THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21885, 22 August 1934, Page 17

THE LEAGUE CODE

ROOPE ROOSTER MATCHES RICHMOND'S EASY VICTORY INTER-ISLAND FIXTURE The first round of the Auckland Rugby League's Roope Booster knockout competition produced' a good standard of play in three of tho four matches, that between Marist and Papakura being disappointing. In the principal contest between Richmond, winners of the championship, and Devonport, the latter fell away after keeping its opponents to 5-all at the interval. Richmond added 21 points in the second spell, but tho margin in its favour was not so great on the run of the play as indicated by the score. Richmond, which showed signs of a little loss of form toward the end of the championship, suffering two successive defeats at the hands of Devonport.and Newton respectively, was right on its game and on its display will be hard to defeat. The Devonport forwards more than held the advantage against the Richmond vanguard in the first spell and during this period tho Richmond rearguard was held in check. After the interval, however, the Richmond forwards asserted themselves and, well supported by the backs, the team finished easy winners. Although Devonport had a good share of tho ball, the backs persisted in kicking too much and lost possession at vital stages. Another good game was played by Cooke, at fullback for Richmond, while Fletcher, centre, is settling down to the game well and is a most promising young player, who should go far in the code. He shows cleverness and good anticipation on attack, while being sound on defence. His try when Powell broke through was tho result of quick following and good anticipation. Five-eighths Too Slow

J. Satherley, second five-eighths, is wo slow for the company lie is in and times on Saturday he nullified promising movements by the Richmond rearguard. Another fine game was played by Powell, who has improved considerably during tho season and is developing into a fine all-round player. Lawless and C. Satherley were the best Richmond forwards and both did some great all-round work. The manner in which they support their backs is one of the features of their play. , Devonport in the early stages played as a team, but later on its efforts were chiefly confined to individuals. Laing played well in the first spell, but fell away badly after half-time. Seagar, Rhodes and O'Leary did well individually, but the rearguard could not combine effectively. The losers were unfortunate when Simpson was injured and could not resume in the second half. He played a good game in the first spell and was one of tho best forwards on the ground. City caused a surprise by taking the honours from Newton, the winners revealing much better team work than usual. Better combination all round would make City a good match, for Richmond, but its form is too erratic and tho side never seems to play two good games on end. Johusou, Wiberg and McLaughlin played good games in the City backs and Axeman showed improved form behind tho scrum. Wiberg's potted goal was a neat effort, as he s#t himself ior position just before getting the ball from Axeman. Clark and Nathan were prominent among the forwards.

Hall Outstanding For Newton, Stephens was the best back and he made some splendid individual efforts. Stephens is now one of tho most improved players in the code and New Zealand honours should be far distant for him. Brimble and Brady were also prominent for good Hall was easily .the best forward on the ground and at present is in fine form. He should easily find a place in tho North team for the inter-Island fixture on September 1. Great interest centres in the interisland match, which will be tho first between the teams for two years, it will be interesting to see how the standard in the southern centres has progressed during this period. Tho new Mount Albert senior, team made a creditable showing in its game Against Ponsonby, which only gained tho ascendancy in the last five minutes of extra time played. Mount Albert started off in' great form and many thought Ponsonby would bo easily beaten. However, better condition stood to Ponsonby, which scored eight points in. the extra time ordered. The Mount Albort backs played dashing' football, and with any luck, tho team's scoro would have been larger. It was a splendid performance on the part of Mount Albert, which increased its claims for consideration as a senior team when tho question of extending the senior grade is discussed next season. The Ponsonby inside backs, Riley and Halloran, did not seem to combine as effectively as usual, and it was late in the game before tho two Schultz brothers were mastered. In the thrilling final five minutes, Halloran gave a taste of his football ability, and got through a lot of useful Work which enabled the Ponsonby backs to attack. Riley gave excellent support. Of the new players seen in action, Martin, halfback for Mount Albert, showed a lot of promise. Ho sent out well-directed passes, and in the iooso varied his play to combine with the forwards. The veteran hooker, Campbell, formerly of Marist, was successful in giving Mount Albert backs tho ball. He should bo a decided acquisition to the new team in future matches. Canterbury's success in tho Northern Union challenge cup match against West Coast was well received in Christchurch. Tho Canterbury inside backs, Amos and Young, outclassed the opposition. It was surprising, however, that the West Coast forwards were beaten for tho ball in the scrums. This is tho first occasion on which Canterbury has won the Northern Union Cup.