LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20273, 5 June 1929, Page 17

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

AUCKLAND COMPETITION.

THE CHANCES OF PONSONBY. POOR SHOWING BY NEWTON. I'onsonby's chances of defeating Devonport provide a keen topic of conversation among followers of the Leaguo football at present. There is as yet nothing outstanding about i'onsonby's form, but the ex-champions have a well-balanced combination capable of good football. Of late I'onsonby's play has shown improvement. The team has many tine individual players, but at present combination is lacking. Team-work should bo I'onsonby's aim during Ihe next few weeks it' it is to lower Devonport's colours. Newton's weak display against Devon port last Saturday must Lave disappointed tiic crowd at Carlaw I'aik. Newton has shown good form of lalo and many were confident that Dovonport would sustain its first defeat. Newton's forwards made a great impression early in the game, and tor a time looked like carrying off the honours. Tho backs, however, repeatedly failed to thrust homo the attack. The half back and five-eighths did little toward making play for llardgrave and Little, two of the fastest wings playing the code. l'rancis made a lino impression among Newton's forwards, all of whom held their own against Dcvonport. Francis revealed a hit, of pace for a forward and shows great promise T. llall was easily the best forward on the ground, and the Newton man gave a great display. lie has a good idea of opening up the game by passing to the backs. His tackling was very effective, particularly in the first half. Much-discussed Try. The try scored by llutt ii> the J'on-souby-Ellerslie game was responsible for considerable discussion among Ellerslie's supporters, but there is no doubt the ball did not roll into touch. The Ponsonby forward snapped it up only inches from tho line and scored unopposed, while Ellerslie waited expecting the line umpire to raise his llag. The incident will impress on the Ellerslie players the necessity of playing to the whistle.

Delgrosso continues to retain his best form and is responsible in no small mensure for I'onsonby's success. Ho ha.; played regularly since 1919 and each season his football has improved. Against Ellerslie the Pousonby captain scored half his team's total by kicking six goals. Delgrosso's experience will play a big part when I'onsonby meets Dcvonport on Saturday week.

Several Ellerslie backs spoiled good games bv continually playing the man It is most annoying to see players being caught by the jersey long after getting rid of tho ball. One of the live-eighths did nothing else but "shadow" Delgrosso, and he was lucky in not being ordered off. The Ellerslie halfback Cliff is one of the most diminutive players in the code, but his gnmeness cannot be denied. On Saturday he was the outstanding player, sound on defence and clever on attack. Peckham Leaving Ponsonby.

T. Peckham, after a long connection with the Ponsonby Club, has secured his transfer, and in all probability will play for Kingsland. His presence would undoubtedly strengthen Kingsland, which requires a player with Peckham's experience.

Wateuc's absence from the City team on Saturday caused much comment, but the rumour that ho has been transferred to a southern town is without foundation. Watenc was ouL of town for a few days

Tin* principal gamq for next Saturday bctween Ponsonby and City will .serve to remind followers of the (.ode of great, contests played a few seasons ago, when the two teams were at the head of the championship. Ponsonby lias always occupied a prominent position, but last season City experienced a lean year. This year's gime should attract a large crowd.

Patrons at Carhiw Park have greatly appreciated the Auckland League's policy of playing only senior matches at headquarters. The question of continuing the present system in the second round will be reviewed at the meeting of the management committee this evening. Australians for England.

The tour of an Australian team to England this season is rousing considerable interest in Sydney, and the selectors had the first opportunity last Saturday ot witnessing the best nf New South Wales against Queensland. A comfortable win for New South Wales will enhance the Sydney players' prospects, and it will occasion no surprise to see' the representative team mostly composed of players from Svdnev.

Marist. generally considered a much stronger team than City., which was without t lie services of several of its regular players, could only score three points against City's five. The game was very even, as the scores indicate, but lack of confidence and combination among the Marist backs was responsible for their defeat.

The five-eighths, especially Purdy, who was being tried out in that position, were disappointing and their lack of initiative starved two clever wings. Brisbane was as sound as ever on defence, but has not yet regained his old brilliance. on attack. lie was invariably tackled in possession.

The absence of the I'errys and Watone front the City rear division left gaps very hard to fill. McLaughlin, who received a broken nose in the first game of the seasou. reappeared, to play a great game at centre. Reynolds, the halfback, was not as good as Hassan, of Marisf, but nevertheless gave a blight exhibition. Ho fed his backs cleverly. OMISSION OF BOWLEY. SURPRISE IN AUCKLAND. The omission of E. 11. Bowley from Ihe trial cricket test to be played iu England has created a big surprise in Auckland. It will be remembered that many English critics considered Bowley unlucky riot to bo in the English side which played in Australia last season. Now Bowley's name is missing from the 24 published yesterday—l 3 for the English team and J1 for Ihe Host. Last week figures were cabled shoving Bowley to be fifth-on the Counties' batting list. As he has frequently been mentioned for howling performances as well as batting his omission is hard to understand at this distance. AUCKLAND ROWING CLUB. CELEBRATING SIXTIETH YEAR This is the sixtieth year of the Auckland Rowing Club, and to celebrate the occasion the club is having a reunion and smoke concert in the supper room of the Town Hall to-night. His Worship, the Mayor of Auckland, and both the chairmen of the Hospital and Harbour Boards will be among the guests. Several old members who now hold prominent positions in the city have signified their intention of being present, so from appearances the reunion will be a very successful event.