THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22119, 27 May 1935, Page 13

THE LEAGUE CODE

FIFTH SERIES OF MATCHES LEADING TEAM DEFEATED SUCCESS OF MARIST THIRTEEN The fifth series of matches in the senior championship of the Auckland Rugby League was played on Saturday under ideal conditions, Marist gaining a well-deserved win over Richmond, last year's champion team, by a margin of two points in .a fine and thrilling match. The victory was very popular with a large crowd of spectators, and the winners received a fine ovation as they left the field. The curtain-raiser between Ponsonby and Newton provided good football, the former also winning by two points. The other senior match was decided at Devonport, where Mount Albert proved too good for the local thirteen. Richmond, which has played one more match than Marist, is still leading for the championship by one point. Through the defeat of Richmond on Saturday the championship has become most interesting, and some keen contests can be expected in the second round. Results of senior games were as follows: — Marist, 10; Richmond, 8. Ponsonby, 18; Newton, 16. Mount Albert, 15; Devonport, 11. Prior to the start of the games the players, who wore arm-bands, stood in silence as a mark of respect to the late Mr. James Carlaw. The flag on the pavilion was also at half-mast.

FINE FORWARD PLAY RICHMOND PACK BEATEN Some of the best forward play seen on the ground was witnessed in the match between Marist and Richmond, and for once the Marist vanguard overshadowed the opposition. The Richmond forwards failed to counter effectively the close formation adopted by the Marist pack, while at other times the ball was sent out to the Marist backs quickly, and the opposition had a strenuous time on defence. Marist held a distinct advantage in hooking, and the backs were Been in some thrilling movements, which only fine defence saved. The splendid tnckling of both team 3 was one of the features of the game. Marist bustled Richmond from the kickoff to the final whistle, and on the day's play was the better team. There were times when Richmond was unlucky, but the side mad© several errors at critical stages, this being a tribute to the fine play of the opposition. Tetley once lost the ball when over the line, and Fletcher narrowly missed scoring on another occasion. Taking advantage of a strong sun Marist. especially Campbell, at fullback, used it well, and with the Marist pack playing splendidly together Richmond was bustled off its usual game. Marist led at half-time by 8 points to 2, and in a thrilling finish, in which Richmond made desperate attempts to save the day. held its advantage to win by two points. In epite of the fact that there were plenty of fine forward exchanges. the backs of both teams threw the ball about well, and but for the excellent defence the score of each team would have been much higher.

Campbell played a, very sound and cool game at fullback for Marist, kicjdng with good judgment and handling accurately. The threequarter line. Londer, Furlonger and Smith, played well, while the five-eighths, Glover and McGreal, varied their play to advantage and were not afraid to cut-in. An outstanding game was played by Chalmers, at halfback. He started attacking movements cleverly, and at times completely baffled the defence by going through alone. On this form ho should be well in line for representative honours. Among the forwards, IX Keane, Laird and Woods were a great trio. The first-named was outstanding in all departments, following up fast, tackling well and doing good work in the tight. Laird has never played better, while Woods, formerly of Queensland, showed the great benefit of hia experience in high football. Bakalich gave splendid support, especially in the loose. Cooke, except for mishandling on one occasion, was in good form, but when he went to the five-eighths line did not get enough of the ball to make the position harder for his opponents. Fletcher and Mincham were outstanding in all-round play, while Powell, who had a hard day behind the pack, did some good work on defence. Bickerton, at first five-eighths, was too slow in moving, and this gave the defence a better chance to smother attacks. Couper showed dash on the wing and scored a good try near the end of the game. C. Satherley and Tetley were easily the outstanding forwards. Lawlesa was not bo prominent as usual and made sfcveral mistakes. For Marist Keane and Loader scored tries. Campbell converted one try and kicked a penalty goal. C. Satherley and Coufcei; scored tries for Richmond, the former also kicking a penalty goal. Mr. M. Wetherill was referee. I

MOUNT ALBERT'S SUCCESS

DEFEAT OF DEVONPORT

In the game at Devonport Mount |Albert gained an early advantage over the local team, and at half-time led by 10 points to nil. The Mount Albert backs did most of tho attacking and were clearly superior. Devonport made many mistakes in handling and several times promising passing bouts were held up as tha result of a dropped pass.

