LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19649, 30 May 1927, Page 13

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

PONSONBY- DEFEATS MARIST. NEWTON SURPRISES CITY. THREE TEAMS IN THE LEAD. The fourth series of matches in the Auckland Rugby League club championship competition was played at Carlaw Park on Saturday, in the presence of about 8000 spectators. Marist made a great effort to retain its lead in the competition, but Ponsonby was too superior in the latter stages. On No. 2 ground, at Carlaw Park, Newton registered a great' win against City. Its victory by 32 points to 17 was a feature of the day's football. At Grey Lyrfh Richmond and Athletic fought out an even contest. The results of the matches were .as follows : Ponsonby, 18. beat Marist, 10. Newton, 32, beat City, 17. Richmond, 10, beat Athletic, 2. The positions of the teams are as follow ; Pts. Ch.

MARIST LACKS FINISH. The chances of Ponsonby defeating Marist were always considered bright, but Marist put up a sterling fight and was unlucky in not making the scores more even. In fact Marist had the better of the first spell, but its play lacked finish, and at least two tries were lost through misunderstandings between the centre and wing threequarters. The second half was full of excitement and with seven minutes to go a draw seemed certain. Ponsonby then rose to the occasion and by better teamwork its backs paved the way for two tries. King made a dash that carried play right to the Ponsonby lime Clever play by Peckham placed Ponsonby on the attack and Butt and Payne were prominent in forward play. From a set scrum in Ponsonby's twenty-five, Sweeney ran strongly and passed to Crewther. who transferred to Brisbane. The last-named cut through nicely and, although well tackled by DeL;rosso, he managed to touch down for King to convert. Marist kept up the attack, both backs and ! forwards throwing the ball about in pleasing stylo. Peckham ran round the blind side in a tricky run that beat the opposition. Nearing Gregory he feigned to pass to Usher, and then sent a reverse pass to Ward who raced over. Delgrosso failed to convert from an easy angle. Marist hit back with ligtning rapidity. King gained possession in the loose, and sprinted for hSi life. Good support from Hansen carried the movement well into Ponsonby's territory, where passing between Crewther, Keenan and Johnson enabled the last-named to score in an easy position. King goaling. Ponsonby lost the services of Langley at this stage. Delgrosso went to fullback, and J. Peckham to the wing. Ward going into the forwards. O'Brien and Noble were conspicuous in Rood work near the Marist line. A kick by Crewther relieved the pressure. Grey, at fullback, then dropped a beautiful field coal. Riley opened up the next attack. The -hall went out to Gardiner, who dashed into a scoring position. T. Peckham was next to receive the pass and finally Hutt finished off a fine movement with a trv. Gardiner missed the kick. At half-time the scores were:—Marist, 10: Ponsonl y. 8. Soon after the atnrt. Ponsonby was awarded a fioe kick and Delgrosso made the scores equal with a nice goal. Marist was still superior in loose play, but uncertain handling lost'several good opportunities. Moisley and Keenari led a sweeping forward msh. and King msde a fine effort to score. In a Marist attack Hansen held on too long, after Brisbane had raced round to the return pass, which would have meant certain try. Peckham cleverly evaded th Marist insidf backs before passing to Gardiner, but Brisbane saved n certain try w.'.h a brilliant tackle. Easily the best movement wns seen in Ponsonby's next nt. tack. From T. Peckham the ball was passed to Gardiner. Usher and J. Peckham, the last-named dashing over near the goal, Delgrosso converting. Ponsonby kept up a series of attacks. In the next movement six plavers handled the ball in turn, and again T. Peckliam paved the way for Fagan to score. Gardiner missed at goal. Marist made a determined effort in the Inst few minutes, but J:he Ponsonby defence wrh sound, nnd the game ended:—Ponsonby, 38; Marist, 10.

