THE LEAGUE CODE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20609, 7 July 1930, Page 14

THE LEAGUE CODE.

PLAY ON HEAVY GROUNDS. KINGSLAND CREATES SURPRISE. CITY STILL IN THE LEAD. Conditions for Rugby League were anything but pleasant on Saturday, when the playing grounds at Carlaw Park were very heavy. For tho first lime this season players had to contend with a wet ball asul all the matches were cbsely contcstiVl. although the football was tin interesting. The surprise of tho series was the drawn game between Marist and KingslaiuL Tho ground conditions had a, largo bearing on tho result. It was almost im possible to expect any combined movement, and throughout tho game playwas confined to the forwards. The principal game, between Devonport anil Nowton, was keenly fought. Devonport had an advantage early in tho game, but in the seoond half Newton did much better. The winners played the only football possible on a heavy ground and Newton made mistakes by attempting to score tries through passing bouts. In the last ten minutes Newton assumed control of the games and every minute looked certain to score. Twice Francis had tho opposition beatetn, only to see a supporting forward try to pick the/ball up. Forwards Play Well. Again Dovonport's forwards played good football and gave tho backs excellent suppott.' Tho winners were, given a lot of latitude in offside play. Many times tho forwards were standing alongsido the player fielding tho ball and were allowed to tackle him. Tho referee failed on numerous occasions to interpret the five yards' rule correctly. Devonport deserved its success, although there was little to chooso betwoen the toams. Newton is a side likely to cause a surprise as the competition advances. Devonport was unlucky on the score of injuries. Saxon, the fullback, received a broken jaw and the rearrangement of the team proved most successful. At fullback T. O'Learv played a sound game. Many times in the second half he saved Devonport by accurate kicking. O'Donnell was perhaps (he best of the Devonport backs. He ran straight on attack and it was surprising to see him shifted to wing-threequarter when Saxon retired. T. O'Leary did not get many opportunities, but nevertheless played well. Rhodes, «t halfback, played a good game and was later replaced by Coughlan, who also did well.

Of the forwards, Casey was most prominent. among a real hard-working scrum. McCarthnv, too, played well, as did Scott, especially in supporting the halfback. Fullback's Good Game. At fullback Dempsey played a splendid y;ame for Newton, lie was called upon to do more work than usual and rarely let the backs down. The Newton custodian is one of the most promising players in the game. McLeod did a lot of useful work on defence. Hill created a good impression at centre-threequarter. He made several nice openings, of which tho wings failed to take advantage. The forwards played splendidly against a strong opposition. Kirkup and St. George were most, prominent, while Francis also played well. City was successful in retaining its lead ♦in the championship by defeating Fillerslie. The grade'leaders fielded a very poor side. However, the backs did really well, and gave the forwards excellent support. City's two tries, scored by J. Ifadley, came as the result of good anticipation. In tho second half, Ellerslie did most of tho attacking, and was unlucky not to score. For the winners, Barchard, at fullback, did useful work. His line, kicking often placed City in good positions. Shortland Outstanding. Shorthand was easily City's best back. The scrum half did splendid work on attack and frequently kicked with good judgment. G. Perry was not so good as usual, and Reynolds suffered in consequence. W. Ifadley was tha best forward, while Bass and Iverson played well. Kennedy was a little uncertain.at fullback for Ellerslie, but did a difficult task rather well Hemingway was {lie best, back, whilo Cliff and Ilickey played good games. Campner and Quirke played good games among the forwards. Marist had all the bad luck which usually follows games played under wet conditions. The Roope Booster winners did most of the attacking,, but failed to score. Marists' rear division underwent

several changes. Clarke, a forward, played really well iu the threequarters, and Hassan and Brady got through a lot of useful work on defence. O'Brien played well, both in the backs and in the scrum. Johnson was the best forward, while Graham and Campbell gave good support. For Kingsland Carter imd Lucas were the best backs. Sinnns and Riley played good games among the forwards. Richmond was unlucky to lose against l'onsonbv, after a very close and interesting game. During the final stages, in which Richmond scored two tries in quick .succession, it. seemed as through Ponsonby vas ;i beaten team. However, the thirteen made a good effort just iti lime, to snatch the game. Three Tries to Two.

Neither team could handle flic greasy hall with any degree of success. Richmond's pood performance can he judged by the fact that, it scored three unconverted tries lo Ponsoriby's two converted tries. Wilson af fuJlhack for Pousonhy played a fair game, hut is inclined to he hustled. Uclgrosso played a great game and a constant source of trouble to the Richmond forwards. Riley also made some good individual efforts. The forwards were all a hard-working lot, McLeay being prominent in several rushes Lee played a sound panic at fullback fur Richmond, while Mincham was easily the. pick ot (lie threequarters. Peekhain al halfback played a good all-round game. Of the forwards l'agg and McCarthy impressed.