In the second half, however, Devonport played greatly improved football, and several times threatened to beat Mount Albert, which only added five points to eleven by Devonport. The Devonport forwards played with plenty of dash and held their advantage against a heavier set. Only good defence kept the Mount Albert line injtacti The Mount Albert forwards are a greatly improved set, especially in the loose. The three former Rugby forwards, Shadbolt, Spiro and Gunning, are quickly mastering the fine points of forward play.i Morrissey played a sound ganie at fullback and kicked with good judgment. The five-eighths, Hassan and J. Schultz. were prominent on attack, while behind the scrum, Martin did good work. B. Schultz was the pick of the threequarters. li. Scott, who scored three , tries for Devonport, was the outstanding player. He was in every movement, and alw"ays giving the backs support. Hall. Powell and Rhodes were prominent among the backs. Hunt nnd A. Smith stood out in the forwards. For Mount Albert tries were scored by Allen, Shadbolt and B. Schultz. Morrissey converted two, and kicked a penalty goal. E. Scott scored three tries for Devonport and Milicich converted one try. Mr. W. Simpson was referee.

TWO-POINTS MARGIN AN EVEN CONTEST By a margin of two points, Ponsonby defeated Newton in a well-contested game in the curtain-raiser to the principal match. Even play was a feature of the first half, and Newton led by 11 points to 10. The Ponsonby backs played attractive football in the second half and scored two really good tries. Newton, however, was by no means outclassed, and actually maintained tho lead within five minutes of time. From a splendid passing bout, the Ponsonby backs once nsain proved good on attack and a try by Leatherbarrow equalised the score. It was left to Bright to place the gajne beyond doubt with a nice goal. The Newton forwards played excellent football and were superior in tho loose to Ponsonby. The latter's backs, however, combined well, and on occnsions outclassed the opposition. Twice in the second half the Newton backs were unlucky not to score. Uncertain handling cost Newton two tries.

For Ponsonby Kny played & brilliant game at second five-eighths, and was responsible for much of the open _ play. _ His handling, however, was uncertain at times. Bright, at centre, made several clever openings and paved the way for two trie®. His own try was a splendid effort. Hallornn, behind the scrum, was successful on attack, and many times raced the backs into scoring positions. Payno played a sound game at fullback. The Ponsonby forwards were beaten in all departments, but on occasions Leatherbarrow. Rogers and Hutt were prominent. The surprise appearance of Kerr, the North Auckland &*id North Island Rugby Union representative, with Newton, gave spectators much to enthuse over. Kerr played a sound game, and was prominent for good fielding and sound tackling. The best back on the ground was Brady. Tl'.e Newton wing-threequarter several times thrilled the crowd with determined solo runs down the touch-line. His goal kicking was of a high standard. Franich, too, was also prominent in a dashing gamo on the wing. Young was not a success at centrethreequarter. _The Newton pack excelled in the loose. Nathan was the most prominent, while Clemm and Johnson played good games. For Ponsonby tries were scored by Riley. Hutt, Bright and Leatherbarrow. Bright converted two tries and kicked a penalty goal. For Newton Brady scored two tries and Young and Franich one each. Brady converted two tries. Mr. S. Billman was referee. CONTESTS IN THE PROVINCE [fjrom OUIt OWN correspondent] Whangarel.—The North Auckland Rugby League continued it* series of matches in fine weather. For the first time the new ground recently purchased by the League, Jubilee Park, was used when the senior game. City v. Kensington, was played. The ground, which is centrally situated in Whangarei, was in good irdtr after the recent heavy rains. Senior results: City, 39, Kensington, G. Juniors: Portland, IC, Kaino, 3; Hikurangi, 32, Onerahi, 6. Papakura.—Senior grade B: Papakura, 47; Waiuku, 10. Huntly.—Juniors: "Waahi, 16; Huntly, 3. Tuakau.—Lower Waikato Rugby League's Ivan Culpan Shield competition: Pukekohe, 20; City. 11. MATCHES IN THE SOUTH Wellington.—Central, 8. Petone, 5; Randwick, 13, St. George, 5. Christchurch.—Addington, 44, Rum, 23; Waimari, 12, Linwood, 12; Nqw Brighton, 11, Sydenham, 2.