THE LEAGUE CODE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21219, 27 June 1932, Page 11

THE LEAGUE CODE.

DEVONPORT'S GOOD POSITION

NEWTON TEAM UNFORTUNATE.

CITY WINS FIRST MATCH.

A few minutes before time was called on Saturday the Auckland Rugby League's senior grade championship looked likely to undergo a complete change, but luck eventually favoured Devonporfc against Newton, while Ponsonby gained victory from Marist. Had Marisfc and Newton won the championship would have been even. As the result of Saturday's matches Devonport's lead in the championship has been increased to four points. Devonporl will now have to be beaten in the next two games to lose its prominent position. Newton's splendid game against Devonport was a. feature of the series. Newlon actually outplayed the leaders and must be considered unlucky not to win outright. Five minutes before time Newton had a lead of four points.

In the principal, game Marist was unlucky in not beating Ponsonby. The latter scored two easy tries, the result of bad mistakes by Marist. The opening try, within a minute of the kick-off, was one of the simplest seen this season. There was not a Ponsonby player within 30yds. of Brisbane when the Marist captain attempted to gain possession over his goalline. He not only missed the ball but had the misfortune to slip and Fleming easily scored. Dash of Forwards.

Halfway through the second half Marist looked easy winners, but the Ponsonbv forwards played with great dash and really turned the advantage in the team' 3 favour. Rarely has a pack worked so hard against a fine set of backs. The Ponsonbv forwards adopted"great spoiling tactics and broke, down the attack. The Marist backs were always dangerous, but clever spoiling by Hutt, Fagan and McLeav kept- the score down. On the other hand the Marist forwards gave little support to the backs. Time and again List and Brisbane were prominent in solo efforts, all of which could have been backed up by the forwards breaking fast from the scrum. Just prior to Ponsonby taking the lead selfish play on the part of two forwards coit Marist tries. On one occasion Thompson raced Dunne into a perfect scoring position, only to hold on. Then Clarke should have passed to Brady in the next offensive. It was certainly a game of lost chances by Marist. Ponsonby, however, has played consistently well and still has a chance of winning the grade honours. For Ponsonby Delgrosso did not show the form of previous games. He seemed to loss interest in the game and rarely made any attempt to open up the play, being content to kick. Campbell filled a similar role. The Marist fullback showed lack of judgment in kicking. It was really a disappointing display on the part of the two fullbacks.

Too Much Kicking. Mills played prominently at fiveeighths, although inclined to kick too much. Most of the Ponsonby backs suffered in this respect. Thompson was the pick of the threequarters, getting through a lot of useful work. Riley was overshadowed by List. Shera showed plenty of dash on the wing arid Friend played a headv game. Oram, who replaced McIntyre," the u;ual halfback, did well behind the scrum. ' - The Ponsonby vanguard was *• j. ing in the loose, while the set packed £ a perfect scrum. McLeay and Hutt were the pick, and Fagan and Lunn played good football. List was easily Marist's best back. His powerful running penetrated far into Ponsonby's territory. The only blot on , his play was an inclination to hold on when the wing could have improved the position. Brisbane and Dunne played well. Hassan made several brilliant openings, but received his usual share of injuries. McDonald did well on the wing with limited opportunities. The Marist forwards were beaten by a better set* Clarke, however, played a fine game, as did Iveson.

Popular Victory. City's win over Richmond was popular with the crowd. From the commencement of the second round City has shown improved form and its success was expected, although the margin was small. There is still a lack of finish on the part of the City backs. Several times in the first half tries were missed through lack of support. The pace in the rear division does not appear to be evenly balanced. F. Herring might do better at fiveeighths than at centre, where Davidson's speed would benefit the wings. City was ably led by Davidson, who played a fine all-round game. He made several nice openings and tackled resolutely. Purdy played a solid game at. five-eighths, although he mishandled on occasions. Watene was in good form at fullback, his kicking being impressive. Peckham played a heady game behind the pack. The forwards were well balanced, with J. Herring, Pierce and Clarke outstanding. The Richmond backs did not get many opportunities. Turner and Johns were easily the pick, while Powell played a sound game at fullback. Telford, Lawless and W. Jones were the pick of the forwards.

Good Fullback Displays. A splendid match was witnessed on the No. 2 ground at Carlaw Fark when Devonport prevailed over Newton by one point. The exchanges were fast and willing throughout and the way Xewton rose to the occasion was a surprise and delight to the spectators. In the first spell Xewton held iks upper hand, but after the interval the heavier Devonport pack took command and good forward play combined with splendid kicking by Seagar won the day. The superiority of the Devonport forwards was strongly marked in the closing stages. Leatherbarrow, who played his best game to date, showed uncanny anticipation in the loose. His two tries did much to turn the tables on a greatly improved Newton side. Outstanding play bv both fullbacks was a feature of the 'game. Dcmpsey has never shown to better advantage. His line-kicking was well judged and his defence sure, while his high punting and fast following up were a treat to watch. Laing, his vis-a-vis,- was not quite so steady, but what he lacked in that respect he made up in brilliance. His solo efforts had the opposition guessing and h:s try, which was the outcome of splendid opportunism, turned the tide in Devonport s favour.

The elusiveness of Crook was a thorn in the side of the Devonporfc defence, his scintillating dashes paving the way for at least two tries. He was the inspiration of tne Xewton backs, but not a little of his success was due to the generalship of Brimble.