NEWTON-CITY CONTEST. Playing with surprising vim and gaining possession of the ball from the scrums. Newton defeated City in striking manner. If New ton can maintain the form displayed in this match it should he a difficult team to defeat, and a deciding factor in the competition. In tho first spell, City was unlucky in not scoring more points. However, the honours were evenly divided, each side 'scoring 14 points. After the interval Newton showed marked superiority. The play bordered on tho brilliance of a representative fixture in fact the game would have been a decided attraction at No. 1 ground. Townsend was again absent from City's scrum, and the City backs were starved of the ball. City was early to take the lead and within five minutes of the kick-off Davidson inane a good run to Newton's twenty-five, where he passed to Brown, whoso pace carried him over to score. I'ax ton missed a difficult kick. Clarke led Newton's forwards in a sweeping offensive that drove City's back to its goal-line. Tho ball went out. to Wetherill, and running to midfield he passed to Davidson, who sent on to Brown. Hemmed on the touch-line. Brown sent the ball back to Davidson, who raced over. Horne missed at goal. Morman was prominent in holding up City's attack, and the Newton five-eights cleverly opened up the play. Newton s forwards were playing well in the loose and Clarke opened the score with a ipood try. which Duffy failed to improve. A minute lafer Hadley broke away and good passing between Perry, Davidson. Wetherill and Brown, saw the last-named race over unopposed. Ghent missed tho kick. Newton gained a big advantage by winning the bnll from the scrum and their backs kept City on the defence. Dufty beat several defenders and the movement ended in Little scoring a fine try. which Dufty failed to improve. Good play by Morman equalised the scores, this player scoring a capital try near the corner. Dufty again failed- to convert. The City backs swung into the attack with great, speed. Perry. Wetherill and Davidson, gave Wa.de a chance, but he was glaringly obstructed and a penalty try was awarded. Davidson converted. ■7u«t before the spell ended. Little badly beat Brown and passed to Morman. who scored, for Duffy to kick a great goal from the side-line. The scores then were: Cifv, it; Newton, 14. Newton attacked with great keenness, and for a time had City completely bewildered. Within two minutes of the commencement Clarke gained possession, and set off at top speed down the centre. Ncaring Ferrall. who had taken Pax tori's place at full-back, Clarke whipped the ball back to Dufty, who shot over to score a good try, which ho failed to convert. Mclntyrc was tho pivot of Hie next offensive, and McLood got over for Dnf'ly to goal. City was constantly defending, Wetherill and Davidson doing good work in fhis department. Speed from the scrum saw Mclntyre send Clarke away, and Little added a try which Dufty* converted. Wade made a good effort to stem the tide. He raced along the side-line n,nd passed to Hadley. The latter passed on to Ferrall. who cut in smartly and Rcorcd. Davidson missed at A few minutes later City lost the services of Davidson, who was injured in a tackle. Newton gained two mortj points with a penaltycoal, from Dufty. The final scores were: Newton. .32: City 17, / RICHMOND V. ATHLETIC. At Grey Lynn Park, a fair crowd watched an interesting game between Richmond and Athletic in which both teams excelled in tackling. Better combination between Richmond's inside backs gave tin team an advantage of which the three-quarters made good use. Richmond opened well and Telford and Campbell were prominent in a forward rush that looked dangerous, but Longvillo proved safe. Athletic was penalised for offside play, and Carroll opened Richmond's score with a good kick. Good play by Parkcs gave Richmond a chance. He cut clean through the defence, passing to Prentice, who scored. Carroll failed to convert. A few mijjutes later Longville kicked a penalty-goal for Athletic. .Just before half-time Richmond's backs com- j biued well, and Taylor followed 'an a kick which rolled over tho goal-line. However, J the referee ruled no try. At half time Richmond led by 5 points to 2. Athletic combined well in the second spell. Lucas made a good opening" which J ended in Hudson being forced out within a few feet of Richmond's line. Longville, for Athletic, was playing a great game at full-back and he repeatedly held up the Richmond attack. Richmond, however, was better in the open. Davis sent his backs away f6r Stewart to score in a good position. Taylor added _ the goalpoints. Richmond made determined efforts to increase its score, bu'j the defence was sound and the game ended without any alteration to - the scores:—Richmond, 10: Athletic, 2. SENIOR B. GRADE. Ellerßlie defeated Northcote by 6 points to 0. For the winners Grogau, and Williams scored tries. At Otahuhu, Parnell defeated Otahuhu by 11 ppinta to 3.

