keping City from scoring. Mansill was perhaps tho hard-est-worked back and was seen in some excellent solo dashes. Little, of whom big things were expected, did not get many chances. Poison had plenty to do and shone on defence". Clarke, Purely and Stack played well ajnong tho Newton forwards. Richmond's Surprising Form. The youthful Richmond team scored a good win against Grafton at the Domain and were responsible for an attractive display. The juniors who have coma forward arc very promising and on Saturday their play was above expectations. The Davis, halfback, Prentice, five-eighths, and Jenkinson, threequarter, gave splendid exhibitions. Tho former, pair worked with the combination of old players and Jenkinson's strong running was noticeable Tho New Zealand representative, J. Parkes, is a decided acquisition to Richmond and his experience will be a great help. Athletic gave an indifferent display. Their forwards are good, but lhe.ro is room for improvement among the backs. Avery, Herring and To Whata wcro tho most conspicuous forwards and Courtney, a junior, was frequently in tho limelight.