THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22155, 8 July 1935, Page 14

THE LEAGUE CODE

r * f TWO SURPRISE RESULTS ! 11 A DRAWN GAME PLAYED , 1 DEVONPORT DEFEATS NEWTON j ' The third series of matches in tho j : second round of tlie Auckland Rugby J League's senior championship was ; decided on Saturday, when there wero two surprise results, Ponsonby dividing the honours with Richmond, and Devonport gaining a clear-cut victory over Newton. In the curtain-raiser Marist ran up a good score in tho second spell against City. The principal match attracted con- | sidernble interest. Ponsonby led at j half-time by 11 points to 3, but Rich- j mond had the better of tho second i half, and was a littlo unlucky not to j win. The game was marred in the first . spell bv incidents of rough play, and two wing-threequarters, McNeil, Richmond, and Payne, Ponsonby, came to blows and were ordered off the field. One of the Richmond forwards lost his temper on moro than ono occasion and was fortunate in not being ordered off. Once, before the ball was put in the scrum, he kicked at an opponent and was hooted by tho spectators. Fortunately for him, the referee was on the other side of the scrum, but the line umpire should have intervened. Richmond scored throe tries, one of which was converted, while Ponsonby s total was made by a converted try and three penalty goals. Bright being responsible for all his team's points. Overhead conditions were fine, but the grounds wero heavy after rain. Following wero tho results of senior matches: — Richmond, 11; Ponsonby, 11. Marist, 20; City, 7. Devonport, 14; Newton, 3. Mount Albert had a bye.

GOOD DEFENCE SOME POOR KICKING . Without A. E. Cooke. Richmond was not the usual happy combination against Ponsonby. and his services were sadly missed. Ponsonby. however, played splendidly, and the valiant defence of the backs in the second spell saved the team from a Round defeat. There was a rearrangement in the Ponsonby rearguard, and the new line combined to good effect. .Tones, second fiveeighths, strengthened Hie defence considerably, and many dangerous Richmond attacks were checked in the early stages by }iin sound tackling. Gaining possession from the scrums, 1 011sonby kept Richmond penned in its own half for most of the first spell, and the speed and thrust of the backs gave the spectators plenty of thrills. In the second half Richmond gained possession more often, nnd the play swung in its favour. Till Ponsonby forwards tired perceptibly toward the end, but the team held-on well. The Richmond backs did not combine nearly so well as usual, and mistakes in handling were frequent. Bickerton, first five-eighths, overdid the ctoss-kick, in spite of the fact that a try was scored from it. Poor kicking was a surprising feature with both sides from penalties, and the forwards had far more running about than was necessary. Mincham repeatedly kicked to Bright on tho wing, a dangerous policy with such a fine attacking player. Kay. too, for Ponsonby, failed to use penalties to advantage. In the early stages Jones cut through cleverly and Hutt just missed a try, being tackled right on the line. Jones later featured in a clever interception, but as he came to the fullback lie lost the ball, Which rolled forward. However, the referee fniled to see the breach, and Bright carlied on to score nnd convert. Richmond's first try also came from an interception by Bickerton, who made a splendid opening. The two other tries were scored as a | result of fast following tip when tho dej fence was beaten. j For Richmond Young, nt fullback, had ; a hard position to fill in replacing Cooke, i but ho gave a sound, all-iound display, j Mitchell, wing, was off his game, while i Mincham frequently mishandled in passing j bouts. Bickerton and Powell were the two ] best, hacks nnd both were conspicuous on | attack and defence. C. Satherley and F>awj less were the outstanding forwards and both played fine football. The latter had a 1 tendency to kick too much when support was offering.

An outstanding game was played by Murray at fullback lor Ponsonby. He., made many spectacular saves, and olten ran up t ) set his bucks in motion. I lie fearless manner in which he went down and saved rushes kept the Ponsonby line intact when tries were certain. His kicking and handling were good, and the spectators frequently gave him an ovation for his line play. Bright, on the wing, played right up to his best form. His side-stepping ability was well shown, and many times in tho first spell he started movements from his own twenty-five. In the second half he was practically starved. Kay played a heady game at first five-eighths, but Hiley. centre, was not so much at home as in the fiveeighths line. Holland played well at halfback, and stood ui> splendidly to a gruelling second spell. Hutt. wns the outstanding forward and was always in the play. He received good support, from who is showing the form which won him representative honours two seasons ago. The whole Ponsonby pack deserves credit for the manner in hich it held its more experienced opponents. For Richmond McNeil. Brondhead and Tetley scored tries, C. Satherley converting one. Bright scored a try and converted for Ponsonby, nnd ho also kicked three penalty goals. Mr. I'. Rogers was referee.

