THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21509, 5 June 1933, Page 13

THE LEAGUE CODE

SENIOR GRADE CONTESTS SECOND ROUND COMMENCED MARIST AND NEWTON BEATEN The second round of the Auckland Rugby League's senior championship was commenced on Saturday. In the principal game at Carlaw Park Devonport, the grade leaders, won from Ponsonby by a narrow margin of one point. Splendid football was witnessed in the second half and Ponsonby's great effort thrilled tho crowd. Devonport now has a four-point lead in the championship. Tho curtain-raiser between Richmond and Newton provided a fast exhibition of the code, tho former taking the honours through better team play. In a solid game on No. 2 ground City gained a well-deserved victory over Marist. The City backs played good football. The grounds wero heavy after rain. Considering the counter attractions the attendance was again good. The referee placed tho ball in the scrum in all matches, the experiment being only partially successful. Following are the results of Saturday's matches: —Devonport, 14; Ponsonby, 13. City, 13; Marist, 8. Richmond, 18; Newton, 10. The following table shows tlio positions of the teams:— Points Ch. P. W. 1m D. F. A. Pts. Devonport .. 6 6 1 Newton .. 6 3 3 Marist .. 6 3 3 City . . .. 6 3 3 Ponsonby ... 6 2 4 Richmond ..624 S3 89 4 Devonport's Close Call Devonport had a close call in a wellcontested game with Ponsonby, which caused a surprise the previous Saturday by outclassing Newton. Devonport had all the better of the first half and a much larger score should have been registered against Ponsonby. The one point margin at half-time was no indication of the game. Over-eagerness cost Devonport three tries in the early stages. Twice O'Donnell caught the Ponsonby five-eighths hopelessly out of position, and on each occasion a try should have resulted. The threequarters are apt to tako advantage of a forward pass. It took Ponsonby a long time to settle down, but in the second half the team combined to better advantage.

Throwing the ball about in great style Ponsonby missed tries by the narrowest of margins.

The game developed into a battle between the Devonport forwards and the Ponsonby backs. The Dovonport inside backs were too slow in moving forward and repeatedly crowded the centre by running across the field. O'Donnell was the only five-eighths with any thrust and this was only on rare occasions. The •winners scored four tries, one being converted, while Ponscnby registered three tries, two of which were converted. R. Smith missed two easy shots at goal for Devonport. With improved team work it will take a strong team to beat Ponsonby. Laing Outstanding

Laing was again the outstanding Devonport player. But for hi 3 fine judgment and cool play against the fastraiding Ponsonby pack, the result may have been different. It is surprising he is not given more opportunities at goalkicking. Both Olliff and R. Smith kicked too much. O'Donnell was the best back. Rhodes played well at centre without varying his method of attack. The wings, A. Smith and Radonich, had few opportunities. Donald and Simpson were outstanding among tho forwards. Both Bright and Riley played good games for Ponsonby. Bright is a strong runner and his try was a good effortMills exploited the short punt too often, but otherwise played a sound game. Jones was a little uncertain at - fullback and was twice caught out of position.

The Ponsonby vanguard tackled well, but was beaten in the loose. Fagan and Neale were the pick of a hard-working set. Stevens was successful in getting the ball for his backs. The curtain-raiser was a good exhibition of the code and Richmond played with improved form. Newton was again disappointing and it is evident the backs at least will need to show improvement if Newton expects to retain its position in the championship. The heavy ground may not Ruit the light Newton rear division, which was hopelessly outclassed by Richmond. In the first, half Newton finished with the honours on its side. The movement by tho backs which resulted in Porteous scoring just before half-time was reminiscent of tho football played by Newton oarly in tho first round. This was the only occasion on which tho backs showed form. Fast Forward Raids

The Richmond forwards played with plenty of dash and gave tho opposition no respite. Fast raids completely put tho Newton backs off their gauio. Tho fast following up by tho Richmond forwards was a feature of tho game. For tho winners, Hanlon, at fullback, did a lot of useful work. He was, however, inclined to keep possession too long. Abbott played well behind the pack and showed a lot of paco in opening up tho game. Mitchell, the centre, is a promising footballer. Prentice was conspicuous for sound defence. Both tho wings, Marshall and Bennett, played dashing games. For his weight there is no hotter forward than Powell, who played n tine game for Richmond. Not much over 9st., Powell was in tho thick of tho play all tho afternoon. Lawless played good football and was well supported by Telford and Satliorley. Dempsey was called upon to do a great deal of unnecessary work and played well. Tho backs gave Dempsey littlo support from tho fast-raiding forwards. Brimble and Pope wero not a happy combination. Brimble showed little thrust. Nathan and Middloton played good games among tho forwards. City's Good Win Marist was weakened by tho absenco of Brisbano, while City turned out without the services of Axeman and Davidson. All threo are on tho injured list. On the run of play, howovor, City deserved its success, although Marist gave tho former sorno anxious moments in the second half. Tho City backs were a superior combination and threw the ball about in great stylo. One movement which resulted in Turci scoring was carried the full length of tho field. The ground was in a bad condition and tho forwards particularly found tho football unpleasant. Both sots were evenly matched. City was unfortunate in losing F. Herring in the first half and Drew in the second. The last-named was taken to hospital with a head injury. McLaughlin proved himself a versatile player. Taken from the scrum, ho played a splendid game at halfback. Woteno and Turei combined effectively at times, Purdy was prominent in the loose. Wayne, a reserve grade player, shaped woli at centre. I. Herring and Clarke wore tho outstanding forwards. Campbell played a sound game at fullback and got his team out of many difficulties. List and Hassan wero the best backs. Laird and Iveeon abiy led the forwards..

