LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19674, 28 June 1927, Page 14

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

THE Pl-AY CN SATURDAY. NEWTON'S DASHING FORWARDS. A BRILLIANT HALFBACK. 'l'ho fine team-work displayed by Newton in its match against Richmond was a feature of Iho League football senior grade matches on Saturday -when the second round of the competition was commenced. The ground conditions were against brilliant football but the play was full of interest, particularly in the second spell, when Newton's combination brightened up considerably. Newton's form has of late been somewhat erratic, but as the round continues it can be expected to develop into a more solid side, especially on attack. Richmond's form after its display against Ponsonbv the previous week was distinctly disappointing and there was 110 life or dash in the passing movements. The forwards, too, were bustled on many occasions. A feature of the match was the fine play of the Newton forwards, who gave a dashing exhibition. Speed in the open and deadly tackling of the player in possession characterised their work. Henry was perhaps the pick of the line. He led some dangerous rushes and showed ability to run his backs into position. Rhodes* was almost, his equal, while Clarke did some fine spoiling. Hall and Stack were only a little behind their colleagues and both played excellent games. An Outstanding Player. The best back on the ground was undoubtedly Mclntyre, whose play behind the scrum was touched with brilliancy. The Newton man passed beautifully and varied his play with clever short punts. On his game Mclntyre must have impressed the Auckland selectors, for his style is nearer that of the ideal League half than any other player, in the position. Dufty was the best of the threequarters. He showed up in straight running and powerful tackling. Morman did not play too well on the wing, but when moved up to five-eighths be made several clever openings. McLeod showed promise but the wings, Little and Hardgrave, had few opportunities. Herewini fielded in great style and did more running with the ball than most fullbacks. Richmond Below Form. Richmond's form was below its usual standard, but it is probable the solid game against Ponsonby had its effect on some of the young players. The attack lucked its usual fire, the backs kicking each time they received the ball. Plenty of opportunities were thrown away through this mistake. Hanlon played his usual solid game at fullback and made few mistakes. Parkes ■was recovering from an attack of influenza, and, undeir the circumstances, the Bichmond captain played well. Prentice was the bright spot of the attack, making many exciting runs through the defence. However, his passing could be improved. Jenkinson combined well vrith Prentice, and showed more pace than usual. Davis has lately given disappointing displays, and he was the weak link against Newton. Devon got few chances on the wing, but Taylor made the Lest use of his pace, and one of his tries, .was the outcome of excellent work. In the forwards, Bass was the pick. He was well supportod by Stewart and (Telford. Redwood, who replaced Campttell as hooker, made a success of the position. City's Defence Weak. City's defence has been lamentably IWeak all this season, but it was never bo poor as against Devonport. It wag common to see an opponent run straight past a City defender, who would not make the slightest attempt to stop his progress. Scott's try early in the game was a gift, as Leydon's attempt to prevent him was very ' feeble. Devonport can claim some of the biggest men playing the code, but it does not excuse any player with senior grade qualifications from making such poor attempts at lingUnder these circumstances the close Scoring is all the more surprising, but outside of its tackling City showed improved form. In the second half City Inonopolised most of the attack, and was unlucky in not scoring tries. The sloppy ground cost City a certain try on one occasion when Perry slipped after he Jiad all the defence beaten. The Devonport forwards were always superior, and really played City on their own. The backs gave the forwards little assistance. Cleaver was easily the best back for the winners, and he made many brilliant openings, only to seo his good ■work spoiled by A. Scott, who dropped jnany simple transfers. » L. Scott's Good Display. L. Scott gave a dashing display, and was the best of the threequarters. Webb and Seagar combined well together. Dixon, who playod a sterling game for Devonport, had the misfortune to injure his knee. Ruby was prominent in the loose, and made some fine runs, only to spoil the work by hanging on. O'Brien is undoubtedly one of the finest forwards playing the code. Leyaon, at fullback for City, spoiled an otherwise good display by weak tackling. The wings, Wade and Ferrall, received plenty of opportunities, but the former failed to make use of his undoubted pace. His handling, too, was weak. Wetherill played easily his best game this season. He was the most brilliant back on the ground, showing splendid individualism and greater anticipation than usual. The City forwards stood up against the idoughty opposition in good style, but their tackling could be improved. Mackie was outstanding, while Hadley and Hamilton were also prominent. I'ascou is an acquisition to the City scrum, and he gave his side a good share of tho Jba.ll, particularly in the second spell. Easy Win for Marist. Playing with splendid combination, and infusing unusual dash into its play, pylarist gave a finished exhibition against Athletic, and although the points scored •were large, the game was full of interest. There was not a weak link among the Marist backs. Gregory, Kirwan and Brisbane were outstanding tucas was easily the best of the Athletic rearguard, and made several clover pnemngs. Avery, Herring and Bryer placed good games among the forwards.