THE LEAGUE CODE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20621, 21 July 1930, Page 12

THE LEAGUE CODE.

INTERESTING CHAMPIONSHIP.

SOUND DEFEAT OF CITY. PONSONBY NOW IN THE LEAD. Tho senior championship of the Auckland Rugby League has been made more interesting by the defeat of City at the hands of l'onsonby. The success of tho latter came ns a big surprise. The grade leaders, however, are rioted for inconsistency, while on Saturday City's form was far below its best. The score was no indication of the run of play, although Ponsonby was undoubtedly superior in all departments.

City's weak tackling was mainly responsible for at least thrco of Ponsonby's tries. The inside backs did not run straight enough and the threequarters allowed the opposition too much room in which to work.

The Ponsonby forwards gave the backs excellent support, especially in the concluding stages. Good passing often had City on tho defensive and the City rearguard was outclassed. Twelve of Ponsonby's points came as a result of bad mistakes by the City backs. It was the winners' keen anticipation and good combination that won them the game. For the winners Wilson at fullback ployed a sound game without giving the backs much assistance. He has only to run more with the ball to become a successful fullback. 'lhe wing-threequarters, Scholield and Winters, did not get ninny opportunities. P. Skclton played a fine game for (he winners, his try being a good effort. Riley Best Back. Riley was easily Ponsonby's best back. His pace and splendid handling paved the way for three tries. Delgrosso was in good form, kicking seven goals. The referee paid particular attention to the method adopted by Mdntyre in placing the ball iu the scrum. The I'onsonbv half was rightly penalised as he repeatedly put the ball behind the hookers' feet. McLeay and Lunn were easily the best of tho forwards, all of v.hom played well. With the exception of Short land and G. Perry City's backs were much below form. At fullback Barchard gave a poor display. Ilis weal: tackling gave I'onsonbv two fries. Paton was almost as weak. Hamilton and J. Iladley were City's best forwards. Bass and MeLoughlin also played well. Richmond added another victory to its credit by defeating Devonport in easilv the best game of the series. Although ouiv one. point separated the teams, Richmond had an advantage territorially. The Devonport backs showed up on occasions and played good football, hi the second half the Richmond pack dominated play and paved the way for victory. Although much lighter than Devonport. the forwards were superior in the loose. Considerable comment was made over the try awarded to Edwards, of Richmond, as (wo Devonport players appeared to force the bali.

For Richmond Lee played well at fullback. iI is fielding was very certain, while lie kicked with good judgment. .Minchani was easily the best of the threequarters, his pace accounting for two tries. Prentice and Davis did splendid work at five-eighths. The former kicked a little too much on attack. Ritchie was the. most prominent of the forwards, while Ilugg and Lennie gave good support. Laing Plays Again. 1). Laing, after an absence of three j ears, made a reappearance for Devonport. The New Zealand and Australian representative played well until lie tired Smith and L. 0 Loarv played jrood football among the threequarters. Rhodes was a tower of strength at halfback, while Ruby and St. George played well in the forwards. Drew scored four tries for Marist- against Ellerslie, but he spoiled his display bv holding on when other backs were in a bet ter position to score. The Marist wing is a promising player. Young played his best game since he came over to the League code. Jle made several fine openings. Hassan was in good form at halfback. Ferran played his first senior game and did well at fullback. O'Brien and Johnson worked hard among the. forwards. Clarke gave the backs excellent support in the loose. For Ellerslie, Hemingway and Webb were prominent in the backs, while Hobbs and Quirke worked hard in the pack. After a series of defeats Kingsland won its second game this season by defeating Newton. The winners' forwards outclassed the opposition. The backs, too, showed improved form. The game was fast and open, each side throwing the ball about in good style. List gave a glimpse of the form which gained him a. place in the Auckland team three seasons ago. JT. Carter and Herring also played well. Ramrn. Simms and Atkins were outstanding among the forwards.

Hill and Mi-Lend pl.-ivcd good gomes for Xewton on attack. The former lias oniy to refrain from kicking foo much to become a. fine player. Knkup and Middleton were the best forwards.