LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19343, 2 June 1926, Page 16

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

POINTS FROM CLUB GAMES. THE TEAM TO TOUR BRITAIN. PLAYERS AND THEIR CHANCES. Ponsonby are still unbeaten in the senior grade League competition, but en Saturday against Richmond they went very close to defeat. In fact, the result was always in doubt. Richmond were just a little unlucky in not. scoring a try early in the first spell. Their backs got numerous opportunities early in. the first half, but the passing was too slow and uncertain. Peckham, at halfback and later at fiveeighths, was Ponsonby's best player. In possession of the ball he tricked the opposition on many occasions, and Ponsonby can thank him for giving them victory. Littlewcod, on the wing, gave a dashing display, and proved himself to be a dangerous man to tackle. His form was in contrast to his weak efforts in the opening games. Riley was responsible for a good display and showed sound judgment on attack. He combined well with Peckham, and his try was the result of good anticipation. Gardiner was again a failure, his handling being very weak. Ponsonby will have te look for another centre if they wish to retain an unbeaten record.

Payne was the best of Ponsonby's forwards. His weight and size were used to good advantage, while ho followed up well and greatly assisted the backs. Hutt worked hard and showed up in the open. Ponsonby were fortunate in having a versatile player like Moore to fall back on. Taken out of the forwards, he ably filled the position at halfback. The Kichmond Players. Behind Richmond's scrum Davis was a tower of strength. He gave his backs plenty of opportunities,' but would do better if he ran more toward his fiveeighths. Prentice was perhaps the best of Richmond's backs, and was the life of the attack. At fullback Hanlon gave a faultless display. His tackling was fine. The best Richmond forward was Bass, who, like his brother, the City player, is a back row forward. His fast breaking from the scrum and tackling the opposing five-eights were features of his football. City were altogether too speedy for Grafton, and piled up 33 points as the result of excellent combination- among the rear division. The winners are showing brilliant form and their football is very attractive to watch. Grafton Backs Disappointing.

Wade, with four tries to his credit, shaped very ably and showed a smart turn of speed. A continuation of this good form must bring him under the notice of the selectors when the Auckland team is being' chosen. J. J. Lewis and Davidson were the best backs on the ground-and showed a complete understanding of each other's play. Lewis made some fine openings and Davidson's speed enabled the ball to travel quickly to Wade on the wing. L. Brown received an injury just after the start and although he showed brilliancy, tho injury plainly hampered -his play. Client, behind the scrum, scored three tries and played his best game this season. * Grafton's backs were disappointing. With the exception of Lucas, behind the scrum, they were most unimpressive. Lucas, who is a promoted junior, shows great promise. Ho gave his backs plenty of opportunities, but the movements broke down. Raynor, late of the Waikato team, proved a reliable fullback, but the others were only fair. In the forwards Avery, Herring and Te Whata worked well, the last-named being the best.

A Brilliant Pair. Newton gave Marisfc a great fight and were unlucky in being defeated. A try just on time proved their undoing. A "feature of the game was the brilliant form shown by two of Newton's players, Mansell, threequarter, and Clarke, in the forwards. Mansill has been playing for Newton for several seasons, but his form has been erratic. This season, however, he has shown great improvement; and against Marist he gave a brilliant display. As a goal-kicker he has few equals. Clarke was easily the best forward on the ground. He displayed plenty of pace in the open and his handling and passing were excellent. He should go very near to representative honours this season. The best back on the Marist side was Hansen, who" was playing his first game this season. Gregory was a solid player and his defence saved his side on many occasions. In the forwards Noble and Moisley were the best. New Zealand Touring Team, The strained relationship said to exist between the New Zealand Council and H. Mouatt, the well-known representative forward, is to be regretted. There are few forwards in the League code who have impressed more than Mouatt, and his brilliant form in Australia last season was a topic of favourable comment. On the West Coast Mouatt is playing great football. It is to be hoped that the council can have the matter satisfactorily settled and that Mouatt's decision not to play in the ti'ial games, preceding the selection of the team to tour Britain, will be reconsidered.

Several players in Dunedin are mentioned as likely to gain places in the New Zealand team Fitzgerald, the Christian Bros, forward, is showing excellent form, and is an outstanding player in this season's club matches. Hunt, of the City Club, is a versatile player, having played both as a wing threequarter and as a forward. Hunt has plenty of speed and has a good record as a scoring forward. League Code at Rotorua. The New Zealand representative for--ward, 11. McDonald, of Rotorua, was a visitor to Auckland on Saturday- Ho spoke in glowing terms of the possibilities oi' the game in Rotorua. Three senior teams had already taken part in the competition,' and the material was promising. Costello and Simpson were two forwards who showed good form, and with more experience should make a name for themselves. Hines, a halfback, particularly impressed McDonald. The ex-Auckland representative said that club teams having the bye would be welcomed at Rotorua. The best thirteen from Rotorua will meet South Auckland at Rotorua next Saturday, and McDonald is of opinion that his team will give a good account of themselves. Patrons of the League code in Sydney gave Frank Burge a flattering reception on his return to the game. Burge had a wonderful career as a footballer, and was considered by many to be the greatest scoring forward ever seen in Australia. However, he does not intend to continue playing long lor Blebe Club, as he is due to take up. an appointment as playing coach for Grenfell district.