THE LEAGUE CODE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20285, 19 June 1929, Page 15

THE LEAGUE CODE.

SOME KEEN MATCHES PLAYED DEVONPORT'S GOOD ADVANTAGE SIMONS SOUND 'AT FULLBACK. Closely contested games were played ou Saturday when the Auckland Rugby League opened the second round of its senior competition. It is interesting to note that io two of the four matches, as in the first round, five points and one point separated tho respective teams. Marist, however, reversed the position with Newton. Devonport's victory over Ponsonby gives last season's champions a clear advantage of three points from the second team. At present, it looks as though DevoDport will be difficult to dislodge from its position. The leaders have played consistently but under wet weather conditions may possibly suffer defeat. Team work and speed in the forwards played a prominent part in Devonport's success against Ponsonby. Tho winners gave a more finished display of the code. When it came to scrum work aud effective tackling, Ponsonby more than held its own. So far as tho luck of the gamo went, Devonport did not have its full sharo. St. George or Dixon should have scored in the first half, while Scott was exceedingly unlucky to miss tho bounce from a high kick over Moore's head. After heavy rain the main area at Carlaw Park last Saturday was in surprisingly good order. With the exception of a few heavy patches tha turf showed little signs of tho rain. An Outstanding Forward. An outstanding feature of the principal match was the fine display of L. Hutt, the big Por.souby forward. His run of 40 yards just prior to scoring Ponsonby's only try, stirred the crowd to excitement. In the scrum Hutt gave every ounce and tackled effectively in tho loose, besides assisting the backs in passing boats. Skelton is another Ponsonby forward who must go close to representative honours. He possesses pace abovo the ordinary, and is, a clever player on attack. It is understood Skelton has been a successful centre-threequarter. In the fast open play Avhich followed Ponsonby's ascendancy half-way through tho second spell, few fullbacks could have shown cooler judgment than Simons, who was never bustled in'a trying 15 minutes' play. He was always, in position, and calmly returned each kick with excellent judgment. Devonport was fortunate in - having Seagar to lead it in the absence of the captain, A. Scott, whose injured knee may prevent him playing for some time. Seagar had the full confidence of his team and that co-operation meant a good deal in the winning of the match. Mr. L. Bull can be credited with eiving a first-class display of refereeing. His interpretationp of the advantage and off-side rules did much toward making the game fast and open. Kingsland was not favoured by the best of luck in its game against City. List, at centre-threequarter, is.certainly a powerful runner, but it is surprising to see a player of his experience hold on to" the hall after an opportunity is presented to the wing. Had List passed more often Kingsland may have won comfortably. A Good Halfback. A feature of the gamo was the brilliant play at halfback by Lucas. On three successive occasions the Kingsland half cut clean through City's defence, only to see the movement lack support. For one so small Lucas is undoubtedly a.game player. Angelo played his best game this season, giving a clever displaj' at five-eighths. He should havo been rewarded with a try early in the second half, but slipped when Wateno was beaten. Watene was frequently applauded for bis fine tackling. The Maori representative is undoubtedly sound on defence. City appears to have improved its play by the reorganisation of its rear division. G. Perry in his old position at five-eighths was a distinct success, aud McLoughlin should give the threequarter line more chances if he continues to play at centrethreequarter. The Australian Rugby League test matches against England will be played at WembJev on October 10, at Leeds* on November 9, and Swinton on January 4. In spite of the absence of Hassan and Gregory from the backs and several defections m the forwards, Marist made a good showing against City, and fully maintained the. improved form shown in the game with' Devonport the previous Saturday. Provided the rearguard retains the excellent combination and aggressiveness displayed in the last two games and obtains reasonable support from the forwards, Marist has a good chance of repeating its performance of last year, when it won the champion of champions and Roopc Rooster competitions. McDonald Scores Well. McDonald, the brightest back of the Marist side, contributed largely to the total points, scoring two tries and paving the way for another. McDonald displayed brilliance on attack early in the season, but an injury sustained in the match between Ponsonby and Marist necessitated his retirement for some weeks. He is very fast and quick to take an opportunity," as also was his partner Brady. Thei latter has improved greatly in the last few matches. Although it suffered defeat. Ellerslie played well in the game against Richmond. Better cohesion among the backs effected a great improvement. The better attack of • centre-threequarters and fiveeighths, in which the two Crewthers were prominent, materially strengthened the side. . With a continuation of its present form, Ellerslie may soon break a Mong record of defeats. C. Dufty performed well at fullback for his first game with the team, and was a big factor in Ellerslie's good showing.