THE LEAGUE CODE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19957, 28 May 1928, Page 12

THE LEAGUE CODE.

DEVONPORT STILL LEADS. FIVE TE/VMS SECOND EQUAL. PONSONBY GAINS GOOD WIN. As the result of matches on Saturday Devonport, which had a bye, is now leading in the senior championship with a clear lead of four points. Richmond and Newton, which until Saturday were two points behind the leaders in second place, suffered defeat, while the wins of Marist, Ponsonby and City have now placed these teams on an equal footing with Richmond and Newton in second place. Newton and Ponsonby, however, have played ono more game than the other teams and have still to get a bye. The inclusion of Delgrosso has made a vast difference to the Ponsonby team, and this was plainly evident in the match against Richmond on Saturday. Delgrosso was head and shoulders above any other back 011 the ground. He did some brilliant work on attack, often breaking through the defence before it realised what was happening. A little more speed would have enabled Delgrosso to score at least another couple of tries. His try was a fine effort, being the result of clever anticipation. Delgrosso was supported by Schofield and three or four Richmond players expected him to ; pass to his wing. In a flash he realised'the position and dashed over between them. On defence, Delg-osso was just as prominent as he was on attack. He cleverly extricated his side from some dangerous corners several times during the game. The Ponsonby Forwards. The Ponsonby forwards were in the picture all the time on Saturday and gave their rearguard every assistance. With such players as Hutt, Payne and Fagan, they have the necessary dash and experience for the makings of a fine vanguard. These three players were conspicuous for good work throughout the match, while Stephens and Ford ably assisted them. Gardiner, however, was not impressive, being far too much inclined to wait about for opportunities. The Ponsonby scrum was heavier than that of its opponents and gained the ball in the majority of scrums > This advantage gave its rearguard plenty of opportunities. Tha backs were seen in some nice, combined efforts and it is safe to say that had the rain held off in the second spell, with the advantage of the wind, the score would have been larger in favour of the winners. Moore performed very creditably at halfback, although some of his passes were wild. This was especially noticeable in the second half after the ball became greasy. His chief fault at present is his slowness in getting the ball away. Cole played a sound, heady game at first fiveeighths, being dangerous on attack, while he placed his short kicks with good judgment. Litton did some good work at various stages and when he gains more knowledge of the game should develop into a good, all-round player. Usher seemed better suited to the wing position than centre and Schofield, on the other wing, was very sound. Thompson, the fullback, had plenty of work to do. He handled the ball splendidly and did not let his side down on any occasion. In fact, except for one or two miskicks, he gave a most pleasing all-round display. Richmond lacks Dash. The Richmond team seemed to be suffering from the effects of the strenuous contest against Devonport on the previous Saturday. The forwards lacked the usual dash, while the combination of the backs left a good deal to.be desired. Seldom did the half get past Taylor, who except for his kicking, gave a disappointing exhibition. He wijs often smothered with the ball. This to some measure was due to the fact that the Richmond fiveeighths took their passes practically standing still. Wheaton would have done better to have held the ball several times instead of transferring to his centre, who was in a worse position than himself. Prentice was the best of the backs, while Davis, at half, was also prominent. Hanlon, fullback, gave his most disappointing display so ifar this season. He continually waited for the bounce and was lucky on some occasions to be favoured by it. An early injury may hjive accounted for bis hesitation to take the ball on the full when he could easily have got up. Ellerslie was outplayed in both divisions by Marist, which had little difficulty in winning comfortably. Ellerslie's display fell far below expectations, and there was an absence of- any finish to attacking movements. Its defence, too, was very weak, and on two occasions Moisley should have been stopped from scoring. The Ellerslie forwards were keen in the loose and disputed the honours with Marist in open play. The superior pace of the Marist backs, however, placed the game beyond all doubt. Rearguard thrusts were dangerous each time Cronin set his men in action. Moisley Scores Four Tries. Moisley, in scoring four tries for Marist, gave a dashing display on the wing, the big forward handling a strange position to him in fine style. Moisley is perhaps one of the most versatile players in the code, for he has occupied three . positions in as many matches. Gregory gave a great display at fullback. He excelled at starting passing rushes from difficult positions. One of Moisley's tries was started by Gregory within a foot of the Marist line. It \\,is a risky move, but good passing and accurate handling made it effective, Knott made his first appearance this season ana the tennis champion showed rare sped on the wing. He will strengthen Marist should ho decide to continue playing. Brisbane was the pivot of the attack, his strong., straight running paving the way for two tries. Hassan and Brady worked well together and Cronin gave the five-eighths plenty of good passes. Keenan and Graham were hard workers in the scrums, while Johnson and Noble used their pace to cood advantage in following up. The Crewther brothers played well for Ellerslie, which has been strengthened by the inclusion of R. Crewther, who played so well for Marist last season and subsequently Assisted Petone. Speight was a little slow in running the threequarters into position and some of his passes were wild. Perry was only fair at fullback, his kicking being n little uncertain at times. Cooke, Davies and Dance were the pick of the forwards. An Easy Try Lost. In the match against City the Newton backs indulged in far too much kicking, as they gained possession from the scrums practically throughout the game. The City defence was very sound, and in this department Barchard and Iverson stood out. Newton was unlucky when Herring was held up over the line and again when Little ran over behind the posts unopposed. It appeared Little, in an endeavour to place the ball down quickly, lost possession and bounced the ball, thereby losing a certain try. The City backs were always dangerous in passing bouts, the combination of Wetherill, vlverson and Perry being very neat. The forwards were outplayed in the scrums, but gave their backs good support in the loose. J. Hadley, W. Hadley, Pascoo and Hamilton wero always in the limelight. The superiority of Newton in the scrums was due to the hookincr cf Someis, who was at the top of his form. Clark was the best forward of the line, which was especially good in passing bouts. Rhodes and Herring were the best of the remainder. The absence of Dufty and Herewim eavo Wilson and Butterworth a chance, the former playing fullback and the latter centre. Both players shaped well, Wilson being very sound on defence*