THE LEAGUE CODE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19945, 14 May 1928, Page 12

THE LEAGUE CODE.

DEVONPORT IN THE LEAD. FAST AND EXCITING PLAY. L. SCOTT HAS A DAY OUT. As was generally anticipated tlie match between Devonport and Marist on Saturday provided some fast and exciting play, and at times some really brilliant movements were executed by both sides. Devonport was the better team on the day, its rearguard combining more effectively than that of the opposition. However, Marist was unlucky in regard to injuries, losing two backs, Sweeney and King, during the progress of play. Devonport is now leading in the competition, having won ail three matches. Richmond is also unbeaten, bat has played one game less than Devonport. The meeting of these two teams next Saturday is sure to prove a great attraction. It was early evident in the DevonportMarist match that there would bo some high scoring. The Devonport backs made thrust after thrust in the opening stages, but were kept out by solid defence. But it'was only a matter of time before the attacks must meet with success. A feature of the game was the dash and determination of the Devonport threequarter line. Splendidly fed by the inside backs for the better part of the match, the Beattie-Scott-Saxon trio thrilled the spectators by their spectacular efforts. Beattie was again in the limelight throughout the game, following on his good exhibition of the previous week, he proved very elusive and made some clever openings. In one effort especially lie beat most of tho Marist team. Some of the tries scored by L. Scott came as a result of Beattie's good work. Promising Threequarter. L. Scott had a regular l'eld day, scoring four tries. He could have registered another, as he had all tho opposition beaten when he gave Dixon an easy try. Scott displayed great determination in going for the line, an example which some other senior threequarters could very well emulate. There is one weakness about his play, however, and that is on defence. Should he improve in this department of the game, he has tho makings of a real champion. Although Scott frequently came into the limelight, Saxon also gave a pleasing exhibition. Most of the play swung to Scott's wing, but Saxon was just as conspicuous in any ■ play that came his way. Preston and Seagar, five-eighths, and Cleaver, half, all played well and made some nice openings at times. It was a pleasure to watch the five-eighths not overdoing the "cut in." Simons played well at fullback, but made a mistake in waiting for the bounce once, this costing his team a try. The forwards all worked well together and ably assisted the rearguard. Ruby, A. Scott, Dixon and St. George did some great work, while Casey caught the eye for some splendid tackling. Ruby kicked two good goals on Saturday. Marist Unlucky. It had been suggested Marist would prove a more solid proposition than on the previous Saturday, and such proved to be the case. The team was decidedly unfortunate in losing players through injuries. Sweeney, while on the field, electrified the crowd with some brilliant dashes. He showed a great turn of speed, and with more opportunities would have proved very dangerous. His try was the result of good anticipation, being scored in a somewhat sensational manner. The absence of Gregory necessitated several changes in the rearguard. King, who injured a shoulder, showed great promise and did some good work both on attack and defence. Brisbane and Hassan were always conspicuous, the latter being unlucky in receiving tn injury to his leg early in the game. Cronin gave an improved exhibition, getting the ball out quickly to his backs. There were changes in the Marist vanguard, Noble being the most notable absentee. Moisley played a fine game throughout, and was ably assisted by Graham and Kirkland. When Marist played the last-named at second fiveeighths there was a marked improvement in the team's play. Although beaten Marist put up a good fight an the team should be hard to beat in future matches. Newton gave an impressive display against Ponsonby, and last year's champions were seen in some excellent combined play. A feature of Newton's win was the splendid manner in which the forwards supported the backs in passing movements. In the loose Newton's forwards showed surprising pace and their quick following up frustrated any opposition attacks. It was a fast and open game and the style of play suited Newton, especially its forwards. Murray's try was the gem of the match, as several players handled the ball in a reverse passing bout. The ex-St. Stephen's College player gathered a low pass from McLeod and raced over to complete a splendid movement. The passing was generally good and in this department the Newton backs showed improvement. A Good Hooker. Ponsonby's form has so far this season been disappointing. The team's play lacks finish, the backs on Saturday being too close together, while the passing was slow and uncertain. T. Peckham gave the rear division plenty of opportunities, but while Cole played well, the others failed to vary the attack. Too much kicking was indulged in by the Ponsonby three qua.-ters. Usher was a noticeable offender and kicked twice when a pass might have resulted in a try. The splendid hooking of Somers went a long way toward Newton's success. The ex-New Zealand representative is an artist at getting the ball, which in the League code is an undoubted advantage. Somers has only to retain his form to gain a place in tho big matches against the Englishmen. Hall played well for Newton, he and Henry being the pick of the' forwards. Tho pair were especially successful in breaking from the scrum and harassing the Ponsonby five-eighths. Purdy was also prominent, while Rhodes tackled strongly. Hales played a really good game at halfback and showed improved form. With more experience lie should be a success in his new position. Murray was sound on defence and ran strongly on attack. Duffy was very useful to Newton, powerful kicking saving his side on numerous occasions. His goal from the sideline was a particularly fine kick. Hardgrave and Little did well with limited opportunities, while McLeod was also seen to advantage. Too Much Kicking, Ponsonby had a day on defence and its attacking powers were limited ow ; ng to Somers' success in the scrums. In , ihe open, however, Ponsonby kicked too much Cole showed a return to the good form which gained him a place in the 1926 team which toured England. T. Peckham was the pick of the backs and his brother, K. Peckham, combined weil with Cole. Gardiner was uncertain in his handling and twice dropped passes when a try seemed likely. Fagan was the best of the forwards and Payne and Ilutt were also prominent. Tho City team shpwed a great improvement in form against Ellerslie, especially in tne back line. Wade, on the wing, played a good game, but the success of the team was due to the fine combination of the five-eighths, Wetherill and Iversen, In the forwards, Hamilton and W. Hadley were prominent. Ellerslie lacked team work and gave a pool* display.