JUNIOR RESULTS. Second Grade.—King-aland. 28. beat Mangere. 0: Remuera, 17, beat Marist. 6; Ponsonby. 23. beat Devonport, 3. Third Grade.—Ponsonby. 20. beat Northcote. 6: Devonport.. 8. beat Parnell, 3; Richmond, 6, beat Newton. 0. Third Intermediate Grade.—Richmond. 17, beat Point Chevalier, 0. Fourth Grade.—Ponsonby. 0. drew with Ellirirslie, 0; Richmond. ]3. beat Athletic. S; Ponsonby A, 11, beat Remuera. 0. Fifth Grade.—Richmond. 5. beat Northcote, 3. v Sixth Grade.—Athletic. 6. beat Point Chevalier. 5; Akarana A. 8. drew with Rich)'.' Olid, G; Akarana B, R, beat f'ity, 3; Richn ond A. 24, beat Point. Chevalier, 0; Marist B. 5, beat Kingsland. 0; City A, 24. bent Devonport, 0. Primary Schools.—Richmond. 13, beat hunga Convent. 0: Papatoetoe, 6. beat Otahuhu, 0. GAMES AT HAMILTON. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] HAMILTON. Sunday. The Liiague football matches played at Hinemoa Park yesterday, resultedTaupiri, 22, defeated Athletics. 8; Frankton, 13, defea!>?d Ngaruawahia. 11. CHRISTCHURCH AND DUNEDIN. [BY TELEGRAPH. —rRESS ASSOCIATION.] CHRISTCHURCH, Sunday. Results of the League football matches yesterday are:—Hornby. 20. beat Marists. 14; Sydenham. 35. beat Addington, 53; Waimairi. 25. beat Woolston. 8. DUNEDIN. Sunday. League matches yesterday resulted;— Christian Brothers. 14. beat City. 5; Athletic, 12, beat Kaikorai, 6; Pacific. 42, beat Kaitangata, 8. HOCKEY COMPETITIONS. THE GRADE CHAMPIONSHIPS. ARETA AND ST. LUKE'S DRAW. PLAY REACHES FAIR STANDARD. The grade championship matches under the auspices of the Auckland Hockey Association were continued at Remuera on Saturday afternoon. Although the grounds were soft, a fair standard of play was maintained. The chief fixture was the contest between St, Luke's and Areta, which ended in a draw. The game between Wesley and Somerville resulted in a victory for Somerville, while University and Mount iiden provided a close struggle. The senior A matches resulted as follows:—Somerville, 5, beat Wesley, 0; University, 1, beat Mount Eden, 0; Areta, 1, drew with St. Luke's, 1. The following tables show the positions of the teams in the senior competitions ;

ST. LUKE'S V. A BETA. St.. Luke's took charge early in the tame •igainst Areta, the forwards breaking •'.hrough in a succession of concerted attacks. Excellent defensive play by the Areta rearguard repulsed the movements and piny went back to midfield. Further St. Luke's attacks had the Areta backs busily defending, but the circle was kept clear. Hayson and Rykers initiated a strong Areta offensive, which was brilliantly stopped by Steele Areta returned with a fine central attack. Hnnna stopped a shot with liis pads, but Hayson ran through and goaled from the rebound, A sortie by St. Luke's severely tested the opposing defence, and close play followed in the Areta twenty-five. A breakaway by Bay saw play reach tlie Areta circle, where Giles utilised an opening and scored with a well-placed shot. At half-time each side had scored one goal. Upon resuming, both forward lines hit the ball about freely, and play changed end 3 rapidly. St. Luke's gained the advantage when Craig and Potter broke through, but the movement was short-lived, Smajlvrood stopping well and hitting back to his forwards, who launched a strong counter-at-tack. Steele and Willitms, with clever ulickwork, successfully broke up the offensive, and a period of hard hitting by the respective rearguards followed. In the closing stages St. Luke's launched a long series of determined rushes, which were countered by sterling defence. A w?ll-con-tested game ended in a draw, each aide ecoring one goal. UNIVERSITY V. MOUNT EDEN. The opening stages o.' the game between University nnd Mount Eden were in favour of Mount EdeYi. The Mount Eden forwards infused great dash m a hot attack that reached the circle, where Hume effected a good clearance. From his hit the University front line executed a fine concerted offensive. Surman intercepted cleverly and play was confined to the neutral area for somo time. University launched a beautiful attacking movement, initiated by Seelen, who hit to Hamilton. Hamilton ran through and sent to Miller, who returned the ball to Hamilton, who passed to Greenbank. The last-named player dribbled into the circle and goaled brilliantly. Half-time arrived with University holding a one-goal lead. Mount Eden attacked strongly in the second spell. Fine defence by Radcliffe and Hume, however, kept tho invaders out and University took a turn on the offensive. Several sharp attacks kept the Mount Eden backs busily engaged but their defence proved safe. In the closing stages both forward lines attacked in turn, only to find tho defensive play equal to-every demand. A close struggle ended in favour of University by one goal to nil.

