LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20085, 24 October 1928, Page 16

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

LABOUR DAY COMPETITION.

GOOD DISPLAYS OF CODE.

The elimination round of tlio Auckland Rugby League's Labour Day football competition provided spectators at Carlaw Park with interesting matches on Saturday. The first match, between Huntly and Marist, attracted most attention, as the visitors had a formidable combination. Marist also fielded a strong thirteen, but Huntly put up a great fight, and must be considered unlucky to havo been beaten within 0110 minute of time. It is understood a protest was lodged by Huntly against the gamo being awarded to Marist on tlio grounds that a player was replaced in the second half. This is undoubtedly against the laws of the game, as in Auckland special provision is made to replace injured players, provided tlio alteration takes part before th« first half is concluded or during the interval. However, the protest may not be followed up, but Iluntly's action was justified. The visitors were strongly represented in the vanguard, which gave a splendid exhibition of ball control. Repeatedly the forwards broke through and cleverly dribbled the ball well into Marist's territory. Their following up was also a feature of the game, aiid hard tackling kept Marist on the defensive. Jones and Timms, were two forwards who impressed most. Both these players are up to New Zealand representative standard.

City fielded several juniors against Devonport, which also had many new players in its thirteen. The result was placed beyond all doubt by the excellent combination o( City's insido backs, Amos, Reynolds and Perry. The last-named scored two fine tries. McLoughlin, for City, was always prominent, and is one of the most promising forwards seen*in Auckland for some time. Ponsonby bad too much combination, for Point Chevalier, and the B section representatives were beaten comfortably. Ponsonby's rear division gave a finished display, particularly in tlio second half, when it dominated the play. For Ponsonby Delgrosso and Revell were in great form, and Thompson scored two nico tries. Purdy, Monaghan and Carroll played good games for Point Chevalier.

Newton and Richmond gave the best exhibition of football, and the latter team won a great game by 11 points to 5. Roth teams wero well represented, Richmond taking the opportunity of trying several juniors. Mincham played a particularly good game, being very elusive on attack, llardgravo and Dufty played well for Newton, tlio former's try being a brilliant one.

Having bcatca Hunlly, Marist wat culled upon to play Ellerslio, wliich nearly defeated t'ho Roopc Rooster winners. It was only t.o bo expected that Marist would ho a very tired team, as the game against llnntly was particularly hard, but it managed to keep Ellerslio from scoring in tlic last few minutes.

On tho form shown Marist and Ponsonhv aro the most likely teams to take part in the finnl, wliich will be played ou Saturday nest.