LEAGUE FOOTBALL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21823, 11 June 1934, Page 14

LEAGUE FOOTBALL

RICHMOND STILL "UNBEATEN LEAD IN CHAMPIONSHIP. 'DEVONPORT DEFEATS PONSONBY The second series of matches in the second round of tho Auckland Rugby League's senior championship was played on Saturday iin showery weather and 011 greasy groiintls. A greasy ball made handling difficult and as a result the standard all round fell below expectations. In tho principal' congest Devonport, showing improved form, was too strong for Ponsonby/ while in tlio curtainraiser Richmond maintained its unbeaten record by defeating Marist. Owing to Ponsouby's defeat .Richmond now leads in tho championship by four points. On 'the No. 2 ground Newton and City fought out a fairly even game, victory going to. the former, lherc was "a good attendance of spectators, including the,jury in the Bayly trial. Results of matches were as follows: Devonport, 10; Ponsonby, U. Richmond, 20; Marist, b. Newton, 16; City, 9. devonport superior FORWARDS BEAT PONSONBY The superiority of the * as . 3 " TWonbjfn which several mistakes sonby rearguard, which failed to .7?h,T,i every scrum the l'on.o.rby back, tad » J»f A"' hut, when in possession tho n\eeigntns kicked far too much and lost ground asl result. Theso backs persisted in ball in the air and why an occasional "rubber kick was not tried was hard to understand. With the Devonport forwards and backs playing on top of their opponents an occasional well-placed grub )e would thrown the defence right out °Vonsonby had some great chances from penalties and threw these away by attempting. & score from up-and-under tactics when tlio second spell had just commenced. A couple of penalty goals early in the spell would probably have changed the whole complexion of the game. With tho Devonport forwards on top the rearguard had numerous opportunities and should have turned some to better advantage. Nevertheless, Devonport on the d}ty was superior both back and tor- * For Devonport Laing played well at fullback, and both wings, Newton and Hall, impressed by their determined! running. As an all-round player Radomch was one of the best backs on the ground and his try was the result of a very determined efiort. O'Donnell, although inclined to- be a little selfish, did great work on defence and repeatedly sat-ed his side. Seagar, centre, used his brains to advantage and his experience was worth a lot to his team. He was rightly penalised twice for tackling his vis-a-vis, Kay, before the latter had received the pass. The Devonport forwards all played well, with E. Scott, Simpson, Leatherharroy and Hunt always to the fore. Donald was an absentee from the pack. Although overshadowed, the Ponsonby forwards made valiant efforts to set the combination going, but tho backs fftiled them badly. Poor passing and bad handling proved very expensive against a quickfollowing and alert defence. Hutt, Brown! and Why were outstanding in the vanguard which badly missed the services of McLeay. Jones, at fullback for Ponsonby, had a strenuous afternoon, and on the whole did fairly well. Ho started off with Bome brilliant saves, but fell away later on and made costly mistakes. Shera, on the wing, played a good individual game with limited chances. Kay was hampered through lack of opportunities from his inside men, none of whom was up to usual form. Devonport, which led at half-time by 5 points to 0, won by 10 to 0. For the winners Radonich and _ Leatherbarrow scored tries, Laing converting both. Mr. S.' Billman was referee. MARIST IMPROVING //COOKE'S FINE DISPLAY •Improved form by Marist, especially in the forwards, made its match with Richmond, the leading team, interesting, but the standard was disappointing owing to mistakes, in handling. One redeeming feature of the game was the brilliance" of Cooke,', the .Richmond fullback, whose splendid anticipation, speed and accurate handling enabled him to score two tries. Coolcels second try came as a result of a fine movement from the Richmond twentyfive. Mitchell broke_ away and Mincham ran round .on the outside of him to the pass.. Realising the opportunity Cooke dashed up in a- flash and reverse passing between /Mincham and himself completely baffled the defence, Cooke eventually touching down between the posts. It was a splendid movement which drew rounds of applause from the spectators The two packs fought hard and honours were fairly even. Some of tho Marist players lacked' experience, throwing the ball about wildly and ,play was of a ragged nature. Tho better understanding and handling of tho Richmond players, carried tho day.