BRIGHT OPENING DEVO.NPQRT'S EARLY TRY Devonport made a bright opening against Ponsonby and O'Donnell ran clean through the defence and passed to A. Smith. The last-named sent back to O'Donnell, who scored one minute after the kick off. R. Smith failed to convert, Mills made a nice opening and Ponsonby threatened the Devonport line. Ponsonby was awarded a free kick, but Mills made a weak attempt to convert. A few minutes later Riley burst through and passed to Brown, but Olifl saved with a splendid low tackle. Play swung again in Devonport's favour and from a scrum on the Ponsonby line Ferrall's kick was charged down by Scott, who had little difficulty in scoring. Donald made a good but unsuccessful effort to convert. Keith mada a breakaway and Ponsonby looked dangerous. A wild pass to Fagan, however, checked a good movement. Then Laing joined in a Devonport attack. The fullback got over, but wa3 called back for a forward pass. The Devonport backs proved a superior combination and R. Smith just missed a try. Ponsonby's forwards infused plenty of dash into their play, but good defence by Laing saved Devonport. A nice Ponsonby passing bout resulted in Draper carrying play to the Devonport twenty-five. It was only for a brief period of the play that Ponsonby had any advantage. Laing once saved brilliantly for Devonport. Mills cleverly opened up play for Ponsonby and passed to Kay, who cross-kicked. Brown fielded on the full and passed to Riley, who scored a fine try between the posts. Kay converted and half-time came with the score:—Devonport, 6; Ponsonby, 5. Within a few minutes of tho kick-off the Ponsonby forwards swept over Devonport and Lunn raced over between the posts. Mills converted. Oliff passed "to R. Smith, who ran through and sent Rhodes over for a good try. R. Smith's kick hit the upright. Ponsonby was playing well, only brilliant defence by Laing saving Devonport. Simpson and Leatherbarrow were associated in snappy passing and finally Donald bustled his way over. R. Smith missed an easy shot. Devonport was awarded a penalty kick which Laing turned to advantage. A fine run by Riley almost resulted in Mills scoring. Ponsonby pressed home the advantage and in a flash Kay kicked through a gap. Riley snapped up and passed to Bright, who scored a spectacular try. Mills failed to convert. In the concluding stages Ponsonby made great efforts to win, but Devonport defended well. Tho game ended with the score:—Devonport, 11; Ponsonby, 13. Mr. P. Rogers was referee.

FORWARDS TOO STRONG RICHMOND BEATS NEWTON The Richmond forwards proved too strong in all departments and defeated Newton in a fast, open game. Play was fast and open from the kick-oil. A good run by Marshall placed Richmond in a good position. Cameron made a good opening and Newton attacked. Lack of combination spoiled another good run by Harding. Richmond was first to score. Young received from Prentice and made a nice opening before passing to Telford. After Satherley gained useful ground Telford ran over to score a good try. Marshall failed to convert. A few minutes later Newton equalised, when Porteous scored. Dempsey failed with the kick. Porteous, however, gave Newton the lead with a penalty goal. Good play by Powell enabled Bennett to outpace the opposition and score a good try. Marshall converted. The Newton backs showed improved combination and Crook broke away on the wing. Ho badly beat Bennett and Porteous finally scored. Dempsey converted and halftime came with the score: —Newton, 10; Richmond, 8. Richmond attacked and Satherley and Lawless went close to scoring. A good interception by Cameron onablcd Newton to clear. The Richmond forwards were too strong in the loose, Newton being forced to defend. Satherley picked up in the loose and scored between the posts. Marshall failed to convert. Exciting play followed and from a scrum in Newton's twenty-five Porteous -passed to Marshall, who sent infield and Telford scored between the posts. Satherley converted. Bennett increased Richmond's total with a penalty goal. A fine run by Bennett saw Mitchell almost over. Nathan led the Newton forwards in a strong offensive, which carried play to Richmond's twenty-five. Powell and Satherley, however, relieved. Abbott was prominent for Richmond and with Prentice beat the defence badly. Good tackling by Dempsey prevented a try. The game ended with the score:— Richmond, IS; Newton, 10. Mr. M. Wetherill was referee.