WEAK TACKLING MARIST BEATS CITY Marist proved too good for City in a poor game as a curtain-raiser to the principal fixture. Weak tackling by the City bucks gave Marist several easy tries. 'J'lio Marist backs handled the heavy ball better than their opponents, although on occasions the City rear division combined effectively, especially the five-eighths, Ford nnd Johnson. City was not well served from the serum and weak play by Jlirii lot. Marist score twice. City started ofT well and its forwards swept over tile opposition to score early. Throughout the first half City did most of the attacking and gained a two-pomts lend nl the interval. Marist played greatly improved football and dominated the game in the second half. Its backs attacked from all positions and frequently caught the City players out of position. Speed was a deciding factor in favour of Marist. The mistakes made by the City backs were quickly turned to eflect by tho fast Marist pack, which showed up in the loose. With the exception of Brown, tho City backs made weak efforts to stop the Marist at-^

in ckn On ono occasion Furlonger raced past Wilier* and Thompson, who collided with ench other in n weak tackle. The unround form of City was very disappointing. Campbell, after an absence of some weeks, played up to form at fullback. Hound fielding and powerful kicking were a feature of his play. FurlonKer and Loader were tho best of the _ Marist backs. 1 lie former showed decided improvement. Clover did a lot of useful work in defeme. Chalmerß gave liis backs Rood supi)oit. but was inclined to kick too much nt halfback. Laird and Woods were the nick of tho forwards. Keane was prominent in (he loose and his good anticipation resulted in a try. Ounn also played well. Wiberg was weak at fullback for City, his Uieliinir being poor. Brown played a heady game at centre, but was not assisted by the wings, ford played well at five-, eighths and is a promising player 1 lie City forwards were good all round. McLaughlin and Iveson were prominent in tho loose, while Clark, TTorring and Dye were prominent in scrum work. For Marist tries were scored by Loader, Woods, Furlonger and Keano. Campbell 1 converted three tries and kicked a penally goal. Herring scored a try for City winch Turei converted. Turei also kicked a ponalty goal. Mr. M. Wotherill was refereo.

BACKS DISORGANISED EVEN FIRST SPELL Devon port has had a lot of success on No 2 ground and followed up previous good wins by beating Newton rather comfortably The Newton bucks were somewhat disorganised owing to injuries, and early in the game, Kelsall had to leave the field. However, Devonport played with a lot of confidence, and both backs and forwards threw the ball about to advantage, the ground was heavy with mud in some P arts - „ The first half was evenly contested -Newton was first to attack, but good defeiico kept tho Devonport lino intact Ihe first try for Devonport was scored from a tine movement in which speed played a big part Rhodes and Adams combined nicely and two other players handled in turn before ITall raced .over to score The Devonport backs received plenty of the ball in the second half, and with tho forwards m support, Newton was on tho defensive throughout. Newton's forwards did not 1-elish the heavy going, which suited the lighter Devonport set. The Newton vanguard worked hard in the concluding stages but could not reduce the margin. For Devonport Seagar- played a tine game at fullback. Once in the second half he cleverly beat the opposition and a try resulted. ITall showed a lot of dash on the wine nnd was always dangerous Rhodes tuid Adams did effective work both on attack and defence. Cowan worked hard behind the scrum. Souter and Donald were the pick of tho forwards, while Simpson and Scott were often prominent Kerr played a sound game at fullback lor Newtcn. Pope and Brady were good on attack. Nnthan and Lunn were the best forW< For Devonport tries were scored by Hall, Donald. Souter and Radovich. Mihcich converted one try. Lunn scored a try for Newton. Mr. S. Billman was referee. LOWER GRADE RESULTS Senior Reserve Grade.— Devonport, 11, Newton, 3; Richmond, i:' 9. Ponsonby, 0; 'Marist, 5. City, 3. . Senior B Grade.—Otnhuhu. 40. W.nuku, 2. Second Grade.— Ponsonby. 7, Glenora, 7. P.V., 9, Richmond, 8; Manukau, 8, Mount Albert, 5. . n Third Grade.— Akaninn. 3, Northcote, 0; Ponsonby, 1!), Marist. 8: Richmond, 20, Green Lane, 0. . Fourth Grade.—Richmond. 11. Point Chevalier, 2: Papakura, 18, Moiml Albert. 0. Fifth Grade,—F.llerslie, 5, Newton. 0, Richmond A, 18, Akarana, 0; Papakura, 18, Richmond, 10. , Sixth Grade.—City, 10, Glenora, 2; Richmond. 29. Northcote, 0. , , Seventh Grade.—Richmond, 3. Avondale, 0. Schoolboys' Games.—Green Lane. G Avondale, 0; Devonport, 31, Lllerslie, 0; Marist, 21, Avondale, 0. n Seven-a-Side Matches.—Richmond A. 0, Avondale. 0; Richmond B, 0, Lllerslie, 0.