Cooko, Mincham, Powell and Prentice were the best of the Richmond rearguard. Powell played another fine gamo at halfback, .iteing directly responsible for the try scored by Jenkinson through clever play from the scrum. Prentice was as' solid as usual, while Mincham is 1 improving with each game. C. Sathcrley, Telford. Broadhead and Jetfkinson were the best .forwards. Campbell played a sound game at fullback for Marist and Brisbane did some fine defensive work. Loader proved an elusive wing, btit the rearguard lacked combination. Of the forwards Laird and Iveane played fine games and received good support from AVebberley and Baknlich. Richmond, which led at half-time by 9 points to 2, wop by 20 to 8. For the winners tries wero scored by Cooke (2), Mitchell, Totley, ,iJenkinson and Satherley. Milicich converted one. For Marist Loader and Baltalich scored tries and Campbell kicked a penalty goal. Mr. 11. Bull was referee.

BETTER COMBINATION CITY'S WEAK TACKLING / ■ The better combination of Newton was tho deciding factor in the team's win over City. The gamo was evenly contested mid City held its opponents for u good part of the game. It was only tho \veak tackling ot several City backs that enabled Ne.vion to score two simple tries. Both packs wero well matched, Newton being moro suncessful in getting the ball from tl e scrums. Bad scrum formation was noticeable on both sides. The City second row forwards gavo little weight to- the hooker. City's weakness was undoubtedly with tho live-eighths. Several times Axeman, passed the ball smartly from the scrum, but the five-eighths. AVyberg and Turei, did not penetrate far. The pair stood rlat-footed and delayed their passes to the thrceQUarlcrs. All though the City backs have pace, a clever attacking player "is necessary inside. The Newton backs did not impress as a combination, although their individual play was good. ' Dempsoy plaied a sound gamo at fullback, his fielding being very certain, lie is a greatly improved player on defence. Stephens was easily tho best of the Newton backs, and his two trios were good efforts. Hickey showed a. lot of paco on the other,wing and did well with limited opportunities. Bright gave an improved display. Hull was weak at five-eighths, his passing being poor. Porteou's played a good allround game, while Crook was prominent on occasions. Blackiaws and Nathan were the best of the forwards. Middleton also played a good gamo. On/ the wing for City A\ T ayne was easily tho best back on the ground. Ho left tho opposition standing by clever play on two occasions. AVhito was always dangerous, but lacked opportunities. Turei showed more determination than usual and his try was a good effort. AVatene was a tower of strength and the rest of the City backs would do •well to emulate his tackling. Mailer was weak at fullback and pot his side into a lot of trouble. Axeman did useful work hehind the serum. AVyberg was too slow in delivering his passes. Clark was the outstanding City forward. ,Ho is' in splendid form at. present and a likely representative front row forward. Herring and Purdy were ako prominent. Nathan also , plaved a good gamo. For Newton Stephens and Hell scored two tries each. Dempsey converted one and kicked a. penalty goal. For City AVayno. "White and Turei, scored tries. Mr. P. Rogers was referee.

LOWER GRADE RESULTS "Reserve Grade.— Ponsonby. DevonSort. 5; Richmond. 24. Mnrist, 0: City, 5, 'eviton,' 2. Second Grade.—Papakura. 2, Otahunu. 2; Mount Albert. 8. Manjrere, 5.

