THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21793, 7 May 1934, Page 13

THE LEAGUE CODE

HIGH SCORING MATCHES PONSONBY TEAM'S GOOD WIN NEWTON CAUSES SURPRISE The second series of matches in the first round of tho Auckland Rugby League's senior championship was played on Saturday when high scoring was general The grounds were in good order, and except for an odd shower later in the afternoon conditions could not have been better. There was a good attendance at Carlaw Park. In the principal match the young Pon son by team played splendid football in taking the honours from Devonport, the standard being equal to that seen at headquarters for many years. The many clever movements and fine passing and understanding of the POll- - team kept the spectators continually thrilled. Newton caused a surprise by outclassing City, tho latter failing to reveal anything approaching its real form. On tho No. 2 ground Richmond easily accounted for Marist.

Ponsonby and Richmond, which are the only unbeaten teams, will meet next Saturday. Following "were the results of Saturday's matches:—

Ponsonby, 17; Devonport, 2 Newton, 32; City, ,1. Richmond, 29; Marist, 3.

FINE DISPLAY DEVONPORT OUTPLAYED By giving a fine exhibition of the code Ponsonby outplayed Dovonport, scoring five) tries, one converted, to the latter's penalty goal. At half-time Ponsonby led by 11 points to 2 and never at any stage did it look in danger of defeat. Tho margin between the teams was not as great as indicated by the scores, Devonport losing three good scoring chances through failing to finish off movements. The Ponsonby team made a great impression by its splendid team work. Jumping into form from the start its fine understanding and ability to support the player in possession often cut the defence to ribbons. Its football was far from orthodox and the clever change of direction, snappy passing and accurate handling frequently baffled the defence. Another outstanding feature was the speed of the player receiving a pass and tho manner in which a transfer was given to a support—always at the right moment—thus enabling tho attack to be maintained. At fullback for Ponsonby Jones played a sound game, while tho threequarter line showed excellent understanding with the inside backs. Jittlewood, Kay and Shera all played well, the first-named scoring a clever try when he "fooled" Thompson, tho Devonport fullback. Great credit for Ponsonby's success must bo given to Halloran, halfback, and W. Stockley, first fiveeighths. Both are players well above the average, Halloran changing his play cleverly and getting the ball away very smartly. Stockley was always going fast when taking his pass and made some nice openings. Riley fitted in well with the combination and also played a good game. The Ponsonby forwards all played good football and gave the backs fine support. McLeay was outstanding, his speed making him dangerous throughout. Brown, Why, J. Stockley and Hutt were also conspicuous. Devonport could not settle down as a team. Laing played at first five-eighths and O'Donneli at second, the latter seeming out of position. By changing these players round the rearguard attacks would have been more forceful. Devonport missed Seagar at centre, while tho wines had few opportunities. Thompson, at fullback, was cool and made few mistakes, but he should have tackled Liltlewood when tho latter scored. The Devonport forwards were overshadowed. E. Scott. Simpson and Donald played the best games. Ponsonby won by 17 points to 2. For tho winners McLeay, Shera, Kay, Littlewood and ITutt scored trios, Jones converting one. Radonich kicked a penalty goal for Devonport-. Mr. M. Wetherill was refcreo.

CITY DISAPPOINTS NEWTON SCORES HEAVILY After playing a good game last Saturday, City was expected to beat Newton, but the latter won easily by .12 points to 3. Newton showed improved form, and outclassed City in all departments. At no stage of the game did City impress. On the other hand Newton attacked from all positions and each movement usually ended in a try being scored. The City backs were completely demoralised, and out of position when opportunities came their way. It was surprising to see the. City forwards outplayed. All the work from the scrum was done individually, and there was 110 resemblance of team play. The Newton backs completely overshadowed City and bustled the latter into mistakes. Newton gave a good display and on this form will_ play a prominent' part in tho championship.. Dentpsey, at fullback, played a splendid game for tho winners. He kicked with good judgment and frequently look pant in passing movements. Stephens, on the wing, was easily the best Newton back. In scoring two tries. Stephens showed a good burst of speed and a nice swerve to beat the opposition. Both Bright and Brimble played improved games. The former did useful work on defence. Crook was a decided success at five-eighths. His speed gavo the threequarters plenty of opportunities. Porteous got through a lot of useful work behind the Bcrum, and Pope played well on the wing. Hall ably led the Newton vanguard and was the outstanding forward. Quirke, Middloton. and Kelsall piayed good names. The last-named, a new player to the code, is a promising forward. Crunch, at fullback for City, again proved n failure. White was easily the best back and impressed with his powerful running. Axeman, behind the scrum, spoiled good work by hold in k on too long. Good opportunities were lost by the City backs when Axeman ran too far, and was tackled in possession. Turei, who scored the only try for Citv, lacked opportunities. "Wayne was prominent on attack. The City pack was outclassed, although Clarke and McLaughlin were prominent in the loose. For Newton. Pope (3), Hall (2), Stephens (2) and Middleton scored tries. Dempsey converted three tries and kicked a penalty goal. Turei scored tho only try for City. Mr. F. Thompson was referee.

