LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19989, 4 July 1928, Page 15

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

DEVONPORT BACKS IN CHECK. SPLENDID INDIVIDUAL PLAY. EXPERIMENTS IN MAR IST TEAM.

The Devonport rearguard played much below its usual standard in the match with Newton on Saturday. The usual clean and clover passing bouts were not in evidcnco and mishandling was frequent. It appeared the solid tackling of tho Newton players completely upset the combination. Some splendid individual efforts were seen in the Devonport-Newton gamo. Hardgreave was tho hero of the match, his clever side-stepping and swerving leaving the opposition standing several times. The spectators wore not slow in showing their appreciation of Hardgrcave's cleverness, and ho was given a rousing reception when he ran practically tho length of the field to scoro a beautiful try. Duffy, too, was in everything. His magnificent. kicking repeatedly extricated his team from diflicnlfc situations, while his solid all-round play worked wonders in the back division. One often -hears the question: "Where would Newton be without Dufty ?" There i» no doubt it would be a far easier team to beat in his absence.

Beattie Plays WolL

Beattie, Devonport, was another player who did a great deal of valuable individual work. Seldom did he have an opportunity in a passing movement, as the rushes were usually checked before the ball got out to him. Realising this, Beattie changed his play accordingly, with the result he scored one try and wan almost over on two other occasions.

The Devonport players did not support each other to the samo extent as has been a feature of their play this season. Consequently the combined efforts suffered materially. Often passes were sent infield when no support was offering. Playing up to this, Newton was always on the alert and scored two tries as a result.

It appeared the Devonport backs could nave pierced the defence better by placing some well-judged punts when Newton stood on the top of them. Usually when a kick was tried it went straight into the hands of Ucrewini. Cleaver played well at half for Devonport. His defence was very sound and a treat to watch in comparison with the attempts of some others on the side. On attack, too, ho made some good openings. Cleaver must have prospects ot inclusion in the representative team. St. George did very well indeed by holding his own against such an experienced hooker as Somers. Recognised as a fine hooker, it was not generally anticipated St. George would come out of the ordeal with honours about even.

The " Speculating " Practice.

There were some bad instances of "speculating" on the part of one or two members ot both rearguards In view o. the forthcoiiiing visit 01 the English team this was not at ai) encouraging. Once upon a time any player who "speculated would bo immediately dropped Horn a team. Some playtii, too, seemed to tlnnk the head was the correct place to tackle a man. Marist tried a few experiments among tlio back division in iis match against iliclunond on Saturday, and several new players were given -a chance, hichaidoon was not very impressive, but Nabey, at fullback, displayed fairly good torm. Both onlv require experience to do better. Mo'isley was easily the bpst of the Manst backs, and his strong, straight running often beat the defence. Better supported, Marist would have scored twice from Moisley's good work. Hassan did not, get many chances, but nevertheless played well. Batchelor was the prck of the thiecrepresentative team will have but one opportunity ot playinga game prior to the English matches. Advice has been received that Canteibujy will play Auckland on July 21, and this match should give tho selectOTS a go opportunity of testing some of the. local pi avers in positions which appear difhcult to fill. It is reported South Auckland 18 likelv to seek another match, and if this could be. arranged at an early date, the local thirteen will have better chances wettinc into form for the big games. ° Other representative fixtures have been arranged against Otago and the West Coast, but both matches wul bo played late in the season. Since he was selected in the first Auckland representative team, T. Peckhain has given two displays far below the standard required for a representative halfback. Against City on Saturday he repeatedly fatled to open up the game after his team secured the ball from almost every scrum. Beckham's showing may cause the selectors to try another half. Cleaver must be next 'in line for selection, as the Devonport man has been consistent with good displays. Preference, however, may be given to players who usually fill other positions in club football.

Delgrosso as Halfback.

There is a feeling Delgrosso would be a success at halfback, as the Ponsonby man played well behind the scrum prior to the selection of the 1926 New Zealand team. Delgrosso is undoubtedly a hne player, and since he came out of retirement half-way through the first round, few five-eighths have shown such highclass form. He is at homo both on attack and defence, and his claims for consideration are second to none. City's backs showed glimpses of good form against Ponsonby on Saturday, and on occasions they delighted the crowd with clever passing. Given a good share of the ball from the scrum, City is likely to cause surprises before the competition is finished. It still has a good following, and the Auckland League should seriously consider playing matches with City at Carl aw Park. With a little luck, the team is likely to alter the positions in (ho championship.

Prentice on Sick List.

Alarist was without tlio services of Gregory and Brisbane against Richmond, and their absence undoubtedly weakened the team. Both are suffering from influenza Prentice was absent from tho Richmond thirteen. Tho Auckland repre.entativo is having a bad time with his broken nose, which caused considerable trouble last season. It is to be hoped the Richmond crack will again take bis place in the team, as he is likely to find L place in future representative matches. Although it was reported that the League competition ■ was abandoned on Saturday last at Hikurangi,it is, nevertheless, the intention of the Northern Rugby League to make a start this week. Tho Auckland League has received advice of tho formation of teams, and a request to send a club team North. Should satisfactory arrangements be made, Richmond, which has a bye on Saturday, will be invited to play an exhibition game against a team from Hikurangi. In Saturday's senior B competition Athletic defeated Pftrnell hy 13 pomts to 8. In the first round one teams drew. Athletic now has a lead of five points in this competition.