LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20979, 16 September 1931, Page 14

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

DEVONPORT REWARDED. MAR IST TEAM'S DEFEAT. ROOPE ROOSTER SEMI-FINAL. Bv defeating Marist in tho semi-final j of the Roope Rooster competition Devonport was rewarded for the two closelycontested games earlier in tho season in which Marist proved superior. 'I he champions, owing to tho absence of Brady and Meehan, are not nearly as strong as when Devonport met them previously. The margin of three points fairly represented tho difference between tho teams, but it will bo admit led that tho champions might easily have proved successful for the third time. It was more the orthodox play of Iho five-eighths that won the day for Devonport than the mistakes made by Mnrist. Marist secured the ball from almost every scrum, but both Hassan and Sehultz always passed, and Brisbane and List usually ran into a stonewall defenco offered by O'Donnell and Seagar. Rarely was a short punt exploited, and not otico did Hassan attempt to open up play round the blind side. Marist played its best football when the barks attacked from movements started in the loose. Uninteresting First Spell. The 'first half produced a rugged typo of football. The hard, low tacklo seems to be a lost art with forwards. Both sets of forwards seemed content to keep tho ball away from the backs, and, in consequence, play was uninteresting. In the second half, however, both rear divisions threw the ball about in great style, and play reached a high standard. Masefield's try for Devonport soon after the kick-off caused considerable comment, and tho Marist players appeared thunderstruck when so simple a try was registered. Seagar was tackled five yards from tlje Marist line, and both teams lined up waiting for the ball to bo played. The ball came out quickly and on tho full to Masefield, standing in lino with Seagar outsido tho five yard circle. The Devonport forwards went over the Marist line through a gap ten yards wide.

From (hen onward the Marist backs played fine football and actually drew level. The deciding try by L. Scott was a determined effort, although Batchelor's tackle was weak. On the run of play Devonpoit deserved its success, although there was little to choose between the teams. Tho Devonport forwards played splendidly in the open. Simons was a little erratic at fullback and was overshadowed by Campbell. The Marist fullback was often up assisting the threequarters. Onco he had scored, L. Scott was a better player all-round than Harding 011 the other wing. The latter has played better games. Good Defensive Work. O'Donnell's quick and resolute defence won the admiration of all. It was unfortunate for Devonport that it lost his services early in the second half. Seagar played a sound game and did a lot of useful spoiling work. Smith, at 'fiveeighths, did not rise to expectations, but showed good judgment in backing up. Rhodes was quick round the scrum, and defended ably. Iluby was outstanding among the Devonport forwards. E. Scott and Case/ also played good games. Hassan, at halfback, has been seen to better advantage. Some of his passes to Brisbane were badly directed and he lacked variety on attack. Schultz was below senior" form at five-eighths. Brisbane has played better games, but he suffered from bad passes. The Marist captain plays his best football at second five-eighths. List was the best back 011 the ground. His straight running on attack and strong fending paved the way for Marist s two tries. With more of the ball List might easily have given Marist the victory. The wing-threequarters, McDonald and Batchelor, were disappointing, although the former scored a good try. j ampbell was the superior booker, getting tho hall regularly. Johnson and Carter played'tine football. A Closely-contested Game. The better-conditioned Ponsonbv team proved more than a match for Richmond, but only after a splendid struggle. Richmond had a commanding lead at one stage, and appeared to be easy winners. Its hacks played fine football and were unlucky in not deciding the game before extra time was played. Ponsonbv 11 a» often proved a hard team to beat, even if the margin against it is large On Saturday a splendid spirit prevailed and good team work eventually wore Richmond down. Delgrosso was in fjnc form and handled his side with credit. His clever plav and tricky running were responsible lor two tries." Riley and Skelton combined well, especially the latter, whose form of late has improved. Waerea played a sound game at fullback. Ihe wingthreequartcrs, Winters and T)rew. ( played well. Stevens, MeLeay and Cardincr worked hard among a I set, of iorwards. Mincham and Dunn were, outstanding among the, Richmond backs. I heir dasliing running frequently placed the side 011" attack. Telford, Ritchie and Prentice were the pick of the forwards.