AN EASY VICTORY RICHMOND'S GOOD FORWARDS Tho Richmond forwards swept over Marist on jvo. 2 ground to win comfortably by 29 points to 3. Tho vanguard played good football. and controlled tho game from the kickoff. The Marist backs suffered in comparison with those of the winners. Play was mostly confined to the individual, and there was a lack of team work. Tho Marist fiveeighths, Dunn and Glover, held on too long after the forwards gained possession. The Marist rear division made many mistakes, which Richmond turned to good advantage. Richmond again proved a solid team and its game against Ponsonby next Saturday 'should be a splendid contest For the winners Cooke played a splendid game. His powerful and well-directed kicks often had Marist in troublo. Twice Cooke slatted passing bouts which ended in tries being scored. Mineham was the best of the threequarters and ho also kicked well. McNeil showed iv good burst of speed on tho wing. Powell, behind tho scrum, did a lot of useful work. Satherloy and Telford were the best of tho 'Richmond pack. Jenkinson and Lawless were also prominent. Campbell was perhaps tho best of the Mo list backs. Dunn did some good work, but was inclined to hold 011. Iveson was the outstanding forward, while D. E. Keano and Flanagan ployed good games. For Richmond Miuchain (2). Prentice, Jenkinson, McNeil, Young and Telford scored tries. Mineham converted threo tries and Salhorley one. Mr. P. .Rogers was referee.

PLAY AT PAPAKURA In (lie second grade contest Papalmra 11. beat Kllerslie by 11 points to 0. The game was played on the Prince Edward Park at I'upakurn. the ground being in excellent condition. It was marked by brilliant combination. both sides showing spectacular open play, the Papakura backs slightly overshadowing the Ellerslie rearguard, their handling being excellent. Both packs wore evenly matched, and both hookers gave their backs a good share of the ball. The game was very even to half-time, being 3 points to 0 in favour of Papakura. Tries were scored by J. Gray. T. Ca High an and AV. Taylor and a penalty kick by Francis. Mr. S. Fisher was the referee. The Papakura 111. intermediate (earn was pitted against Ponsonby ITI., and Ponsonby won by 3 points to 0 after a fast and clean gajne. The fourth grade Papakura team was defeated by Manukau by 24 points to 0, and the fifth grade lost to Richmond by 18 to 8.

LOWER GRADE RESULTS Reserve Grade.—Devonport, 17, Ponsonby, 2: Cily, 8, Newton, 2. Second Grade.—Point Chevalier, 15, Mount Albert, 3; Otahuhu, 0. Mangere, 0. Third Grade Open.—Richmond, fi, Glenorn, 0; Mount Albert, 21, Ponsonby, 2. Third Grade Intermediate.—Marist, 5, City, 0; Otuhnhu, 13, Manukau A, 0; Manukau B. 27. Akarana, 7; Richmond, 29, Glenora, 4. Fourth Grade.—Elleralic, 10, Point Chevalier, 2; Marist, 38, Nortlicote, 0; Manukau, 23, Papakura, 0; Richmond, 0, Glenora, 0. Fifth Grade.—Richmond, 35, Papakura, 0; Otahuhu, IG, Manukau, 5. Sixth Grade.—Ellerslie, 3, Newton, 2; Richmond won from Dcvonport by default; Avondalo, 10, Point Chevalier, 2. HUNTLY DEFEATS TAUPIRI [Fiura OUR OWN COKIIKSI'ONIiI'.NT | TAUPIRI, Saturday Playing at Taupiri in the South Auckland Rugby League's competition, Hunlly defeated Taupiri by 7 points to 3. Early in the game Huntly secured its first two points when iliaynoi- kicked a penalty from neat Taupiri's twenty-five line. From some loose play Tremain secured the ball and passed out to Hill, who made n run from more than halfway, beat the defence, and scored a try, which Jackways failed to convert. At half-time the score was: —Taupiri, 3; Huntly, 2. Xo furthor score came until well on in the second half, when Huntly secured tt lucky try. The ball was kicked over Taupiri's line and bounced buck, Tirums falling on it to secure the winning try. Knight converted. Mr. W. Payne controlled the

"Til the junior match Taupiri defeated Ngantawahia by 14 points to 0. Smith secured three tries for Taupiri and Taylor one, Shaw converting one. At Rotowaro the home team (seniors) defeated Ngaruawabia, by 5 points to 0.

LOWER WAJKATO MATCH [FROM OUR OWN COItHESPONDENTI TUAKAU, Sunday Tlia newly-formed l,ower Waikato Rugby League opened its season yesterday with a match at Tunkai between a Maori team from Te Kohanga, which has taken the name of Manaia. and a team of Tuakau players. Manaia won by 27 points to 3. The gnmo was fast and open ar.d gave spectators a good exhibition of League football. Mr. J. Rukutai, of Auckland, was referee. Tentative arrangements have made for another match to bo played at Tuakau next Saturday.