LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19638, 17 May 1927, Page 14

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

SECOND SERIES OF GAMES. CHAMPIONSHIP VERY OPEN. KEEN CONTESTS ON SATURDAY. As a result of the second series of matches ia the first round of the Auckland Rugby League's senior competition, the fight for the championship* is more open than ever. The adverse weather conditions on Saturday had the effect of making some games much closer than probably would have been the case under moro favourable circumstances. Marist now has a lead of one point in (he competition. City and Newton, which played drawn games on Saturday, are second, equal. Ponsonby, last year's champion team, playing its first game, could secure only a draw against Newton. Tfvjre has always been a certain uncertainty as to results when City and Ponsonby play away from No. 1 ground at Carlaw Park. On Saturday both teams played below form. As a matter of fact, they were extremely lncky to escape defeat, as their opponents were superior on the day's play. Good Showing by Marist. Marist showed excellent form against Devonport. Under the conditions it had a big advantage over a side which will always be more formidable on a dry ground. Marist has a well-balanced thirteen which, with more experience, should develop into a combination more solid than brilliant. Both backs and forwards are heavier than any of the other club teams, and they can adapt themselves better to wet day conditions. Brisbane was in great form for Marist, and ho was really responsible for his team's success. His three tries were the result of anticipation, followed by individual resource far above the average player. Gregory played a masterly game at fullback, his fine defence saving Marist on many occasions. Kirwan was in every attacking movement, showing, on occasions, a return to his best form. Crewther was a tower of strength on defence, and the wings, King and Hansen, both played well. Sweeney, usually a wing threequarter, played a clever game behind the scrum, and may do better on a dry day. O'Brien and Moisley stood out among the forwards. The latter is a much improved player. Until he retired with an injury to his ribs, Webb was playing a grand game fullback for Devonport. Perry, who replaced Webb, was only fair, and his weak handling gave Marist two easy tries. Hemingway showed <an improvement on his display against City, and his form was well up to the standard he displayed when he represented South Auckland in the Northern Union Cup games. The wings, Beattie and Scott, continue to improve, and as the season advances both should develop into good scoring men. Devonport's forwards were all at sea in the conditions, and they were unable to display the sparkling passing movements so noticeable in dry weather. They were, however, seen at their best in the dying stages of the game, and the whole set worked hard to avert defeat. O'Brien was a fine leader, and, with Ruby, was the best of the forwards. Rule excelled in the loose. City's Last Minute Team. City was fortunate in fielding as strong a side as it did against Richmond, as just before the time to commence only eleven of its regular team could be mustered. The adverse weather conditions gave Wetherill the impression that the fixtures would be postponed, and it was not until five minutes after the game had commenced that he appeared. City was also at a big disadvantage through the absence of its hooker, F.. Townsend, and owing to injuries L. Browu was also an absentee. Richmond made a sterling fight, and on the day's play was unlucky in not winning. Paxton, at fullback for City, replaced E. Brown, and on his form apnears to be a "find." Weighing over 13 stone, he reminds one of Dufty. He fielded the wet ball splendidly, and_ his long return kicks Were a feature of his football. Lemon was another new player in City's ranks, and he showed glimpses of good form. It took Wetherill a long time to become interested in the game, but when defeat seemed certain, the City captain, by a splendid individual effort, scored the try that equalised the scores. Hamilton was perhaps the best of the forwards, and his spoiling tactics often harassed the opposing backs. _ Mackie and Hadlev were associated in some pretty dribbling, which is. apparently, a lost nrt with League forwards. Kichmond Unlucky Through Injuries. Richmond's best player was undoubtedly Hanlon, the fullback, who is one of the most consistent custodians in tho code. It was a treat to note the, way he stemmed offensive movements. In the last ten minutes he did more work than any\other three players. K. Hyland was the best of the other backs. He made some splendid openings, running with rood judgment before passing the ball Hyland received an ininrv early in the game, but he continued playing. The after-effects, however, were more serious than expected, and on Monday he was admitted to the hosoital for treatment. His brother, R Hvland, was also in jure,-] and had to retire. Richmond was still further unlucky when its hooker. Campbell, had to be carried off toward the end of the game. It is expected that these three players will be unable to play for some weeks. The Richmond forwards suited them selves to the conditions better than City, and it was only in the Inst ten minutes that they were beaten. Pnrkes and Carroll did a lot of useful work, and they were well supported by Bass arid Telford. Ponsonby Nearly Defeated. Ponsonbv and Newton journeyed to Grey Lynn Park, and the new sports area, which was officially opened a week ago, was in good order. It is to be hoped that the Rugby League will make every use of this field, and play a senior match there whenever possible. Ponsonby went very close to being defeated by' Newton, whose form in the last two games has been most encouraging. A draw was a fair result on the day's play. For Newton. Rerewini, at fullback, was an outstanding player, and his clever handling and tricky* running turned defence info attack on trsanv occasions. Dufty was again a tower of strength, and his mighty kirks gave Newton muchneeded relief. ' Behind the scrum, MeIntyre gave a finished display, and he i showed good judgment in keeping the gams close. Henry was Newton's best forward, and, i compared with his plav last season, his | iorni showed vast improvement. s P ? ns ? nh >' Usher was easily the best jot the bacss. being noticeable for h-'s | straight running and splendid handling. I j s,?f' , a promoted junior, plaved well at fullback, and made few mistakes ! It w interesting to note that Ponsonbv has this season chosen Pfcckham as it's b- Del' a , positloa tcci: pied, lot some time