OPPORTUNITIES LOST

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

OPPORTUNITIES LOST

COMBINATION LACKING The curtain-raiser between Mount Albert and Ponsonby was a game of lost opportunities, but Mount Albert turned its chances to better account. Both teams attempted to open up the play, but many mistakes woro mad®. At times there was also indiscriminate kicking by both teams. The Mount Albert forwards proved the deciding factor and were superior to the lighter Ponsonby pack. There were many individual efforts which some players spoiled by attempting to go too far. The Ponsonby backs did not combine so effectively 08 in the match against Newton the previous week. There were a few incidents when tempers became frayed, and in one mix-up in front of the stand when fists were used some playero were fortunate in not being ordered off.

For Mount Albert Morrissey, fullback, was sound, while Hassan and J. Schults combined well at five-eighths. The lastnamed scored a clever try in the second spell. Dunne, centre, kicked too much and starved the threequiirters as a result. Martin did some sound defensive work, but needs to speed up his passes from the scrum. Of the forwards who were good in the loose and tackled well,. Shadbolt, Herring, Flanagan and Gunning were the Individually some of the Ponsonby backs were seen to advantage, but sound tackling proved a check to many movements. However mistakes in handling lost some golden chances. Jones, fullback, was safe, while Murray, a former Rugby player, showed to advantage when he had an opportunity. Bright, Kay and Riley made several nice runs which were usually spoiled by P" or handling. Halloran played ft good game behind the scrum. The Ponsonby forwards did not keep together well and this fault gave extra work to the backs. Hutt and Leatherbarrow were the pick of the vanguard, the former always being with the play. For Mount Albert Renter, McNeil. Dunne (2) and J. Schultz scored tries. Morrisßey converted three tries and kicked a penalty goal. For Ponsonby RiliSy and Bnght (2) scored tries and Brighl; and Jones each kicked a penalty goal. Mr. W. Simpson was referee.

RICHMOND EXTENDED

CITY BACKS IN FORM On the No. 2 ground. City fully extended Richmond, which only gained the upper hand late in the second half. Tho City backs plnyei good football early in the game and scored two tries. Play was open thioughout, and a high standard of football was seen. The Richmond forwards were superior in the loose, although the City backs had a sroou share of the ball from the scrums. Twice in the first half City just missod scoring. On one occasion the bounce beat Turci, and again Dye was pulled down a foot from Richmond's line. Richmond attacked strongly soon after the spell and pressed home successfully good attacks, The Richmond backs did not hnncjle too well and several dropped passes cost tries. The City backs, on the other hand played attractive football, and deserved success. Cooke played a sound game at fullback, getting Richmond out of awkward positions with splendid line kicking. He started the movement which resulted in Richmond's first try. Mincham played a good game at centre and gave the wings, Mitchell and Couper, plenty of support. Bickerton was tho pivot of the attack at five-eighths, and is a promising player. Fletcher was also prominent on attack. Behind the scrum Powell did useful woik. Tetley was the beat of the Richmond forwards, C. Satherley, Lawless and Broadhead were prominent when Richmond gained the advantage.

For City Brown and Watene were outstanding. The former showed splendid anticipation, while Watene did great work on defence. Hira, a reserve grade player, showed promising form behind the pack. Turei played with plenty of dash on the wing. McLaughlin, Clarke and Herring were the best of the forwards. For Richmond tries were scored by _Minchnm and C. Satherley. The latter kicked a penalty goal and converted his own try. Brown scored two tries for City. Mr, S. Billman was referee. LOWER GRADE RESULTS Senior Reserve Grade.—Papakura, 2, Point Chevalier, 0; Marist, 16, Newton. 0; Mount Albert, 5, Ponsonby, 2. Second Grade B.—Papakura, 2, Point Chevalier, 0. Second Grade.—Ponsonby, 8, Manukau, 0; Mount Albert, 7, R.V., 7. Third Grade.—Marist B, 7, Manukau A, 6; Otahuhu, 35, Devonport, 3; City, 11, Ellerslie, 8; Richmond, 17, Akarana, 2. Fourth Grade.—Newton, 13, Ponsonby, 0; Glenora, 44, Point Chevalier, 0; Point Chevalier, 29, Otahuhu, 10; City, 5, Richmond, 0. Fifth Grade.—Richmond A, 8. Newton, 2: Papakura, 11, Northcote, 5; Ellerslie, 16, Papakura, 0; Akarana, 9, Mount Albert, 0. Sixth Grade.—Point Chevalier, 0, Devonport, 0; Glenora, 3, City, 3; Richmond, 26, Northcote, 0. 1 Seventh Grade.—Richmond, 7, City, 8. Schoolboys' Gamea.—Richmond, 15, Marist, 5; Northcote, 6, Otahuhu. 0; Akarana, 18, Avondale Convent, 0; Devonport. 32, Avondale. 0. Seven-a-side tourney: Akarana, 6, Otahuhu, 0; Avondale, 3. Avondale Convent, 0; Green Lane, 3, Richmond B, 0. CONTESTS IN THE PROVINCE Waiuku.—Auckland Senior B: Otahuhu, 32, Waiuku, 4. Tuakau. —Lower Waikato Rugby League's Ivan Culpan Shield: Mercer, 14, City, 11; Manaia, 38, Pukekohe, 5. Huntly.—Ngaruawahia, 18, Huntly, 6. Whangarei The Whangarei Rugby Football League held its senior and junior competitions in beautiful weather. Seniors: City, 11, Hikurangi, 3; Takahiwai. 26, Kensington, 0. Juniors: Kamo won by default from Onerahi; Portland, 24, Hikurangi, 3.

GAMES IN CHRISTCHURCH [BT TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] CHRISTCHURCH, Sunday Addington, 18, Hornby, 2: Linwocd, 17, Ruru, 7; Ney Brighton, 5. Waimairi, 3.