Third Grado Open.—Mount Albert, 18, Marist. 12; Akarana, 11, Mangere, 3; Richmond, 16; Ponsonby, 0; Glenora, IG, Papakura, 2. Third Grade Intermediate.—Manukau B, 14. Manukau A, 2: Papakura, 22, Akarana. 0; Point Chevalier, 8, City, 8: Ponsonby. 51. Glenora, 0. Fourth Grade.—Manukau, 6. Marist, 3: Newton, 15, Point Chovalier, 0; Papakura, 7. Glenora. 5. , , Fifth Grade.—City. 22, Manukau, 2; Richmond, 23. Ponsonby, 0; Otahuhu. 3, Molint Albert, 0; Papakura, 5. Devonport. 0. • Sixth Grade.—Newton, .3, Richmond, 2; Ellerslie, 3. Point Chevalier. (X - Seventh Grade.—City. 7. Northcoio. G: Richmond A, 2G, Richmond B, 0. . Schoolboys' Games. —Ellerslie. 7, Marist A. 0; Avondnle. 23. Devonport. 0: Richmond, 3. City, 0; Nortlicote. 2. Marist, B. 0. Seven-a-side Match.—Richmond. 9. Avondale, 0. GAMES IN THE PROVINCE The following reßiilts of Loaguo football matches played in country centres of the Auckland province wero forwarded by covrespondents of the JIf.R AI..D : Tuakau.—Matches under tho Lower Waikato Football League resulted:—Onepoto, 0. Iluia, 0; Mania, 28, City, 8. Mr. C. Lewis refereed both games. Whansarei. —Following tiro the results of tho matches played under tho League football code:—Senior: City. 5, Whaknwaro, 2: Hikurangi. O. Kensington. 5. Juniors: Kr.lllo. 10, Portland, 10; Whakawaro, G. Oneralii, 5. Papakura. The second grado team travelled to Otahuhu and drew, 2 all. Tho third grade open was beaten by 1G to 2 at Papakura by Glenora. The third intermediate team travelled to tho Domain and beat Akarana. 22 to 3. Tho fourth grado travelled and beat Glenora, 7 to 5. The fifth grade beat North Shoro at Papakura by 5 to 0. RESULTS IN CHRISTCHURCH [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS .ASSOCIATION*] CIIRISTCHURCn, Sunday League football matches played yesterday resulted:—New Brighton. 21, Sydenham, 0; Hornby, 14, Linwood, 3; Addington, 30, Kuril, 9. THE ASSOCIATION GAME REASON BANNER CONTEST dunedin defeats diomede Conditions wero not conducive to good Soccer on Saturday and most of tho games played under the control of tho Auckland Football Association produced dour and haphazard play. Tho feature contest at Blandford Park was tho meeting of H.M.S. Dunedin (holders) and H.M.S. Diomede in tho annual challenge match for the Reason Banner. In a hard struggle Dunedin retained tho trophy by a three-goals margin. Senior championship games were also continued. Ponsonby ran Thistle to a close decision in the cur-tain-raiser match at Blandford Park, the latter winning by the only goal scored. In the match played at tho Mount Albert Grammar School, Y.M.C.A. was defeated by Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys, while North Shoro heat Onehunga at Devonport. A close contest resulted between Comrades and Eastei'n Suburbs, the latter gaining the points by the odd goal in three. Following are the results: — Reason Banner. —H.M.S. Dunedin, 4; H.M.S. Diomede, 1.

CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES Thistle, 1; Ponsonby, 0. Eastern" Suburbs, 2; Comrades, 1. Mount Albert Old Boys, 2; Y.M.C.A., 1. North Shore, 3; Onehunga, 0. WIN FOR DUNEDIN DIOMEDE OUTPLAYED The usuaf sparkle was missing from the play of the teams representing H.M.S. Dunedin and H.M.S. Diomede in tho Reason Banner challenge match. The ground conditions prevented good footwork, while the combination and general -methods of both sides could have beei greatly improved upon. A little more thrust shown by the Dunedin forwards gave the team victory. The game was responsible for a dour type of play throughout, the exchanges being fairly lively, but lacking interest, owing to the haphazard tactics. Both defences ap-peared-'-to have the measure of the opposing forward lines and this helped to nullify combined forward play. The shooting of both teams was very poor, but. this was greatly due to the' greasy ball and uncertain underfoot conditions.

In the Dunedin goal, Lavis, although not having the same amount of work to do as in. the match against Auckland, displayed fine anticipation and courage in stopping forward rushes. His exhibition was one of *he refreshing features*. of the contest. His fullbacks, Jancy and Preston, gave him a great • deal of support and by their. clever covering up saved tho custodian " plenty of work. The. Dunbdin. half-line Was a clever unit and could be held responsible for the elight '•superiority.- that Dunedin held throughout the exchnrfees. AVilkes and Lund were especially solid oil defence, although their transfers to tho forwards lacked their usual accuracy. In a. forward line which did not impress, except for its bustling, Carlill stood out in attempting to make an understanding in the division, lie kept his feet well on the sodden ground' and several bright individual effotts went to his credit. Swan was speedy on tho left, and, when given room, could be relied upon to send across a good centre.

As. with tho Dunedin team, the strongest point'of the Diomedo side was the defence. Both 1 fullbacks and halves kicked strongly and blocked cleverly, but the forwards lacked the thrust necessary to profit by this strength of the rearguard. Buss, although suffering from a leg injury, did his best to set his forward line moving, while Sears, AVilcox and AVoodward were also strong defenders. McFadgen (2), Carlill and Lawrence scored . for Dunedin, while Burs scored for Dioniede from a penalty kick. Mr. E. Parkinson was referee.