\ SOMERVILLE V. WESLEY

Fine defence by T.nras. the Wesley goalkeeper, saved his side in a fast, bul onesided panic against. Somervillo. 13. Watts broke through in the centra early, nr.d a spirited rush took play into the Wesley circle, where Lucas stopped brilliantly. Further Somerville attacks confined the play to Wesley's twenty-five, md tho defence was well tested. Burton brought relief and Wesley made two quick sorties into Somtrville's territory. Colo stopped Fitfc on the circle's edge, and from his clearing hit Watts raced through and shot, hut Lucas stopped brilliantly. T/ee ran in and scored from the rebound, putting Somerville >e up at half-time. Wesley made a fine breakaway nnd exciting play followed in the Somervillo goalmouth. Colo eventually bringing relief with a hard hit to tho centra. The Sotnerville forwards, working in perfect harmony, launched many tolling attacks, and two goals were quickly added bv E. Watts. Wesley made several sortie" but the attacks lucked co-operation, and Somervillo easily repulsed them. Somervillo dominated the game in the concluding stages, avid goals were added by Gregson and R. Watts. The final scoTe was: Somerville. 5; Wesley, 0. SENIOR B SECTION. Somervillo Colts, 7 (Lee 2. Preston 2. Oregwn, l'eifce. Sawyer), beat University Colts, 1 (Tnylo* 1 : University touring team, 8, beat Epiphany, 1. JUNIOR GRADE RESULTS. Second Grade.—Areta, 2, beat St. Luke's, 1; University, 2. beat Wesley. 1; Otahuhu, 10. beat Epiphany, 2 Third Grade.--Grammar, 10, beat Wesley, 1; P&patoetoe, 2, beat University B, 1. Fourth Grade.—St. Luke's, 8, beat Grammar, 1; Mount Eden, 5, bent, Seddon, 2; Mount Albert, 11, beat Soaierville B. 2. FRANKLIN COMPETITION. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT. ] PUKEKOHE, Saturday. Play to day in the Franklin Hockey Association's competitions resulted as follows :

Men.—Glenbroolc, 3, v. Aka Aka, 0: Waiau Pa, 4, v. Kohekohe, 1. Ladies.—Waiuku A, 5, v. Waiuku B, 0; To Kohanga, 0, v. Mauku, 0: Pukekohe High School Old Girls, 0, v, Patumahoe, 0; Clevedon, 2, v, Drury. 2.

