THE LEAGUE CODE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20261, 22 May 1929, Page 16

THE LEAGUE CODE.

DEVONPORT STILL UNBEATEN. PONSONBY DANGEROUS SIDE. PLAY-THE-BALL RULE ALTERED. At the conclusion of Saturday's matches Dcvonport remains the only unbeaten team in the Auckland Rugby League's senior grado competition.. Last year's champions have, however, had to fight hard to retain their position, after four splendidly-contested matches, in which closo scoring has been a feature. City and Ponsonby are equal in second place, each team having been beaten by Devonport.

From tho form shown it is evident Ponsonby will prove a dangerous sido, as its ranks havo been strengthened each week. Ponsonby has met most of the strongest teams, and unless City can win when the two sides meet, looks certain to retain second place. Richmond has been beaten twice in succession, being now level with Newton. Marist has shown disappointing form, scoring but one championship point, the result of a draw with Kingsland. While the gamo between City and Dcvonport was devoid of spectacular back play, it was a highly interesting battle hot ween both sets of forwards. The City pack was considerably lighter than that of the champions, whoso front division looked a formidable lot. Under tho circumstances, City can be credited with a splendid exhibition. The whole pack rose to tho occasion and beat "Devonport in every department. In the final stages City made strenuous efforts to snatch the game out of the fire, and was unlucky on several occasions. The keenest follower of Saturday's game, while recognising Devonport's wonderful defence, will agree that City had a good deal the better of the game. The Five Yards Limit. The alterations to the play-the-ball- rule are being made with the intention of preventing players playing tho ball to the side. Previously a player tackled in possession was allowed to turn his body and moro or less piiss the ball, from the foot, to his own side. On occasions the ball travelled but a few feet, which invariably resulted in players of both teams fighting for possession on the ground. It must bo said that too much of the game is wasted with players lying on the ball. Now it is necessary to play the ball, forwards or backwards, past tho opposing player. Should it be kicked to tho side, all players' must stand outside the five yards limit before the ball can be handled by them.

Few forwards in Saturday's struggle stood out more prominently than Clark, who repeatedly Ifld 'the City forwards. He used his weight .with telling effect and was unlucky not to score. Tho appearance of Watcne for City created more than passing interest, as the ex-Rugby Union fullback came with a reputation of being a high-class player. He impressed the first time he handled the ball by covering much ground before starting a passing rush. His kicking was greatly admired, and his tackling was a feature of the match. Wateno has a promising future in the League code. The fine display at five-eighth by Seagar must have impressed the selectors, and his chances of securing a place in the representative team appear bright. The Devonport back is clever on attack and a great defender.

City's success in winning the ball from the scrum again serves to show the advantage of having possession. The forwards packed a well-balanced scrum, and l'ascoe hooked cleanly. Mclntyre,-Scores Three Tries. The inclusion of Mclntvre behind the Ponsonby pack must have pleased its supporters on Saturday, for the ex-New-ton and Sydney player scored three tries. Mclntyre showed splendid anticipation against Richmond, and clever support of tho player in possession enabled him to score with comparative case. Ho is nimble and quick from the base of the scrum, and his all-round play was of a high standard. Riley, the Ponsonby five-eighth, played a fine game, and he paved the way for two of Mclntyre's tries. Riley is possessed of a great swerve, which makes hini dangerous on attack. He has more pace than most inside backs. Many keen discussions have taken place, at the meetings of the management committee when allocations for senior matches are being made. The attitude of tho Auckland League in playing, where possible, all senior matches at Carlaw Park is being appreciated by followers of the code, although it is at times inconvenient for players to take part in early matches. On Saturday the curtain-raiser was 12 minutes late, and it was 3.27 p.m. when the big game was started. In fact, Devonport and City played the final stages in semi-darkness. The Auckland League should go iuto the matter of punctual starting of its competition games. The draw for next Saturday includes the meeting of Newton and City, and Devonport and Richmond. Both games will be decided at Carlaw Park, but the match to be allotted to No. 1 ground will be decided this evening. 0. Dufty Plays Again. After much speculation as to his intentions the veteran C. Dufty once moro donned the-red-and white jersey of Newton, playing his first club game of the season for that team on Saturday. Much interest centred in his play at centrethreequarter, but although safe enough on defence ho was not bright on attack. His goal-kicking contributed si.\ points to Newton's total. R. Dufty, his cousin, was tried out at halfback and mado a good showing. Norman, a bulky forward from the country, is another newcomer to the team, and made his debut on Saturday. He did somo solid work but was never conspicuous. Marist has had a'run of bad luck this season. Last year's winners of the Roope Rooste- competition havo so far not won a match, being defeated by one point in each of the first two games of the year, losing by four points to Ponsonby in the third game and drawing with Kingsland last Saturday. Although well served by a hardworking pack of forwards, the Marist backs were not impressive, Hassan,tho halfback, and Brisbano being possible exceptions.