THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22125, 3 June 1935, Page 13

THE LEAGUE CODE

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP NEWTON DEFEATS MARIST CLOSE CALL FOR RICHMOND The sixth series of matches in the senior championship of the Auckland Rugby League, played on Saturday, provided two surprises. Playing fine football Newton overwhelmed Marist in the principal contest and won by a margin of 22 points. On the No. 2 ground City gave Richmond, last year's champion team, a close game, and it was only in the last few minutes that Richmond gained the ascendancy. In the curtain-raiser Mount Albert proved too good for Ponsonby. The standard of play on Saturday, particularly in tho chief contest, was high, and a good attendance of spectators was treated to some thrilling football. Conditions were ideal, the fast grounds being all in favour of open play.

Results of senior matches were as follows:

Mount Albert, 23; Ponsonby, 13, Newton, 27; Marist, 5. Richmond, 12; City, 6.

NEWTON'S FINE FORM

OUTSTANDING HALFBACK

Outplaying Marist in all departments, Newton caused a surprise by defeating its opponents by such a wide margin. The Newton team treated the spectators to a fine exhibition of the code and some of the movements carried out would have done credit to any representative team. Changing its tactics Quickly with reverse and scissors passing Newton often cut the defence to ribbons. Marist waß without the services of Campbell, fullback, and lost Laird, who was injured early in the second spell, but on the day Newton would have beaten any team in the competition. It was evident early in the game that Newton was easily the superior side and as the play progressed it was just a question of how many points the team would score. Possession of the ball from the scrums was a large factor in favour of Newton, and generally the advantage was turned to good account. Leading at halftimo by 12 points to 0 Newton had all the better of the first spell, and except on a few occasions dominated play in the second half.

Ono of the best games seen on the ground for some time was played by "W. Brimble, the Newton halfback. His cleverness on attack, which often rose to brilliant heights, meant a great deal to his team, while ho also did some splendid work on defence. His try in the second spell in which he completely baffled the defence was a splendid effort. Newton owed a lot of its success to the combination of the Brimble brothers, E. Brimble at first five-eighths also playing a fine came. The quickness off tho mark and accurate handling and passing of the two brothers gave Marist a hard time, and the defence eventually crumpled badly. Had Young, at second five-eighthß, proved a safe connecting link in the rearguard Newton's score would have been higher. Dempsey played a heady game at centre and was frequently in the picture in clever movements. The two wings. Frianich and Brady, showed plenty of determination, while Kerr, fullback, gave an outstanding display. Many times he ran strongly to send his backs away. The Newton forwards all played well and overshadowed the Marist set. Johnstone is improving with each gams and is one of the best forwards in the code. He received fine support from Quirke, Nathan and MidIn the absence of Campbell, Glover filled the fullback position for Marist with credit. He had a hard afternoon's work and was the best back on tho side. Connolly, at half, did not imprest!, while Chalmers, five-eighths, kicked too much. Smith inj* pressed in the few opportunities which came his way. and with reasonable opportunities would be a dangerous attacking player. . Keane played another good game in the forwards but did not have the same support as in the match against Richmond the previous week. Laird was conspicuous for all-round work up to the time of his retirement. . , For Newton Franich (2). E. Bnmble, W. Brimble and Young scored tries W. Brimblo converted two tries and kicked a penalty, and Brady converted one try and kicked two penalty goals. For Marist Bakalicn scored a try, which was converted by Keane. Mr. P. Rogers was referee.