LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20077, 15 October 1928, Page 16

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

CLOSE OF THE SEASON.

MATCH FOR STORMONT SHIELD

MARIST DEFEATS DEVONPORT.

The Auckland Rugby League officially 'closed its soason at Carlaw Park on Saturday when Marist, winner of the Roope Rooster competition, defeated Devonport, winner of the senior grado championship, l.v 9 points to 8, and won tho Stormont Memorial Shield. Tho match was very spectacular, tho play of both rear divisions greatly pleasing about 4000 spectators. Tho first half was evenly contested, with Dovouport having tho advantage of a steady breeze. O'Leary's try after seven Devonport players had handled tho ball was a brilliant one. Simmons kicked a magnificent goal from the sideline. Iri tho second half Marist had a little the better of the play, Brisbane being in his best form. Tho concluding stapes vrero full of excitement, the Devonport backs striving hard to wipe out defeat. Twtco the champions went within an aco of scoring. Tho weather remained fine and the ground was in surprisingly good condition considering tho heavy rain in tho morning. Moislev was prominent in a fine 'dash, which carried play to tho Devonport twenty-five, A. Scott saving Tho "Devonport forwards swept over the opposition, and Ruby just missed scoring. Hassan made a fine opening and transferred to Gregory, who held on too long. Johnson broke away from a scrum and ran 30yds. only to see Batchelor miss tho final pass. Tho Marist backs were seen to advantage in a passing bout, and Brisbane beat tho opposition to score a great try. Gregory failed to convert. Marist, 3 • Devonport, 0. Then Brisbane was prominent in a great solo run, which carried play well into Devonport's territory, where Simmons saved luckily. Preston gave Devonport a chance by beating Brady, but Seagar s pass to Beattie was forward, and a try ivas missed. The Devonport backs had several opportunities to score, but first Seagar and then Preston kicked instead of passing. A. Scott led tho Devonport forwards in a sweeping attack, which proved almost successful, Dixon being tackled a few feet from the lino. L. Scott started one of the most brilliant movements seen at Carlaw Park this season. Near halfway the speedy winger fielded a return kick, raced down the sideline and passed to Preston. Tho ball was handled by five other players, and finally O'Leary raced over to score in the corner. Simmons converted with a fine kick. Devonport, 5; Marist, 3. The Marist backs went away, and Brisbane made a good opening, Batchelor just missing a try. Just before half-time Cleaver worked the blind side and O'Leary almost went over. The scores were: Devonport, 5; Marist, o. Early in the second half Marist was awarded a penalty and Gregory missed at. goal from a good position. Noble snapped up the ball in the loose and beat several defenders before being tackled on the .Devonport line. From the scrum that followed Stormont dived over to score for Marist. Gregory just missed the goal points. Marist, 6; Devonport 5. The Devonport backs set off with clever pr.ssing and Beattie beat the defence, hut O'Leary was tackled inches from the Mn,rist line. A. Scott made a good effort down tho sideline, and cross-kicked to three Devonport forwards, who appeared yards offside, but a penalty gave Marist a chance to clear. The Devonport forwards continued to press and for several miniue3 fought hard to score. Preston inado a nice opening and passed to Beattie, whose pace beat several defenders, and amid great excitement O'Leary raced over to score a great try. Simmons failed to convert. Devonport, 8; Marist, 6. From a scrum near halfway Hassan sent the Marist backs away, and the ball travelled to Brisbane, who caught the opposing backs out of position. In a flash Hansen swept into the movement and the wing gave his side the lead with a nice try, which Gregory failed to convert. The game ended shortly afterwards with Marist. attacking strongly, the final scores being: Marist, 9; Devonport, 8, Mr. L. Bull was referee. HAMILTON V. NORTHCOTE. A senior League team from Hamilton was T.eaten by the Birkenhead and Ncirthcote '.Ramblers team at Carlaw Park on Saturday afternoon by five points to three. Alter the match the visitors were entertained at dinr.er at tho Northcote Hotel, and later at a tiance at the Victoria Ilall, Birkenhead.