THE LEAGUE CODE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21195, 30 May 1932, Page 11

THE LEAGUE CODE.

LARGE CROWD INTERESTED.

MARIST BACKS IN GOOD FORM. HASSAN PLAYS FINE GAME. There was a large attendance at Carlaw Park on Saturday" to witness the meeting of Marist and Devonport, the leading teams in the Auckland Rugby League's senior championship. Rarely has the crowd displayed so much interest in Lhe code and the drawn game, 11 points all, was generally accepted as a true indication of the play. In the concluding stages Devonport's efforts to save the game created great enthusiasm.

The first half was disappointing, as both teams indulged in too much kicking. Later the game developed into a great struggle, splendid passing being a feature. In this department the Marist backs were in good form, and at one stage the team looked certain to outclass a smaller but determined opposition. Devonport, however, rose to the occasion, and in the last 15 minutes outplayed Marist. The DeVonport backs made the most of their opportunities and the result might easily have gone in the team's favour had not individuals kicked too much. Marist won the ball from most scrums and only splendid tackling kept the score down.

Many will contend that Marist was unlucky. On one Brady, who came into the attack as an extra back, threw a poor pass to Brisbane, who had a clear run in. A gain. List raced 60yds., but held on when Meehan could have scored. These incidents, however, do not detract from Devonport's plucky showing. The side suffered from casualties. In the first half Rhodes retired with an injured knee, %vhile A. Smith was troubled throughout the second half with a similar injury. Exciting Play. Spectators at headquarters had reason to be pleased with the game, which was t?ie most exciting seen for some years. Too much whistle marred the first half and rarely was the advantage rule played. Both fullbacks, Campbell (Marist) and Laing (Devonport), had a strenuous afternoon's work, and the honours were about even. Campbell fielded finely at times and on one occasion started a passing bout which resulted in a try. However, Laing was not overshadowed by his rival, as the Devonport custodian placed his kicks with excellent judgment. List was easily the best Marist threequarter. His straight running was a thorn in Devonport's side. Meehan did well with limited opportunities, but Brady was not at home on the wing. Dunne, at five-eighths, was the weak link. He kicked too much and ran across the ground, crowding the three-quarters. Brisbane played a fine game on attack and got through useful work in defence, Hassan gave a brilliant display at halfback. He made beautiful openings and passed with fine judgment. The Marist pack was beaten by a stronger set. Carter and Iveson were often prominent, while Clarke also played well.

Too Much. Kicking. 11. .iiitli, the Devonport centre, still insists in kicking when a pass would improve the position. He should realise this if he expects to gain representative honours. Harding, who replaced Rhodes on the wing, played i good game and his try which equalised tlie score was a splendid effort. Seagar played a heady game at five-eighths, but like Smith he kicked too much. O'Donr.eil did some splendid work on defence. Uilifi led his backs on every occasion and delended ably. 'ihe Devonport forwards put up a great fight in spile of the weight of the opposition. in the loose tne set gave the backs assistance in passing, ana it was iid fault of the vanguard tnat victory was not won. Souter, a recruit from Rugby, played a fine game. Simpson and Scott were prominent in the loose, while JRuby followed up well and tackled strongly. After making a good fight in the tirst half, City was hopelessly outclassed by I'onsonby. ihe latter was too strong, in the lorwards, which controlled the game City's backs did well on occasions in the first half, but there was little finish to their movements. The vanguard is much below senior standard. Few of the forwards display any idea of positional play. Delgrosso played a good game at fullback for Ponsonby, fielding cleanly and kicking with good judgment. The wings, Thompson and Shera, were successful on attack, and .Mills made some nice openings at five-eighths. Mcintyre was easily the best back and his clever work round the scrum resulted in two tries. Riley showed a lot of pace, although he kicked when support offered. McLeay spoded a good game by reckless kicking, i'agan and Hutt were the best forwards. Davidson was City's best back, being especially good on defence F. Herring sliuwed improved form at centre. Hickey anil I'eckham were prominent on attack ; and llobbs was the oustanding forward.

Brimble's Brilliance. Brilliant play by Brimble was a feature of the game between Newton and Richmond. His keen anticipation, sure handling and crisp passing delighted the spectators, while he used his speed with great effect. The five-eighths inspired several fine movements among the backs, and paved the way for Newton's victory. Such a brilliant display of back play has nofc been Witnessed on number two ground this season. Although Newton prevailed, the back division at no time gained definite ascendancy over the Richmond rearguard, which was responsible for several incisive movements in which long passing was exploited to good account. With the forwards equally matched, each side enjoyed a fair share of the ball from the scrums. Hall was outstanding and his experience in England was clearly reflected in his play. The closing stages of the game provided thrill upon thrill. With four minutes to go Richmond attack desperately in trying to equalise. Intense ex citement prevailed as each sortie was directed against the Newton line, but, stern tackling kept Richmond at bay until Dempsey turned the tables with a fine line kick.