BRIGHT FIRST' HALF

COMBINATION LACKING

After a. fairly bright first half, the game, between Thistle and Ponsonby at Blandford Park developed into an aimless typo of football, quite foreign to tho etylo of both teams. The slippery ground was troublesome to the players, while toward the end tho sodden ball prevented anything like accurate kicking. Nevertheless, the combination of both teams fell well below expectations. AVith both sets of forward lines uncertain as to tho best means of attack iu the early part, the defences stood firm, but the play swung quickly enough and was fairly interesting. Few scoring opportunities wero presented, with McCosh and AVilliams covering nicely for Thistle and Uaggett and Stewart performing a. similar service for Ponsonby. Farinan was off his game and failed to support his fellow forwards as much as he might, while AVilson. at centreforward for /Ponsonby, found difficulty in adjusting himself. However, Innes and Ellis, on tho right, and Scott, on llio left, proved very dangerous when given tho opportunity. Grant and Masters wero forces io bo reckoned with in tho Ponsonby halves, but the main defence fell oil Uaggett and Stewart, who gave splendid displays considering the conditions. The versatile and consistent play of Ilaggett under any conditions indicates his right 1o inclusion in the match against Otago nrxt Saturday. McCosh and AVilliams were the last line of a very solid Thistle defence. As usual Wright was lo the fore both on defence mid attack, while his wing-halves, AVisemnn and AVatson, gave good support. It was only in transfers to their forwards that Hie play of the halves showed weakness. Ilislop, Kay and AV'oods were tho best of the forwards, tho last-named playing well prior to being ordered off late in the second spell. AVilliamson scored the only goal for Thistle. Mr. B. Trcmain was referee. UNINTERESTING CONTEST POINTS TO NORTH SHORE An uninteresting gamo was witnessed at Devonport in the meeting of Onehungii and North Shore United, in which tho latter gained victory by three clear goals. The exchanges wero fairly fast in tho first spoil, but neither team showed good combination. The brightest feature of tho game was some clever individual play in both forward lines. North Shore scored three goals in tho first spell, after which there was no further scoring, due chiefly to weaknesses in the forw&rds. The players appeared to lack interest in the second half and were content to kick the ball- hard and 1 ' aimlessly, -

Cowio was sound in goal for North Shore, while of the two fullbacks Gcrrard proved the better. His anticipation and clearing showed few faults. , Is .° r s,loro was not so Well served in the half-line, howevor the most noticeable weakness beingat centre-half. Walters gave, a greatly improved showing at right-half,, however, and was one of tho few constructive players on (ho field. Walters' passes often went astray through lack of initiative npon the part of the forwards. McCluskey was forceful when in possession, but was inclined to crowd his fellow players. Any attempts at combination made by the North Shoro vanguard were spoiled by McCluskey. Stevenson showed promise at inside-forwttrd, while. Blackio niul Wooro maintained 11 lively pace on the North Shore right. . . Although the remainder of his team did not come up to expectations. 110 fault could bo found with tho play of C.avan, the Onchunga custodian. He made several good saves and could hardly bo blamed for the shots which beat him. Sound defensive work rama from Blockley. while Lindsay was tho belt of tho halves. Donaldson was a speedy left-wing, and Forrester, his inside partner, showed good foot-work in making numerous openings. . McCluskey. Stevenson and Mooro scored for "North Shore. Mr. A. Kyln was referee.

