THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21503, 29 May 1933, Page 12

THE LEAGUE CODE

FIRST ROUND CONCLUDED PONSONBY SURPRISES NEWTON DEVONPORT IN THE LEAD The first round of tho Auckland Rugby League's senior championship was concluded on Saturday,, tho surprise of the final series of matches in the round being the defeat of Isewton by Ponsonby. The latter took the lead early and maintained its advantage throughout in gaining a popular and well-deserved victory. The principal match between Marist and Richmond provided a fast exhibition of the code/ the former taking the honours through better team play. At Devonport the local thirteen gained a good win over City, and is now leading in the championship, Marist and Newton being equal, second. Conditions on Saturday were ideal, the ground at Carlaw Park being in splendid order. A good attendance of spectators followed the play. Following aro the results of Saturday's matches: — Marist, 12; Richmond, 6.. Ponsonby, 28; Newton, 17. Devonport, 18; City 8. The following table shows * the positions of the teams at the conclusion o£ the first round: — Points Ch. P. W. L. D. F. A. Pts. Devonport . . 5 4 1 Newton . ..532 - e Marist . ..5 3 2 50 4o 6 City . . .. 5 2 3 TO 84 4 Ponsonby .. 5 2 3 Richmond ..514 io 79 2 Better Team Work Better team work carried Marist to victory in a spectacular match against Richmond. Especially in the first spell Marist monopolised the game and during this period should have registered more points. Dropped and forward passes robbed the team of tries while Richmond played more or less as individuals. Richmond overdid the high kick-and-follaw tactics, frequently losing possession as a result. It took Richmond a long time to settle down, but the team pulled together well in the second spell and was seen to much better advantage in this half. Throwing the ball about well, only mistakes lost it tries, and on several occasions the objective was missed by the narrowest of margins. Had Richmond adopted these tactics in the first spell the result would have been closer, and possibly reversed. However, as the play turned out, Marist would have been unfortunate to have lost. Each side scored two tries, both Marist's being converted, and a penalty goal was also registered. Thus goal kicking was responsible for six points, which was the final margin between the teams. Marist at last seems to have unearthed a reliable place kick. Campbell, the fullback, had only three shots on Saturday,-and was successful in all with good kicks.

Dunne was an absentee from the Marist rearguard and his place at second fh-e-eighths was taken by L. Schultz, who has been playing on the wing of late. Schultz played a good allround game, doing some fine work both on attack and defence. His only fauit was a tendency to hold on too long. Meehan, who took the place of Schultz on the wing, brightened up the attack considerably in the few opportunities which came his way. The best Marist back was Hassan, at half. His defence was splendid, his accurate kicking getting his team out of tight corners many times. On attack Hassan often touched brilliant heights, especially the manner in which he got sharp, accurate passes away to Brisbane off the feet of the opposing forwards. Brisbane played a good game, as did B. Schultz, on the wing, but List was inclined to be erratic in his handling and passing. Campbell, fullback, made a few mistakes, but was generally very safe, and his kicking was used with good judgment.

Errors of Forwards The Marist forwards had the better of the exchanges in the first spell, but had to bow to the Richmond pack in the second. Of a very hard working set Laird, Ivesen and Herring vjere conspicuous. The two last-named each made a bad error when faced by the fullback in failing to pass to a support. At fullback for Richmond Lee was a weakness. Marshall was the best of the threequarters, and was not afraid to go for the line when an opportunity was presented. Young played a fine individual game, but was inclined to do too much for successful combination. Prentice spoiled his play by frequently giving "balloon" passes. Abbott played well, his speed in following up and tackling being outstanding, but for halfback play he was overshadowed bv Hassan. Among the Richmond forwards Satherley played a good all-round game, and Lawless was always conspicuous, especially for clever play in the open. Hawkes and Jenkinson gave good support, while Powell was a very fast breakaway. Ponsonby caused the surprise of the series by beating the formidable Newton team. The winners were always on the offensive and gave Newton 'little chance to play football. Play was fast and open, and these tactics suited Ponsonby. Newton did not show the same speed as in former games. The rear division rarely showed any combination mainly due to Ponsonby's swift raids'. Newton's form was disappointing. For the winners Mills and Riley played splendid football. Draper and Kay were also prominent. The Ponsonby vanguard gave a splendid display and was always on the ball. Lunn and Pagan were the pick of a good set. Dempsev and Hill played well for Newton. During the game the referee ordered Nathan, a Newton forward, off the field. City Makes Mistakes The game between Devonport and City was in no way indicated by the scores. Devonport proved to be a very fit team, and this assisted it considerably in beating City in the second half. The winners scored tries as the result of City's mistakes. Play was very even until halfway through the second spell. Then Devonport- rose to the occasion and scored several good tries. The game was marred by rough play, and several players were fortunate not to be ordered off. The experience of the referee was anything but pleasant. Twice ho stopped the game to clear the field without assistance. The game was finished in semi-darkness. For the winners Laing played a sound game at fullback. He was always a thorn in City's side. Both 11. Smith and Radonich played good football. A. Smith was easily the best wing-three-quarter. Donald and Simpson were the pick of the forwards. The last-named scored ; a clever try. McLaughlin was the outstanding City player. He has only.to eliminate selfish play to become a fine all-round footballer. Davidson showed a return to form, his straight running giving City two tries. Axeman played well until he retired hurt. Clarke and Pierce played well among the forward*.

