LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20061, 26 September 1928, Page 17

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

ROOPE ROOSTER COMPETITION TWO GOOD EXHIBITIONS. A PLAY-OFF NECESSARY. 1 The semi-final of the Roope Rooster | knock-out competition between Newton and Ponsonby should have'provided spectators at Carlaw Park with a splendid exhibition of the code, but heavy rain and a sodden turf made conditions unpleasant and good football was almost impossible. It was, however, surprising to see both teams adapt themselves to dry day methods and passing rushes were frequently seen. Speedy thrusts by New ton's fast forwards were met with a resolute defence and when the Ponsonby vanguard retaliated it gained more territorial advantage on several occasions. It is safe to assume that the play-off between the teams will attract considerable attention, as there is little to choose between them. At the end of the 49-niirnites spells it was necessary for five minutes each way to bo played. It was during this period that by the aid of good individual efforts, by Little and Dufty, Newton held the advantage. The best movement of the match took place just before halftime, when Ponsonby was attacking on Newton's line. Wilson snapped up the ball from the feet of the Ponsonby forwards and a quick pass cut off four attackers. With brilliant passing the movement swept to the other end, and Delgrosso saved what appeared a certain try Similar movements among the forwards made the game unusually interesting for a wet day. First Drawn Game. This is the first, occasion on which one of the Roope Rooster games has ended in a draw. Last season Richmond and City had to play extra time, bat the former thirteen eventually scored. Newton was without Hardgrave, who will undoubtedly strengthen the side when the play-off is decided. However, Ponsonby's play this season has been consistent, and this should be a deciding factor. A feature of Ponsonby's play was the brilliant football of Delgrosso at fullback. ! The Ponsonby captain has filled many positions in the rear division, but never has he been so successful at fullback. His fielding gained considerable applause and his defence was of a high standard. Revel] played ably at centre threequarler. Ho made use of his weight and strength. Crooks played finely at five-eighths, and revealed rr.re pace and anticipation. He was unlucky not to score after following up a well-placed kick, which gave Herewini no chance. The wings, Letton and Schofield, got few chances, but nevertheless, made no mistakes. Thompson caught the eye on several occasions in tricky running, and defended ably against Dufty. i T. Peckham was the weak link in the rear division. His passing was exceptionally | weak, and his transfers were badly j directed He did not. show any inclination to go down to forward rushes. ( The Ponsonby pack played fine foot- ( ball against a recognised powerful set.. Although beaten in the scrums, it more than held its own in the loose- Hutt was perhaps the finest of the set, his pace and excellent handling greatly assisting the backs. J. Peckham shone in the open by swift tackling, while Fagan and Gardiner were also good. Herewini's Good Display. For Newton, Ilerewini played a really j fine game at fullback. Like Delgrosso his fielding whs sure and he ran with e n od judgment in opening up the play for his threequartdrs. Murray was the best of the threequarters arid combined well with Dufty. The latter's powerful and welldirected kicks saved Newton from difli- : cult positions. Near the end of the game I Dufty thrilled the spectators with a great individual effort, bumping over three Ponsonby backs in his run to the corner. The Newton captain should have made more nse of Clarke in playing him round the scrum. Cammick did well behind the scrum, but more use of a short punt on Little's wing may have been suecessfuJ. Clarke vras the pick of the Newton forwards. He showed ability in getting into position when an opportunity was ! offered. Hall battled along in great style and is undoubtedly the most improved | forward playing the code. Marist arid Devonport were tho other teams engaged in the semi-final and a win to the former gives it a place in the final. There was, however, not a great deal of difference between the teams. Devonport's backs showed better combination than was expected, but the Marist rear division was more solid. The five points difference was not revealed m the actual run of play. Marist, however, was unfortunate on the score of injuries, Campbell, its hooker, retired early and in the second half Gregory left the field- ! A Lucky Try. The winners were a little lucky to he awarded the try by Johnson, who ap peared to touch down over the dead-ball area. Marist has only to settle down early in a game to he a dangerous com bination Several tunes this season it lias shown good form and when up to ful' strength can be depended on to extend the best thirleens. The return to the code of Kir wan lias been the means of considerably strengthening the Marist live-eighth hue. !' was ah'O a successful experiment in playing Hassan behind , the serum. 1 A feature of the game was the brilliant football of the rival fullbacks, Gregory and Simons. Their fielding, running and well-directed kicks were of groat value to their teams. Gregory was called upon to do more solid work than Simons, bv reason of the fact that Ruby. O Prion and Rule, of Devon port, wem constantly bar nssmg the Marist custodian. Simons, on the other hand, figured prominently in passing bouts. With Delgrosso, Dufty. Ilerewini, Gregory and Simons playing so well, the selection of a representative fullback next season will bo no easy task. j A Promising Half. For Marist, Hassan, behind the scrum, j played high class football. He ran straight, and sent out beautiful passes Kirwan played a great game at five eighth. He" beat the opposition with a clever swerve, and ran straight in Ihe open. Brisbane exr ""•d himself in strong running, but tho v. s, Hansen and Hat- j cholor. were below form. Moislcy was \ the pick of the Marist forwards and got ! good support from O'Prien and Noble J Preston and Seagar made several nice openings, but the conditions held up the play. On one occasion L."Scott showed a great burst of speed and almost scored after Seagar broke through. Webb de fended solidly behind tho scrum, and O'Leary again showed a side-step which would prove effective under hotter con ditions. Ruby was Devonport's best for ward, his pace nearly carrying hiin over on two occasions. O'Brien, Rule and Casey also played well.