LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19427, 8 September 1926, Page 18

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

EXCITING CLUB GAMES. M CITY RTSES TO OCCASION. PONSONBrS NARROW WIN. The two club games played at Carlaw Park on Saturday will live long in the memory of those present. Both will rank as among the most exciting ever witnessed in Auckland.

Devonport was confident of defeating City. Many followers of the game recognised, however, that City is always a difficult team to dispose of, possessing the knack of winning matches when defeat seems inevitable. It has also been generally recognised that Devonport's strength was in the forwards. But never once did the City forwards " let up," and at times, although outweighed in the tight, one of their number would, by clever football, outmanoeuvre the opposing forwards. It was really a battle between two wellmatched scrums and City was more adapted to the fast, open football that was played. City's backs were also well matched against Devonport, and the latter's rear division gave easily its best display this season. In fact, in this department Devonport at times outplayed City. Although beaten, the Devonport team has never played better and it will take a strong thirteen to win against it. Success of the Hew Rule.

The amendments to the plav-the-ball rule were watched with special interest and both teams gave an excellent interpretation of the rule, which was a decided success. It certainly speeded up the game and the players gave every assistance to the referee in the control of the amendment.

For City Mitchell was perhaps the best forward on the ground. Lacking in weight as forwards are judged Mitchell was prominent in the open and his clever dribbling—a lost art in League football — and the splendid support he gave the backs were features of the game. Hawkes and the Townsend brothers gavo their best display this season. Their fast following up was of valuable assistance to City. Mackie was City's most versatile forward. He was in every movement with the backs and made some great saves. Player's Eetxiin to Form. G. Reid, who has not played regularly for several seasons, mado a splendid "coino back." Should he be induced to continue playing, Reid will be an acquisition to the City pack. Wetherall was again City's best back and he was responsible for saving his ■ team when tries looked certain for Devon- ' port. The City captain has an uncanny sense of anticipation and he was always on hand to field a kick or take a stray pass. Lewis, who partnered Wetherall at five-eighths, was particularly good on defence and his tackling was deadly. However, he dropped several passes when opportunities presented themselves. Ghent behind the scrum gave a very good display And never flinched in the face of Devonport's strong forwards. He showed good judgment when he scored City's first try. Brown had a busy day at fullback tnd he gave an excellent display of clean fielding and good defence. The wing men, Wade and Brennan, did not get many chances. The latter, who is a new player to the club, should be given another opportunity to make good. Bass played a sound game at centre, and his strong running often put City on tho offensive. Form of Devonport Team. Perry, at fullback for Devonport, did not field the ball so well as usual, but he played well. The strong sun had a lot to do with the mistakes ho made. Stewart made a good impression at fiveeighths and was a strong pivot in the attack, cutting in well and playing unselfishly. Hemingway was at times brilliant, and his try was a fine effort. Cleaver behind the scrum had a gruelling day, but gave his backs every assistance. Seagar did not combine as well as usual and appeared to be too slow in his movements. The wings, K. and L. Scott, put plenty of dash into their play and oombined well with the inside backs. A. Scott, usually a brilliant player in such an open game, was not seen at his best. O'Brien and Douglas were great workers and Ruby was always dangerous in passing rushes. Uphill Fight by Marist.

Its defeat by Ponsonby in the last i minute of Saturday's game robbed Marist of its place against City in the final. The Marist team has put up a great fight to retain its position in the competition, and with four members absent with the New Zealand team , credit is duo to the present team for its uphill fight. Against Ponsonby, Pickering, a recent convert to £he code, was tried at fullback and he gave a splendid exhibition, running and kicking the ball with rare judgment. Thompson, another newcomer to the game, played a good game at halfback. Although a little slow on attack, he gave promise of improving. This season Marists' most improved forward is Moisley and he should soon become a first-class player. For the winners, Grey was easily the best of the backs and ho showed glimpses of ther form that gained him a place in the New Zealand team in 1920. Payne was the outstanding forward and was the originator of most of*Ponsonby's movements.

Notable Scoring Record. In the Newton v. Grafton match Clarke, the Auckland representative forward, made a reappearance to assist his club, and he gave a great display, scoring all of Newton's 13 points—three tries and two goals. It is to be hoped that Clarke will continue to help Newton.

Grafton has many promising young players, who should develop into fine seniors. Next season should see a vast improvement in the football of Lucas, Heard and Jones. These three players nave had one year's experience as seniors, and they have shown consistently good form. Against Newton the play of Lucas and Heard was delightful to watch.

LEAGUE TEAM ON TOUR. FIRST MATCH ON SATURDAY. The first match in the itinerary of the New Zealand League team in England will be played at Dewsbury on Saturday, and the result will be eagerly awaited. ' The first test will take place on October 2 at Wigan, the second at Hull on November 13, and the third and last at Leeds on January 16.