CITY STARTS WELL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21859, 23 July 1934, Page 14

CITY STARTS WELL

NEWTON'S TEAM PLAY Some fine, open play was witnessed in the pnncipal contest between .Newton and City xn which the better team and positional,- play of the winners were deciding factors. City started well and was first to score from a fine movement commenced by Johnson, Clark touching down by the posts. i . ? was casily converted and it seemed that City would increase its lead, but Newton gradually settled down and passed the hall ir.i fine style. Before half-time Newton scored two unconverted tries and the marKin of one point in its favour was a fair indication of the trend of the play. fell away a little in the second spell, i'ho positional play of the backs was not good and Newton was ciuick to take advantage of its opportunities, three tries being, added during this period. Both teams threw the ball about freely and the many exciting incidents kopt the spectators keenly interested. Although the backs repeatedly flashed into the picture, there was some good forward work and the two packs were fairly evenly matched. Newton, however, l<ept together better and through good support in the loose gavo the City defence a hard time

For Newton Dempsey played a sound frame :it fullback and made few mistakes. Hardgravc did not play, and Stephens, on the wing, proved very elusive. His strong running was a feature, while each week he is becoming a more polished nil-round player. Brimble was in his best form at first five-eighths, and did a great deal of clever work both on attack and defence. Porteous again played well ijt halfback, whilA Brady, on the wing, is suited better to this position than closer in. The Newton forwards were fairly even, but Ball was conspicuous in some nice play. Nathan, Blacklaws and Quirke gave good support. Watene, the City fullback, was sound, except for errors in kicking. He was badly beaten by Stephens on one occasion when the latter swerved inside him. Neither Turei nor Purdy was impressive on the wings, while McLaughlin, centre, who usually plays in the forwards, did well with the opportunities which came his way. Johnson, second five-eighths, showed ability in penetrating the defence and is a most promising, all-round player. At times he was inclined to attempt too much alone. Wiberg did a lot of good defensive work, but Axeman/did not show up as much as usual. Clark, Herring and Nathan were the best of the City forwards. For Newton tries were scored by Stephens (2), Porteous, Brady and Brimble. Dempsey converted one try. Clark scored a try for City, which was converted by Watene. Mr. 11. Wethcrill was referee.