LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19668, 21 June 1927, Page 14

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

FIRST ROUND CONCLUDES. PONSONBY IN THE LEAD. CLOSE FINISHES RECORDED. Fast games and close finishes have been recorded during the past few weeks in the Auckland League's senior competition, and at the close of the first round of matches on Saturday the championship is full of possibilities. By its victory over Richmond, Ponsonby has assumed the lead, and, although lucky in some of its games, the grade leaders have played consistently well and deserve the position of honour. Only one point away comes Devonport and Marist, both of which have delighted the crowds with splendid exhibitions. The prospects of the former team have been freely commented upon, and at its best Devonport will take a lot of beating. The standard of play has materially improved since last season and the finer points of the game are slowly being instilled into the best of the senior grade players. The fault most apparent in some of the teams is the unnecessary kicking of the ball. It should be uppermost in the minds of the players that possession is the keynote of success. Last-minute Victory. Saturday's match between Ponsonby and Richmond was a fittting end to the first-round series, and again victory was gained only in the last few minutes. Richmond gave easily its best exhibition this season and was unlucky in not securing a win. Richmond's inside backs have only to pay more attention to straight running to materially improve the allround football of the other backs. Never in the first round was Ponsonby more sorely tried. Its defence, however, was magnificent, and hard, low tackling held up each Richmond offensive. The winners scored two very lucky tries, one of which appeared doubtful. The play of the opposing forwards was a feature of the game. Both sets started passing rushes at every opportunity. In this department Ponsonby had a slight advantage, and its front division gave the backs numerous opportunities. In the loose Richmond proved superior. For Ponsonby Fagan was the pick of the forwards. He was often out supporting his backs. Ward played a gruelling game and his tackling was deadly. Payne showed plenty of pace in the open, leading many determined onslaughts. Hutt was again the versatile man in the team. He played woll both in the scrum and on the wing. The veteran hooker, Lawry, gave his side plenty of the ball, but he by no means outclassed Campbell, who hooked with a fair measure of success for Richmond.

Langley played a cool game at fullback and made some brilliant saves. His kicking, however, could be improved. Delgrosso played his best game this season, showing good judgment in passing bouts. Since being moved to wing threequarter Usher has not been a success, and it is difficult to understand why Ponsonby prefers Gardiner as a centre. Usher is an ideal centre, elusive and fast, but has a habit of kicking too much. Gardiner's weak handling cost Ponsonby at least one certain try. Gardiner probably would be a valuable asset to Ponsonby as a backrow forward. Riley was elusive in attack, being quick to get his threequarters moving. Peckham made several sensational runs through tho Richmond team, but he has developed a bad habit of holding on too long. An Outstanding Performer.

Stewart, of Richmond, was the outstanding player of the afternoon. His speed and sure handling showed him to bo an ideal League forward. His try was the gem of the game, and his determined running was a treat to witness. Telford also played a great game, and Campbell proved a solid defender. Bass was a thorn in the side of the opposition, his ability to take a position among the backs assisting Richmond. Hanl«>n, at fullback, was not so sound as usual, and his uncertain fielding got his side into dangerous positions. Parkes bore the brunt" of the attack, and made many good openings, but he hesitated in I passing to a support. Prentice did not begin too well, although in the second spell he pierced the defence with some amazing runs, which completely baffled th» Ponsonby backs. Oity Plays Better. With a fair percentage of young players in its ranks, City fought an interesting game with Athletic. The form shown was particularly promising for future matches. Perry, playing at centre-threequarter, a new position for him, proved a great success, and was City's best back. E. Brown played a heady game on, the wing, showing plenty of determination. Lewis and Wetherill were below form, being unable to handle with certainty. Ferrall, a promoted junior, gave a pleasing display behind the scrum, and his play tended to sharpen the City attack. Ghent was City's best forward. Mackie | and Hadley also played -well. Promising Young Players. There are few young players in tho codo more promising than Lucas and Angelo, who, on attack, show unusual ability. With judicious coaching they should improve still further. Stevenson was perhaps the best of the threequarters. Hudson showed a lot of speed, his passing being better than usual. Longville, at fullback, j kicked with judgment. Avery was tho best of tho Athletic forwards, but he was not in his best form. Bryer and Courtney supported him well. Newton Handicapped. The margin of 24 points in favour of Devonport against Newton is not a fair criterion of the merits of the two teams. Ten minutes after the second spell had commenced, the scor'es were 18 points to 8 in Devonport's favour, and Newton was holding its own. In quick succession, Newton, which was also without tho services of Little and Clarke, was further handicapped by losing Somers and Irvine, who both retired with injuries. From this stage on, Devonport's forwards had little opposition and points were easily scored.

For the winners, Dixon, O'Brien and Ruby plnvcd sdendidly in (he forwards. Among the hacks, Seagar and Webb were outstanding on attack, while A. Scott was the best player on de'ence. MeLeod was Newton's best back, and mado many excellent openings. Mclntyre was elusive behind the scrum, and Dufty's powerful kicking saved Newton when its ranks were weakened. Hall and Henry worked hard against a superior pack.