MORRIN SVILLE V. TATUANDI. [BT TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] MORRINSVILLE, Saturday. T'no Morrinsville hockey team defeated Tatuanui to-day by 9 goals to 1 GAMES AT ROTORUA. [BY TELEGRAPH. OWN CORRESPONDENT. ] J ROTORUA, Saturday. Hockey matches played in <he Government grounds to day resulted: —Arawas drew with xaniwha, 1 goal each; Shamrock, 2. defeated Hikuwai, 0. LADIES' COMPETITION. Seniors.—Mount Eden, 3 (Miss Lows), beat Y.W.C.A., 1 (Miss McLaughlin); Arawa, 1, beat Somerville. (J. Juniors.—Wesley, ? (Misa Burton 4, Broady, Saunders, Sparling), beat Y.W.C.A. C, 0; Papakura, 7. beat Somervile, 1; Y.W.C.A. A, 1, beat Y.W.C.A B, 0. LADIES' MATCH AT TE AWAMUTO. [by telegraph.—own correspondent.] TE AWAMUTU. Sunday. The Otorohanga ladies' Saturday team played Te Awamutu yesterday afternoon at Pe Awamutu, and was defeated by three goals to one. For Te Awamutu Mrs. WJnite scored two goals and Miss Kerr one. For Otorohanga Miss Leatham scored. PAEROA DEFEATS WAIHI. [by telegraph.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WAIHI, Saturday. Playing at Waihi to-day a ladies' repro sentative leam from Paeroa detested the Waihi ladies' hockey team by 3 goals to 2. KING'S BIRTHDAY TOURNEY. THE PROGRAMME ARRANGED. The Auckland Hockey Association will hold its annual seven-a-side tournament and athletic carnival at the Remuera* Grounds, nest Friday. Record entries have been received and a good day's sport is assured, provided the weather is fine. Following is the programme:— )0 a.m., primary schools 75 yards junior championship; 10.10 a.m., primary schools 75 yards senior championship; 10.20 a.m., primary schools, 400 yards junior relay race; 10.30 a.m., primary schools 400 yards senior relay race; 10.40 a.m., primary schools seven-a-side tournament. Junior Grade.—Grafton v. Richmond Road; Beresford St feet v. ..Newton Central: Ponsonby a bye. Senior i Grade.— Grafton A v. Remuera A; Beresford Street, v. Kowhai B; v. Remuera B; Richmond v. Grafton B; Kowliai A a bye. 10.45 a.m., ladies' seven-a-side tournament.—Junior Grade: Y.W.C.A. A v. Training College B: Wesley v. Papakura; University v. St. Cut'nbert's; Mount Eden v. Training College A; Somerville v. Y.W.C.A. C.; Y.W.C.A. B a bye. Senior Grade: Mount Eden v. Arawa; St. Cuthbert's v. Training College A; Somerville v. Y.W.C.A.; University v. Training College B. 11.15 a.m., secondary schools seven-a-side tournament.—Auckland Grammar B v. Auckland Grammar C; Auckland Grammar A v. Seddon; Mount Albert Grammar, a bye. 12 noon, men's fourth grade seven-a-side tournament.—Seddon v. SomerviHe C; Somerville B v. St. Luke's: Mount Eden A v. Somerville A; Auckland Grammar v. Mount Eden B. 12.20 p.m., men's third grade seven-a-side tournament. — University B v. Auckland Grammar B: Wesley v Training College; Waitemata v. Auckland Grammar A; Somerville v. University A; Papatoetoe a bye. 12.45 p.m., men's second grade seven-a-side tournament. —Olahuhu v. St. Luke's A ; University Colts r. Mount Eden A; University v. Areta: Waitemata v. St. Luke's B; Wesley A v. Epiphany A; Epiphany B v. Mount Eden B; Wesley B, a bye. 2 p.m., referees' 100 yards handicap. 2 p.m. hockey players' 100 yards junior championship. 2.5 p.m., hockey players 100 yards open championship for Cremorne _ Cup and miniature. 2.10 p.m., ladies' junior 75 yards championship. 2.20 p.m.. ladies' junior 400 yards relay race. 2.15 p.m.. ladies' senior 75 yards championship, 2.25 p.m., ladies'senior 400 yards relayra.ee, 2.30 p.m.. men's GOO yards relay race. 2.40 p.m., men's senior seven-a-side tournament. Somerville B v. Mount Eden; Epinhany v. Wesley; Somerville A v. A 'eta; University v. St. Luke's: Somerville '-oils a bye.

P. \V. L D. For A jr. lHs. Porisonby . . 3 2 — 1 40 20 5 Richmond . . 4 2 1 1 4S .33 5 Newton . . 3 2 — 1 50 30 .5 Marist . . 4 2 o — 45 ■19 4 City . . 4 i 2 1 53 83 3 Devonport . . 3 i o — 74 38 2 AtiJiotio . . 3 — 3 — 33 77 0

A SECTION. Goals. Ck. Somerville P. W. L. D. F. A. pis. 5 4 1 0 21 3 8 University 5 3 1 1 12 5 7 Mount Eden S 3 2 0 8 9 6 Areta 6 2 o i V2 H 5 St,. .Luke's 5 1 2 2 4 fi 4 Wesley 5 0 5 0 2 22 0 B SECTION. Coals. CTi. P. W. L. D. F. A. pts. Somerville Col's 4 4 0 0 20 4 8 Training College 3 '2 1 0 11 4 4 Epiphany 4 I 3 0 4 15 2 University Colts 5 1 4 0 7 10 2