FAST DISPLAY GOOD FORWARD WORK In a fast exhibition in which good fo> ward play on both sides was witnessed, Marist took the honours from Richmond. Richmond set UP an early attack, Hassaii saving well. A penalty to Marist was w«U retrieved by Lee, ta9 fullback gaining possession from his own kick and centering, Campbell, tho Marist fullback, wa3 equai I to tho occasion and drove the attack right back. Tho Marist backs set off in nice p aEa . ing, a poor transfer to Meehan holding U p the movement. Campbell saved b ri [_ liantly in the face of a strong Richmond rush started from a high punt by Lawless. Then selfish play by Ivesen, with a man ia . support, robbed Marist of a. certain try. Murist was hooking the ball clearly from the scrums, but Richmond was quick to smother; and take advantage of any mj s . takes. Good play by the Kiphmond forward, transferred play to the Marist twenty-five, where B. Schultz saved with a nice kick Centering kicks by Richmond and mishand". ling by Marist enabled tho former to main, tain the attack until List drove R.chmond back with a fine kick from a penalty. Forward passing spoiled two lirfeiy movements by the Marist backs. Previously Herring had had two unsuccessful attemj.ts at goal from penalties and from another shot Caznp. bell, fullback, landed a fine goal from w e |l out. Penalties against Marist were spoiling good movements until from a nice run by Brisbane, Herring eventually scored. Camp, bell converted witth a good kick. Following a high kick, the Richmond forwards bad Marist bustled on its own line, but pretty passing by the Marist backs relieved. Herring once lost a good chance when he intercepted a pass, only to kic.k with a, man in support when faced by Lee. A fine opening by Prentice was spoiled when Young failed to take his pass cleanly A lift!" later Powell made a fine run, but lost all the advantage when he kicked. Half-time came with the score:—Marist, 7; Richmond, 0. Soon after the resumption obstruction against Marist gave Milicich a chance from a handy position, but his kick went wide. The Richmond backs were seen to better advantage and Marist was pressed hard for a time, once a dropped pass spoiling a good chance for Richmond. Penalties agam«t Ma-ist enabled Richmond to maintain tho pressure. Satherley - broke clear and Marshall look his pass well and just failed to score. Then from a scrum Powell dashed over for a good try, which Marshall tailed to convert from a good position. Marist immediately retaliated and L. Schultz made n beautiful opening, only .to see List drop his pass and lose a certain try. Poor'pUy by Lee let Marist up and from a long passing rush B. Schultz went over for an easy try. Campbell again converts with a good kick. A fin* run_b? Marshal!, in which r he beat Campbell, nearly resulted in a try, the threequnrter being pushed out at th« corner flag. From the scrum Jenkinson obtained and scored. Marshall failed _fo eonvert from a likelv position. The Marist hacks were dangerous in a couple of pacing bouts, two tries being lost through faulty handling at ls>st minute. Fast r,]ay followed, a fine tackle by L. Schultz ending a dangerous Richmond movement. Richmond kent up the pressure, two penalties relieving Marist. Richmond again attacked hard, but a fine kick by Hassan from his own line found touch at half-wsv. Lawless broke clear itnd a try from a clever cross-kick was saved only bv Brisbane's ppce. Fv«n exchanges followed until the final wlr'sfle. when th» score was --—Marist. 12; Richmond, fi Mr. S. Billman was rc-feree.

VICTORY DESERVED • NEWTON OVERSHADOWED Throwing the ball about well, Ponsonb/ gained a well-earned victory over Jfewtun, which was overshadowed on the day. New. ton was first to attack, but wild passing gave Ponsonby relief. A few minutes later Draper made a splendid opening and the forwards passed to advantage. Brown was prominent in the offensive and scored in a good position. Mill 3 converted. iJewtca made good efforts to reduce the margin, but the defence proved sound. Newton continued to press and Hill kicked through to follow up and 6core. He also converted. A few minutes later Mills made a nice opening and scored a good try. which he converted. Ponsonby had all the better of the play and Brown broke away and Stevens just missed a try. In a strong attack Stevens scored for Ponsonby and Mills converted. Just before half-time Hill kicked a penalty goal for Newton, making the score at the interval:—Ponsonby. 15; Newton. 7. Ponsonby was always the superior t=am and Riley started a passing bout which resulted in Lunn scoring. Mills converted. Hill soon kicked a penalty goal for Newton, but then the Ponsonby backs ran over the opposition and Draper scored. Mills converted. Newton's backs attacked and Crook scored Hill failed to convert. In a hard attack Nathan, the best Newton forward, wns ordered off. ftiley scored. for Ponsonby shortly afterwards and Mills failed to conJust before time Dempsev made a fine opening and Crook scored. Hill converted and the game ended:—Ponsonby. 28: Xct»« ton. 17. Mr. P. Bogers was referee.

