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

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PONSONBY'S ONE-POINT WIN

The curtain-raiser between Devonport and Ponsonby was full of excitement and under the muddy conditions a splendid display of the code was witnessed. Ponsonby won by a narrow margin, but only after defending strongly to keep Devonport out. The result might easily have gone in favour of Devonport, which did most of the attacking in the second half. Spectacular dribbling by Stockley from halfway resulted in a good try being scored, this giving Ponsonby the game a few minutes before time. Both teams attempted to open up play by passing movements, many of which were effective. The playing area was at its worst after heavy rain, but it did not affect the keenness of the game. The Ponsonby backs seemed better able to handle the greasy ball, but there was not a great deal of difference between the rear divisions. The forwards .were well matched, Devonport being a little superior in all-round play. The Ponsonby foiwards did well in the loose, and the pack several times threatened to score. In the second half hne passing by the Pon»onby, backs was a feature of the game. It •was one of the finest wet day games seen nt Carlaw Park for some time, and a draw would have been a good indication of the run of play. For Ponsonby, Murray was not a success at fullback. He was too far away from the play and at times had to run 30 yards to secure tho ball. Halloran, at halfback, was 1/he outstanding player. His clever work on attack frequently placed the backs m good positions, and each time his passes were well directed. Stockley and Riley were associated iu some . clever ploy ,at fiveeighths. Kay played his usual impressive game at centre, and was a tower of strength to Ponsonby. Jones played well on tho wing. Shearer scored a good try. After an absence of several weeks McLeay made a welcome reappearance, and was the outstanding forward. Unit and Brown were also prominent. O'Leary. who several years ago was one of the best inside backs in Auckland, played a good game at five-eighths for Devonport. Sea'"ar also was in good form, and did some splendid work in the second half. O'Donnell was frequently prominent in stopping rushes. Radervich played well in a new position at fullback, while Hall, on the wing, showed plenty of dash. For Ponsonby. Shearer and Stockley scored tries. Scott scored a try for Devonport, which Sea gar converted. Mr. P. Rogers was reicrec.