THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21819, 6 June 1934, Page 16

THE LEAGUE CODE

FINE FORWARD STRUGGLE PENALTIES FOR OBSTRUCTION FIRMNESS OF REFEREES Jll spite of the wet conditions and the close score 011 Saturday the match between Richmond ami Newton provided some of the best football seen at headquarters for some time. It is seldom, when there is so much strenuous forward ■ play, that a match is so interesting. Both packs fought out a great struggle, and although there was little between the forwards in the tight play the Newton vanguard was superior in the loose. The clever play of the Newton vanguard gave Richmond a. liard day 011 defence and the side proved itself equal to the occasion. By his display at fullback for .Richmond A. E. Cooke proved that he is far . from being a back number. From fullback he started several attacking movements which should have resulted in tries. Although he is of great service to the team as a custodian it is hard to understand why Richmond does not play him in the five-eighths line. A brilliant save on Saturday, when Cooke outpaced Stevens, the fast Newton wing-three-quarter, showed that the former still retains his speed. The conditions on Saturday suited «T. Satherley, the Richmond live-eighths, who stood out for fine defensive work. On a fast ground, however, Satherley does not impress as an attacking player, although ho is always very solid. Owing to injuries to players Mitchell and P. Young played in the Richmond rearguard and both did vAjII. Mitchell ran determined!j' with the ball and was not afraid to go for the line. Except for an inclination to kick too much on attack Young fully justified his promotion. Outstanding Game All outstanding game was played by Powell, the_Richmond halfback. His allround play .meant a great deal to Richmond and lie was responsible for the team's only try through a clever movement from the scrum. Powell has been playing very sound football all the season and must come into consideration for representative honours. It was unfortunate for Newton that Crook was not available as Hall, at fiveeighths, could not spud his outside men away fast enough. Hall for a forward filled the position creditably, but he would have been of great value in the back row of the scrum. Hall's absence from the vanguard may have been responsible for Newton's defeat. •' Ponsonby again proved a versatile team by taking the honours from Marist in the curtain-raiser. The fast rearguard of the winners threw the ball about well under the conditions and some of the movements showed the value of team play. Kay, the Ponsonby centre, played a fine game and is another player who must be considered for the Auckland team. Marist fielded almost a new team, bringing up several reserve grade players who did well. Brisbane came out from retirement, and although unlit did some fine work on defence. Although well down 011 the championship ladder Marist is a team which has prospects of success against the best sides. Providing the forwards play as a team Marist should' fully extend any opposition in the future. Devonport's First Win A pleasing feature of Saturday's games was the strictness of the referees in regard to obstruction. "Silent" obstruction has been noticeable in many matches to date and the firmness of the officials in charge will soon stamp out this fault. Devon port had its first win this season when the 1933 champions defeated City 011 Monday at Carlaw Park. The game was fast and open, and there were some good movements witnessed. The try scored by Herring was one of the best seen this season. White started the movement in City's twenty-five, and live backs handled in turn. White flashed again into the movement and a few yards from the line whipped the ball infield to the scorer. Devonport had better finish to its attacks, and this carried the day. City has the material for a good combination, but a tbrustful five-eighths is wanted to make play for the threequartcrs. Both White and Turei have more pace, than most backs, but their opportunities are limited. Devonport forwards hunted as a pack and were successful in getting the ball in the scrums. S. Belsham, a reserve grade player, was not a success at halfback. His defence was very weak. Axeman, the club's first halfback, has been on the injured list, but is available next Saturday. Followers of the code will regret to learn that R. Sellars, the promising Newton wing, is still in hospital. Sellars was badly injured in the first match this season.