GAME BECOMES BOUGH CITY AND DEVONPORT Devonport defeated City in a hard rnatci at DevonporJ, nlay becoming rough in the latter stages. City attacked from the kickoff and Davidron ran through, only to see his pass to Herring: missed. Devonport was lucky to relieve with a penalty kick. R. Smith made a nice run through the City defence, but held on when a try looked certain. Turei made a bad blunder and Devonport wan quick to take advantage, Masefield scoring. R. Smith failed to convert. The City backs combined effectively and Drew was lowered a yard from the Devonport line. From a scrum near halfway Alman .set his backs in motion. Davidson finally sent Drew over for a good try in the corner. Herring made a good but unsuccessful attemot to convert. City continued _to forc«> th© pace and £wice McLaughlin was almost over. Citv was awarded * penalty and Herring just failed at goal. The Devonport forwards, led bv Donald, soon reversed the "option, and Simpson scored a good try. R. Smith converted arl hal Mime came with the scote.*--Devonport, 8: City. 3. resuming. City attacked Ftrons-Iy »ii soon had Devonport defending. From * scrum near half-way Turei to David' "' lO made a beautiful opening ard seat. Drew over at the co 1- n<r. Watene cosvested with a great kick wa3 responsible tor the nest trv. The fullback started a passing bout and event i-nllv A. Smith raced over in the' comer. "R. Smith failed to convert. Play became willing and blew! were enhanced between nlayers. Good pl>T . pvulson saw City almost over. In retaliption. Radon ich scored neai the porf* tor Devonport. Laing converted. Devonport swept oyer City and A. Smith again scored. His kick at goal missed. From the locs* Masefield secured and scored between th" nosts Sowter converted. City took a turn.awl f^lI dS u n J? ass f d to Turei. who beet the deence badly to score between the costsuatene con vet red. A few minutes before Plfty i " oc:, r ne heated and blows were port Tilc game ended CevenMr. V. Simpson was referee. LOWER GRADE RESULTS Reserve Grade.—Richmond, 17. Marist, 5: Ponsonby. 23, Newton, 7; Devonport, 5, City, 3. Second Grade.—Otahnhu, 16. P"int ] e 33. Manukati. 3. Ihird Grade Open.—Mount Albert. 1"» I apakura. 0; Richmond. 8, Glenojrs, 3; Marist. 43. New Lynn. 0. Grade Intermediate.—Marist, 12> Papakura, Oi. Richmond won from Otahuhn by default; Devonport. 11, ,-Manukau B. 0; Northcote, 19, City, 0. Fourth Grade—Marist B. 24. Northcot* 0; Ponsonby. 28. Manukau. n : Marist, A, 9. Akarana, 5: Point Chevalier, 8. Devon--8; City. 8, Newfon A. 0. Fifth Grade.—Papakura. >5. Richmond 3, 3; City, 5, Northcote, 0: Richmond A> Lynn. 2; E'lerslie A. 32. Akarana, 0. Sixth Grade.—Otahuhu, 8, Richmond, 5; Devonport. 5, Point Chevalier. 0. . Seventh Grade.—Newton. 5, Richmond B» 2; Devonport, fi. Ellerslie. 5. Schoolboy®' Games.—iAvondale, §• H\ c mond. 6: Ellerslie, 15, Devonrort. 5; City* 19, Northcote, 5. MATCHES AT TAT7PTRI [from our Own correspondent] TAUPIRI, Saturday Seniors.—Taupiri, 8. Rotowaro. 0: NganiJ* wahia, 5. Hutitly, 5. Juniors: Kia Ora, lfr Taupiri. 3; Hmgly, 10, Nganiawahia. 6. NORTHLAND LEAGUE •[from our own correspondent] • WHANGAREI. Saturday Following are the results of matefce' to-day under the jurisdiction of. til® Northland League:—Seniors: Hikurangi. City, G; Kamo, 5. Whaka Waro. 3. Juniors 1 Whaka Waro, 17, Onerahi, 8; Kamo. '■ Portland, 3. RESULTS IN THE SOUTH [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] _ Christchurch Addington, 23, RiccartoO' 5; Hornby, 9, Sydenham, 5; Linwood, ■3* New Brighton, 13. Dunadin.—City, 33. Athletic, 13; Chri* ian Brothers, 20, Pacific, 0.