THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21847, 9 July 1934, Page 13

THE LEAGUE CODE

RICHMOND TEAM DEFEATED FINE PLAY OF DEVONPORT CITY CAUSES A SURPRISE Richmond, the leading team in the Auckland Rugby League's senior championship, was defeated for the first time this season in a stirring game against Dovonport on Saturday. The ground at Carlaw Park was almost a sea of mud and the conditions were most unpleasant. The Devonport forwards rose to the occasion and in a thrilling final 10 minutes won the honours. The winners were given a rousing reception from a large crowd. The curtain-raiser between Newton and Marist was won by the former, but only after a keen struggle. On the No. 2 ground City caused a surprise by winning comfortably from Ponsonby. The results of the matches were as follows: — Devonport, 4; Richmond, 2. Newton, 9; Marist, 8. City, 22; Ponsonby, 10. SPLENDID CONTEST RICHMOND'S FIRST DEFEAT In one of the most exciting games 6eon at Carlaw Park for many seasons Richmond sustained its first defeat. Many followers of the codo expected Devonport to win, but the manner in which its forwards rose to the occasion caused a great surprise. As the game progressed Devonport had a distinct territorial advantage, and resolute tackling by the rearguard kept Richmond out. In the first half Devonport had a little the better of the game, although Richmond was always keen to open up the play. No tries were scored, and a penalty goal to each side saw the points equal at halftime. The playing area soon became a sea of mud and it was, extremely difficult to distinguish the players. Ten minutes after the commencement of the second half Laing placed Devonport in the lead with a fine penalty goal. The Richmond forwards threatened to score several times, but Laing played brilliant football and went down to forward rushes in great style. Devonport was not to be denied, and swift attacks by the backs nullified any attempt the Richmond backs made to open up the game. The Devonport forwards were definitely on top and it was something new to see the Richmond vanguard overshadowed. It is difficult to forecast the result had it been a dry day, but on Saturday Devonport deserved the honours. Richmond's forwards were penalised many times in the second half for breaches which could not be seen from the stand. Verrall, the halfback, rarely retired to the back of the scrum, and it was only in the second half free-kicks were given against him. The Richmond forwards were a little eager in the loose, and the vanguard was frequently caught offside. Richmond's vanguard had control of the ball from the set scrums, but the inside : backs made fatal mistakes in passing when a short "grubber" kick would have been dangerous. Both Lawless and Satherley looked in vain for these tactics. The game was played in a splendid spirit, with, no evidence of roughness. The crowd remained until the final whistle and gave both teams a fine reception. Laing, at fullback for Devonport, played perhaps the best game of his career. He was called upon to do a lot of stopping and I his defence throughout was of a lngh standard. In the last 10 minutes Laing actually outplayed Cooke in positional play. Seagar played a great game at second five-eighths. Hia headv play saved Devonport in those thrilling last 10 minutes. Hall was often dangerous on the wing, and was unlucky not to score a try. Radomch and Powell, a reserve grade back, played sound football Smith got few chances on the wing. Rhodes behind the scrum kept the game close for his forwards. The vanguard all played so well that it is difficult to give the honours to any particular forward. Simpson and Leatlierbarrow were prominent in the loose. Donald and Scott did great work, 6S Although l Devonport was a little s«P«l°r in the forwards, no player on the ground did moro work than Lawless for Richmond. He made two very fine solo efforts and with any luck would have scored tries. Satherley was also in splendid form and it was 110 fault of his Richmond was beaten. proved a very capable hooker and gave hia aide the ball from four out of every five scrums. Cooke played a fine game at fullhnrlr His fielding was very accurate, and his defence sound. Powell played a splendid all-round game at five-eighths and was perhaps the best back. Prentice was Penmen goals' and Satherley a penalty goal for Richmond. Mr. P. Rogers was referee.