THE LEAGUE CODE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20375, 2 October 1929, Page 15

THE LEAGUE CODE.

MARIST TEAM'S FINE WIN.

GREGORY IN GREAT FORM

INVITATION FROM AUSTRALIA. Ma rist thoroughly earned tho honour of champions of champions by winning easily from Ponsonby in the Slormont Shield match. Marist's success was fully anticipated by keen followers of form, but just as many believed Ponsonby would mako amends for its defeat tho previous week. Tho fact that Marisl was without Brisbane, Graham and Moisley was not encouraging. Tho necessary rearrangement of tho rear division, however, did not upset tlio fino team work which has been a feature of Marist's form of late. For a club game so lato in the season, the exhibition was indeed good. Bright passing bouts, and splendid ndividua! efforts by the younger members of the Marist team kept tho crowd interested. The winners played with plenty of confidence, and two tries camo as tho result of daring passing bouts started in tho danger zone, wheo even moro ex perienced players might havo elected to kick. I'onsonby'a defence was a littlo disappointing. The forwards were tho chief offenders, particularly in work round the scrum. Time and again Hassan pushed off forwards twice his size, and it was littlo wonder Marist piled up so many points in (ho concluding stages. Tho loss of Delgrosso early in tho second half was a serious set-back to Ponsonby, which from then on played without a leader. Marist, too, was unfortuuato in losing Clarke soon afterwards. Opportunities Missed. The first half was evenly contested, Marist, if anything, holding 'a slight territorial advantage Ponsonby had lost opportunities up to this stage, for with better handling Pagan and Schofield would havo scored. Marist's superiority was very pronounced halfway through the second half, when splendid understanding between O'Brien and Clarke in tho forwards, and Hassan, at halfback, gave the rearguard opportunities to attack. On each occasion tho Marist backs did great work and no club team has been seen to better advantage. Gregory was the football genius of the team, and ho gave McDonald and Brady beautiful transfers as the pair raced at top speed. Tho attack never lacked variety. There wcro times when tho forwards broke from the scrum and took part in passing movements after tho wings had been checked. Campbell, at fullback, was not so reliable as usual, and took too much for granted. Gregory swerved and sidestepped with fino judgment, and stood out prominently on defence. Gregory has played few better games since joining the League code. Hassan at Halfback. Hassan played a fine game behind tho scrum, giving easily his best exhibition this season. But for an inclination to hold on to the ball Hassan has all tho qualifications of a good player. Brady again gave an excellent display. Ho possesses a, tricky swerve and should soon develop into a fine scoring centre. McDonald ably filled Brisbane's place at five-eighths" In fact he played better in this, position than on the wing. Batchelor's pace was in evidence and the speedy wing scored three nice tries. He is equal to any wing playing in Auckland. Sweeney did not get many chances. Tho Marist forwards did some splendid work in the loose, O'Brien and Clarke standing out prominently. Johnson and Duano also played well. Fleet made a good impression in his first game of League. Campbell was successful in netting more of the ball from tho scrums. Skelton stood out as Ponsonbv's best back. The five-eighths did somo good individual work, and his try was a beauty. Thompson also played n. sound game, especially on defence. Until he was injured Delgrosso was a tower of strength to his side. His injured knee mav compel tho Ponsonby captain to lay aside for some time Mclntvre was too slow behind the scrum, and his passing was badly directed. Riley combined well with Winters, but tho former ran too much across the ground. Schofield has plaved better games. Gardiner was easily Ponsonbv's best forward, and was well supported by Lunn. a promising junior. _ Fagan spoiled a good display by paying too much attention to tlio man. Payne and Moore did useful work. Next Saturday's Attraction. The much discussed provincial match between Northland and South Auckland will be played at Carlaw Park on Saturday next. ' After its splendid showing against Auckland, Northland should beat the Waikato thirteen. The latter, however, is confident of winning. Tho game should create more than usual interest. Tho Australian Board of Control has definitely decided to invito a New Zealand team to visit Australia next season. Tho New Zealand Rugby League at a meeting held last week accepted tho invitation. 'lho first match is not to be played in Sydney before Juno 28. 1930. Tlio itinerary will not be finalised until the return of the Australian team now in England, and tho playing dates will not. be fixed until the programme of the British Rugby Umon team is made known. South Sydney beat Newtown on Saturday in Ihe final club game by 84 po.ints to *34. The New South Wales champions are evidently a fine combination.