MOUNT ALBERT WINS

Y.M.C.A. LOSES CHANCES Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys was at homo for tho first timo this season in tho game against Y.M.C.A. Tho school ground was in lino condition and tlio fair crowd of spectators was treatod to a match that consisted of end to end play with very little combination. Both sides employed lone passing methods and, with no score at half-time, the second spell was keenly contested. Tho forward play of tho Old Boys was more accurate than that of Y.M.C.A., which missed several golden opportunities. Smith, in Y.M.C.A.'s goal, kept well, and hia daring sa\es got his' team out of trouble on moro than 0110 occasion. Mowafl and Riddolls were consistent in breaking up attacks. Tho former's change of plnco with tho centre-forward, Riggins. 111 tho latter stages, infused more bustle into tlie front line, but weakened tho defcnco. Chapman and Coltman, in the halves, mndo many openings but. with tho exception of MeFarlano and Pearson, tho forward lino had littlo idea of faking -advantage of judicious passes, and J'urley had an easy task in tho Old Boys' goaJ. The Mount Albert backs wero seldom harassed and usually had ample tiroo to clear. Tho halfbacks wore sound, the bustling, constructive play of A. K. Turlcy, a promoted junior, enabling the line to_eet tho forwards on attack many times. With the exception of Angus, who kept out of any tight play, the front line has an aggressive combination, tho two wings, Healy and Wood, centering with judgment. A division of tho points would have been a better indication of the play. Scorers for Old Boys were: Spencer and Wood. Pearson netted for Y.M.C.A. Mr. E. F. Miller was referee. A FAST DISPLAY COMRADES DEFEATED In spite of the holding condition of the ground at Western Springs, the meeting of Comrades and Eastern Suburbs provided a. fast game. Comrades played better football, and Eastern Suburbs was hard pressed to train tho points. Tho encroachment of spectators 011 the playing area was the cause of one goal, yhich might easily have had a moro serious bearing on tho result. Comrades' goal was well defended by Page, who made some clever saves. Hooten and Whit? provided a sound defence, thi former placing to better advantage. Jones was tho force behind the Comrades' attack, and he swung the ball about with good judgment. . , , , Hayward, in the pivot position, showed little construativo football, but his euergetic methods wero a constant source of worry to the attacking forwards. Most of the Pjay was on the left, where Foreman and Fletcher combined in several sound movements. The remainder of the forward line played well, and, shooting from well out, they constantly kept Warren on the alert. The Stone brothers played soundly for Eastern Suburbs, repelling many raids. The halfbacks lacked positional play, but were individually aggressive. Mullane was tho best of a forward line over ready to take advantage at any mistakes. East used his head to advantage. East and Darwin scored for Eastern Suburbs, Colo netting for Comrades. Mr, -R. Parfitt was referei

LOWER GRADE RESULTS Second Giade.—Abels A 12 Henderson 0: New Lynn B. 3. Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys, 3: Noith Shore United. 1-1, Ponsonby, 0; Thistle. 3. Comrades, 0; Eastern Suburbs. B,' Swanson, 1. * , _ r , ~, , Third Grade Intermediate. —Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys. 6. Thistle B. 1; Comrades. 2. Thistle A. 0. Fourth Grade.— Metro-College, 1, Y.M.C.A., L Fifth Grade.—Y.M.C.A, A. 2 Abels. 0 Sixth Grade.—Comrades A. 4. Motro-Ool-lege, 0; Y.M.C.A. B, 3. Eastern Suburbs. 1: Abels. 2. Thistle, 1: Y.M.C.A. C, 7, Grade.—Comrades A, 3. Y.M.C.A. A. 0; North Shore A. 0-, Eastern Suburbs A, 0; Abels. 7. Comrades, 2; Y.M.C.A. C, 1, Eastern Suburbs B. 0. . Secondary Schools.—Senior grade: Takapuna, 3. Mount Albert Grammar B. 2: Mount Albert Grammar A. 4, Auckland Grammar, 1. Intermediate G-rade. —TaKapuna Grammar, 3. Auckland Grammar, 2. Junior Grade.—Mount_ Albert Grammar C. 3, Jvowhai B. 0; Kowhai A, 1. 0-, Auckland Grammar. 2.. Mount Albert Grammar A. 0: Mount Albert Grammar B. 0, Technical College, 0. CHATHAM CUP MATCH [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT"! HAMILTON, Sunday In a Chatham Cup game at "Pukemiro yesterday Glen Afton overwhelmed Hamilton "Wanderers by 11 goals to 2. The chief causo of the Hamilton team's defeat was weakness in defence, wheTe only Bullock was reliable. Ferric dominated;the game in the centre of the field for Glen Afton and Ellis and Blnck were clever forwards. Stewart and Cvabb were fast and earnest toilers in the Wanderers' forward line, but did not get enough of the ball. The goals wire scored for tho winners by Black (2), Ellis (5), Perrie (2). Adams and Cole. Stewart and Cavayc scored for Wanderers. The winner will meet Huntly Starr United in the next round. MATCHES IN THE SOUTH [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] Chrlstcliurch. —Nomads, 2," Rangers. 0: Thistle; 3. St. Albans. 2; Western, 0, Technical Old Boys. 1. Wellington.—Chatham .Cup: Hospital, 3. Marist, 2. Senior championship: Diamonds. <l, Nada, 3; Hutt, 3, Swifts, 0; Petone, 2, Waterside, 1.