THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22103, 8 May 1935, Page 20

THE LEAGUE CODE

CITY TEAM IMPROVES OUTSTANDING GAME BY BROWN PONSONBY BACKS AT FAULT Tho distinct improvement shown by City against Devonport was a feature of the second series of Rugby matches last Saturday, and on this form, City will be hard to beat in the future. Tho addition of three players, McLaughlin, Nathan, and Herring, gave tho team more confidence. r lhe backs particularly played well, especially in the second half, when the handling improved considerably. Poor handling and tackling were noticeable weaknesses early in tho game. Tho backs have pace, and with a few more games together, and closer attention to positional play, further improvement can be expected. There is no doubt that L. Brown has made a vast difference to the team. His knowledge of the game, combined with Ins clever attacking, gavo the threequarters plenty of opportunities. On numerous occasions Brown turned defence into attack by clever running. His kicking for touch was a feature of the game. , , ... , . S. Wat-one, formerly fullback has made a success of the forward position, and on his form he must be considered ono of tho best forwards in tho code. His speed and splendid tackling were a thorn in the side of Devonport. Devonport's form was a little disappointing and much below that of the previous week, when a drawn game was played against Marist. Too much kicking frequently checked promising passing bouts. Tho inside backs were slow to move, and on occasions ran across the ground, leaving two fast wings, Hall and Scott, little room in which to move. Many Mistakes Made The principal fixture between Ponsonby and Marist was disappointing, as far too many mistakes were made. Ponsonby was making its first appearance this season, but its rearguard will have to learn to run straight before it becomes an effective attacking force. This was also a fault with the Marist backs. Ponsonbv, with its young side, and under the' capable leadership of L. Hutt, is sure to show improvement, and will probably upset the calculations of the leading teams in the second round. Hutt is playing as well as ever and was in everything, in the match against Marist. Ponsonbv has a fullback in Payne who shows decided promise. His handling, kicking and defending were good, and when he pays more attention to positional play he should prove a great asset to the side. Bright, the speedy wing, made a reappearance after having to stand down last season through injuries. He showed ho still maintains the form which gained him representative honours. Chalmers, half, and Loader, wing, played well in the Marist rearguard. The latter will prove a dangerous scoring man if given reasonable opportunities as he has a most elusive side-step. In scoring his try last Saturday he beat several defenders. Marist has a set of forwards .which should prove a good match for the Richmond vanguard when the teams meet. Impressive Fullback The Huntly team which played at Carlaw Park on Monday made a good impression, and was a little unlucky to be beaten by Newton, one of the strongest teams in tho senior competition. The visitors' forwards played good football and were often prominent in the loose. Shore, tho Huntly fullback, was the most impressive player on the ground. Ho went down to forward rushes in good style and often opened up the game for the tlireequarters. Shore proved a fine place kick by adding four points to the visitors' total. A frequent visit from a Waikato team would be welcomed at Carlaw Park. C. Satherley continues to be one of the best goal-kickers seen for some years. In two matches Satherley has kicked twelve goals in seventeen attomptS' —a good record for a forward.