REPRESENTATIVE MATCH [BV TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION'] GREYMOUTIT, Sunday In a Rugby League representative match yesterday West Coast. 24, defeated Inangniiua, 23. Plav throughout was exciting and good form was shown by both sides. CONTESTS IN PROVINCE [from herald correspondents] Whangarei.—Two senior games were played under the Rugby League code when Takahiwai. 18, defeated City. 2, and Kensington, 11. defeated Hikurangi. 8. The defeat of Hikurangi was a surprise, and gives an indication of the improved form of the Kensington players. Taknhiwai won the championship and has played very consistent football throughout the season. Huntty.—lll a match played at Huntly during the week-end for the Glue Pot , "f , a team from Ponsonby. Auckland, defeated the local senior team by 11 points to 8. Tauplri.—A fast League game was witnessed at Onslow Park when Taupin defeated Mount Albert (Auckland) by 11 points to G. Both teams were without the services of some of their best players. T. Shaw dribbled the ball to within a few yards of tlie visitors' line where Taylor secured and scored. Kiti made, a good run for Taupiri and transferred to \v . l ittleton. who scored A series of free kicks took play to tho home line where the visiting backs secured and, after good passin"- Cranch secured and scored well out. Kiti made a straight run down fie Id and. after several players had handled. 1 awson scored between the posts, Shaw converting. Half-time came with the score 11—3 The Mount Albert backs broke through for McNeal to score. The remaining few minutes saw play in the centre of the field, and the game ended: Taupin, 11, Mount Albert, G.

GAMES IN OTHER CENTRES [BY TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION'] Wellington.—Petone, 28, Central, 11. Chrlstuhurch. —Addington, which was leading in the championship, was unexpectedly beaten bv Waimairi by 1>» points to 13. Cther results: Linwood, 11, Hornby, 9; New Brighton, 11, Sydenham, 0.

BASKETBALL

AUCKLAND ASSOCIATION GAMES ON SATURDAY LAST Following were the results ol matches plaved muter the control of the Auckland Basketball Association on Saturday last: A Oracle.— Training: College, 10, Collegiate, 15; Grammar Blue, I'2, Western Huburs, 10; University B. 11. Killnrua. It); Training College, l(i, Rovers, 11. . Senior Deserve. —Training College. 1.1, University White, 7; Kdendale, ID. Suburbs, C; Strollers, 9, St. l'cler's, 5; Killnrua Colts, .18, University. 17 Senior B. -University Colts, G, Lynndale, G; Mount Kden Tuis, 11, Killnrua, 1; Training College, 2G, Grammar Cold, 0; Rovers, 11? University Colts, 1. Second Grade A.—Farmers I racling tornpuny, 7. Balmoral, 5; Training College, Wool wort lis, '2; Technical. 15. Rovers,, 4; Shamrocks, 18, Killnrua, I; Sedjlon, 14. St. Peter's, 7: Technical. 16. I raining College, 4; Kdendale. 12. Shamrocks G Second Grade B.—-Hellaby s, 9. hpsom Old Girls, !>• Technical, 12, Arahi. Suburbs, G Y W.C.A.. G; Bridgens. 10, Rivals. 4; Kdendale. 10. Training College. 0; City Hovers 12, N.Z.M.IV, Technical. 6, Epsom Old Girls', 2; Bridgens, 7. Training Collc]'n'terinediate Grade.—Ramblers. 2. Stormont's, 1; Wnitemntn 9, Rovers, f>: Akarnna. 5, Training College, 1; Beards, 8. Technical B, 2; 'lurnev s, G, John Court s, 4, St Peter's, 4, Technical A, I. Third Grnde A.—Mucky Logan's, 12. Seddon. 9; Modern Shoe, 9, Comrades, 5; Span, 4 Technical, 4; Western Suburbs, 8. Kielimond, 5; Kowhai Old Giils, 4, St. Peters, 2; Y.W.C.A., 13. Comrades, 5. Third Grade B.—Greer's 13, lurners, 8: Unity. 8, Akarana, 8: Kdendale, 9, Technical, 7; Gleaners, 8, ilolin Court s, 4; Akarana, 10. Comrades, 3; Kowhai Old Girls. 13. Unity, 0. Fourth Grade.—Langton B, 9, Suburbs A. 2: Langton's A, 7, Lynndale, 5; Greer s. 8 Y W.C.A.. 7; Northcote, 17, Kowhai Old Girls, 5; Langton's A, 9. Suburbs B, 4.

CATHOLIC ASSOCIATION A Grade.—Grey Lynn, 24, Central, 4; St. Benedict's. 1, Pnninure. 0; Ponsonby, 10, St. Patrick's, 7; Remuera No, 2. 1, United, 0; Remuera No. 1. 3'2. Panniure. 3. B Grade.—Avondale No. l. 14. Grey Lynn, G; Ponsonby. 20, Mount Albert. 11; Melrose G, St. Patrick's, 3; Devonport, 23, Avon dale No. 2, 5; Grey Lynn, 1, St. Patrick's, 0; Central. 10. F.llerslio, 7.

HAMILTON TEAM'S SUCCESS [FItOM OUIV OWN COniIKSI'ONDKXT] HAMILTON, Sunday Hamilton High School defeated the Thames High School in three basketball games played at Hamilton yesterday, the A teoni winning by 10 to 8, the B team by 9 to 3, and the juniors by 17 to 3. Hamilton Technical High School A defeated Pukekolic Technical High School by '27 to 5, while the Hamilton B team beut the J'ukckoho B team by 11 to 2.