THE LEAGUE CODE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20253, 13 May 1929, Page 12

THE LEAGUE CODE.

TEAMS OF EQUAL STANDARD.

KEEN COMPETITION EXPECTED.

CITY'S LAST-MINUTE WIN

Tlio blosc scoring in (lie Auckland Rugby League's senior competition gives 'ample evidence of the evenness of at least six teams, and some splendid matches can lie expected before the championship has been decided. In three series already played, the results have been in doubt, until the final stages. At the conclusion of Saturday's matches Devonport and City lead the championship with six points, while Richmond, Ponsonby and Newton have had one loss. City's form has shown much improvement this season, and the champions of a few years ago promise to delight the crowds with the spectacular open play which was in evidence between 1920 and 1924 Devonport does not appear to bo as strong as last year, but it is a formidable combination. The match between Devonport and City next Saturday should provide an interesting game. Ponsonby continues to do well, and with more finish may be one of tho hardest teams to beat. Richmond suffered its first reverse on Saturday, while Newton, a well-bal-anced thiiteen, had rather a lucky win against Kingsland. Willing Forward Play.

Although the result of the match between Ponsonby and Marist was not unexpected, the losers gave a remarkably fine display. From the commencement play, especially among tho forward divisions, was very willing, and although no untoward incident occurred, players indulged in unnecessarily rough play on several occasions. In the first half tho Ponsonby backs dominated the game by reason of tho forwards' ability in the scrums. On the few occasions on which the Marist rearguard was fed, it failed to make the most of its opportunities. In tho second spell, however, the forwards livened up the game considerably, the Marist pack excelling in the loose, but being repeatedly sent, back by the brilliant defensive play of the Ponsonby backs

Dclgrosso, at first five-eighths for Ponsonby, played well. His goal-kicking contributed eight points to Ponsonby's score. Thompson, the other five-eighth, also played a fine game, his lightning-like cut-in on several occasions putting his side on the offensive. Schofield was sound in the fullback position, while the threequarter line combined _ well, although no player was outstanding. Skelton was perhaps the best forward on the field. Ho opened up play among the-backs time after time, and was in the front of every attacking movement. Of the others, Payne was outstanding, a feature of his play being his fast follow-ing-up. Hutt was not impressive, while Gardiner showed a disinclination to work in the pack. He was responsible for some clever work, however, in combining well with the backs. Brisbane in Best Form.

For Marist, Brisbane played excellentlv, his snappy passing and penetrating runs considerably strengthening the side. Brady, on the wing, was seen in several fine runs, but did not receive many opportunities. Tho five-eighths, McDonald and Cronin, were good on defence, but could»not beat the opposing hacks when thev secured the ball. Clarke and Moislev we're the best in the forward division. , , . . , . Although not allotted the principal fixture, the game between City and Richmond provided a big section of the crowd at Carlaw Park with a" splendidly-con-tested game. The result was in don )t. until the final stages, when Reynolds gave Citv the lead with a fine individual try. In the first half Richmond, by good back plav, had a little the better of, the play, although City actually led by two points. In tho second half much exciting plav was witnessed, and City, aided b\ a major portion of the ball from the scrums, was continually oil tho attack. Two splendid penalty goals by Hamilton turned tho tide in Richmonds favour just, six minutes before the end. However, Citv's backs combined effectively and outplayed tho opposition. Reynolds try which placed tho game all doubt was a particularly fine effort. From a scrum svds. out, City hooked tho ball cleanly, and in a flash Reynolds shot over between Agnew and Prentice, to score a great try. The margin in City s favour at the finish fairly represents the run of plav. Fullback Uncertain.

For {lie winners Barchard, at fullback, was uncertain in fielding and kicking. Lawrence displayed a lot of pace on the wing, but missed a certain try through weak handling. Paton got few chances, while Hall was not so impressive as on the previous week Ferry and Iverson were a happy pair at five-eighths. The former did some brilliant things at times and Iverson was a tower of strength on defence. Reynolds was perhaps the best back on the ground, lie ran his backs into easy positions. The City forwards gave a great display in the open. Tlio set tackled in fine style and gave the backs useful support. Clark and Iladley were the pick. Barchard, Hamilton and Townsend played well. Pascoe, as hooker, gave City a good share of the ball. The Richmond backs did not reveal the form shown against Marist. The rear division failed in possession to thrust homo the advantage. Rarely did Mincham and Cooto on tho wings get a pass. Hamilton was perhaps the best of Richmond's backs. Prentice defended ably, but was not noticeable on attack. Behind the scrum Agnew got through a tremendous amount of work well, Ilanlon played a reliablo game at fullback. Jenkinson and Telford played sterling games among the forwards. The pair were in every attack. Turner was prominent in (ho loose, but was allowed a lot of latitude in lying down to hook the ball. Richmond's scrum formation suffered as the result. Newton Fortunate.

At the Domain Nowton, after being soundly beaten in all-round play, was rather lucky to beat Kingsland in the last few minutes of a well-contested game. Newton's backs were very disappointing. Failure to win the ball from the scrum may bo the reason for Newton's disorganisation. Even with the addition of Letton and Peckbarn, the backs wero not impressive. Kingsland showed better combination and its backs did good work on attack. But for the splendid efforts of the Newton forwards, Kingsland would probably have won easily. For Newton, Hardgrave, who got few chances, was the best of the backs. Letton was prominent on occasions, and K. Peckham seemed wasted at fullback. Rhodes and Ilall did good work among the forwards, while Francis was prominent in the loose. Longvillo stood out aa the best back on the ground, his kicking and splendid handling being a feature of the ganle. Angelo played a fine game for Kingsland. He made some beautiful openings. List and I'. Carter also played well. Simrns and York wero the most prominent forwards'.

At Kllorslio Dcvonport was hard-pressed to win a closely-contested gamo against the local team, which played better football in' the second half. The Dcvonport backs forced the pace from the ontset and several good tries were scored. Ellerslie's backs were very weak and showed little combination, with the result that the champions scored 16 points before the local team settled down.