BACKS PLAY BETTER DEFEAT OP MARIST The City backs showed better combination than Marist and won a xvell-contested game on a very heavy ground. City quickly took the advantage of a rnistako by Batchelor and its forwards rushed play to the Marist twenty-five. Campbell, however, cleared, Drew accepted from McLaughlin and raced to half-way before passing to Rowntree, who scored between the posts. Watene converted. The Marist backs attacked and List broke away and passed to Batchelor. McLaughlin, however, saved well. Good passing by Dunne, Hassan and List gave City an anxious time. Marist equalised the score soon afterwards as the result of Campbell's fine football. The fullback ran 40yds and passed to Herring, who pent Laird over. N. Campbell kicked a fine goal. P. Herring retired hurt and Hughes filled the vacancy. Just before half-time the City backs beat the defence cleverly and_ Rowntree again scored. Wateno failed with the kick. At half-time tho score was:—City, 8; Marist, 5. Good work by Laird and Herring l gave Marist an early advantage and Batchelor went close to scoring. City was not to be denied and its forwards, led by Clarke, stormed over the Marist line. In the melee Campbell forced down. Then Rowntree broke away, but Turei missed his pass and City lost a certain try. However, Turei made amends a moment later by scoring from a good opening by Watene, who converted. Hassan made a nice oriening near midfield but faulty handling checked a promising movement." 1 " Just before time Hassan was again prominent and L. Schults scored a good try. Campbell failed to convert and the game end.ed: —City, 13: Mnrist, 8. Mr. P. Thompson was referee.

LOWER GRADE RESULTS Reserve Grade.—Marist. IS, City, 11; Ponsonby. 5, Devonport, 3; Richmond, 17, Newton, 11. Second Grade.—Mount Albert, 6, Papakura, 0; Mangere. 2G, Ellerslie. C. Third Grade Open.—Marist, 8, Glenora, 2; Ponsonby, 28, Papakura, 2; Mount Albert, 5, Richmond. 0. Third Grade Intermediate.—'City, 8, Manukau B, 3: Akarana, 0, Otahuhu, 0; Papakura. G. Richmond, 3. Fourth Grade.—City, 36, Manukau, 0; Marist A, 20, Devonport, 0; Akarana, 5, Ponsonby. 0; Marist B, 14, Newton B, 0. Fifth Grade.—Richmond A, 5, Papakura, 0; Richmond B. 21. Akarana, 0. Sixth Grade.—Richmond A, 3, Point Chevalier, 3. Seventh Grade.—Richmond B, 5, Ellerslie. 0; Richmond A, 12, Devonport, 5. Schoolboys' Games.—City, 3, Ellerslie, 0. MATCHES AT TAUTIRI [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT] TAUFIRI, Sunday Following arc the results of League football matches played in Taupiri yesterday:— Seniors: Taupiri. 7, Huntly, 0. Juniors: Taupiri, 2, Huntly, 0. SEVEN-A-SIDE TOURNEY MATCHES AT HIKURANGI [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT] WHANGAREI, Saturday The Northland. Rugby League held its annual King's Birthday seven-a-side tournament at the Hikurangi Recreation Park today, when 21 teams took part. Weather conditions wore anything but promising at the commencement of play, but with tlio exception of one or two light showers, remained fine all day. There was a large attendance and. considering recent rains, the playing area was in first-class condition, resulting in sparkling football. _ . In the senior division Hikurangi A (Dunn. C. and R. Hamilton. Cunningham, laylor, E. O'Callnghan and Hnj.oll) were victorious. Tho principal games in this division resulted :—AVhalca-Wavo A, 3. City, 0; Hikurangi A, 8, Takahiwai A. 3; Whaka-\\ aro A, 10 Takahiwai B, 0. Final: Hikurangi A. 7, Waka-Waro A, 0. This was a very exciting game. From a penalty C. Hamilton placed a beautiful goal nnd C. lay 1 otscored a try, which was converted by C. Hamilton. , . . Tho junior division was won by Onerohi. which was very popular, as this club has been formed only this season. Tho final resulted:—Onerahi, 0, Kanio A. 5. For the winners Cunis scored two tries and for tho losers .T. Taylor scored a try, which was converted by Jones. .... t-,., In the third grade division Hikurangi was successful, defeating Whaka-Waro by 10 to 0. , i ' it f li Tho championship running event, tho lull length of the field, was won by Baker, with C. Hamilton second. REFEREE STOPS MATCH [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] CHRISTCHURCH, Sunday League football matches plnyed yesterday resulted: —Riccarton. 13, Sydenham. 11: Hornby, 12, New Brighton, 7. Lin wood had 82 points up against Pirates. 2. when the referee stopped the game because a Plates player refused to leave the field when ordered to do bo. j

REPRESENTATIVE MATCH PLAYERS FOR PRACTICE The following 18 playors have beeni chosen by tho selectors, Messrs. •E. Asher, W. Mincham and B. Avery, for practice in view of the representative match between Auckland and Taranaki at Carlaw Park next Saturday:— Backs.—Laing (Devonport). Turei (City). Brisbane (Marist), List (Marist), Bright (Ponsonby), R. Smith (Devonport), Mills (Ponsonby), Brimble (Newton), Hassan (Marist), Abbott (Richmond). Forward:!.—Clarke (City), G-. Campbell (Marist), Leath'erbarrow (Devonport). Lawless (Richmond), Nathan (Newton). Satherley (Richmond), Laird (Marist), E. Scott (Devonporli). Practices will bo held to-morrow and Thursday, and any player not available is requested to notify the selectors as soon as possible.