THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22409, 4 May 1936, Page 16

THE LEAGUE CODE

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP OPENING GAMES PLAYED MOUNT ALBERT BEATS NEWTON The Rugby League season was opened at Carlaw Park on Saturdtiy under most unfavourable conditions, a bitterly cpld wind, accompanied by heavy rain and hail showers, making it very uncomfortable for both players and spectators. In spite of the conditions, there was a good attendance, keen interest being taken in the form of the team.?. On the day, however, it was difficult to judge the strength of the various thirteens. In the principal attraction Mount Albert scored a narrow victory over Newton by a single point. There was some bright play in stages, and the forwards were fairly evenly matched. Richmond, last season's champions, defeated Ponsonby comfortably in the curtain-raiser. On the No. 2 ground Devonport outclassed the Manukau team, which was admitted to the senior grade for the first time. A close and exciting match followed between Marist and City, the former snatching victory on the call of time. The season was officially declared open by Mr. J. A. Lee, Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Prime Minister and president of the Auckland Rugby League. Mr. H. Walnisley, vice-presi-dent, kicked off in the principal fixture. Results of matches were as follows: Mount Albert, 6; Richmond, 5. Richmond, 21; Devonport, 10. Marist, 12; City, 11 Devonport, 27; Manukau, 2. GOOD FORWARD PLAY L. SCHULTZ OUTSTANDING The chief match between Newton and Mount Albert was commenced in heavy rain. The opening exchanges were fairly even, the greasy ball causing some players to mishandle. Although Mount Albert had some good chances, these were sponed through the backs standing flat-flooted. The Mount Albert, forwards adopted the right tactics by keeping the ball at their feet. On one occasion a certain try saved by Sissons with a fine tackle. The Newton forwards were dangerous in the loose, but the backs, except those in the inside positions, had few chances. Newton opened the scoring with a penalty goal, but a try from a clover opening by L. SchuH® saw Mount Albert leading by a point at the interval. Just prior to hiilf-time Mount Albert lost three tries through mishandling. There were some thrilling forward exchanges in the second half, but in the latter stages Mount Albert was overshadowing the Newton vanguard. Newton took the lead when Young finalised a good movement with a try. The winning try for Mount Albert came from a clever blind side movement. Cinders lost a great opportunity of winning the game for Newton when he kicked into the dead ball area with the opposition beaten. For Mount Albert J. Schtiltr. at fullback was uncertain in his fielding and lost valuable ground at times as a result. The outstanding back on the ground was L. Schullz. who clearly showed that his experience in England has been very beneficial. He made some clever openings with a deceptive, swerving run and centred cleverly to his forwards on occasions. He will prove a dangerous attacking player on a dry ground, Morrissey, second five-eighths, com bined effectively with Schultz and did some good defensive work. The three-quarter line. Halaey, Bickerton and Stewart, should be ■oen to more advantage under better conditions. A good game at halfback was played by Watkins, who got the ball away well with nicely-judged passes, and changed his tactics to advantage. The Mount Albert forwards were an even set. Spiro, Constable, Herring and Flanagan were always conspicuous. Dempseywas very sound at fullhack for Newton. His handling was good and his tackling flawless, while he kicked with judgment to the gaps. Newton was unlucky to lose Bright, who had to retire owing to an injury to his eye. The three quarters, however, rarely had an opportunity. Sissons, at centre, did a! lot of useful defensive work, while E. Brimble and Young found the Mount Albert defence difficult to penetrate. W. Brimble, at half, was the best Newton back. He was always in the picture, and several of hiß movements were nicely carried on by the forwards. Merrick, Johnston and Wall were the best forwards. Tries for Mount Albert were scored by Herring and Halsey. Young Bcored a try for Newton and Sissons kicked a penalty goal. Mr, M. Wetherill was referee. RICHMOND TOO STRONG DEFEAT OF PONSONBY Richmond, last year's champions, had all the better of the exchanges in .the first half against Ponsonby. and led at half-time by 10 points to 0. The forwards proved too strong for the opposition and the backs combined well in some nice passing bouts. Ponsonby rallied after the interval and scored eight points quickly. It was only a temporary advantage, however, as Richmond gradually asserted its superiority and ran out comfortable winners. Nevertheless, Ponsonby showed that it had the talent to be a dangerous attacking combination on a dry ground. The all-round form of Richmond made it evident that last year's champions will again be hard to defeat. For Richmond, G. Tittleton, fullback, was uncertain, but when moved to the wing proved very effective. Wilkie, who scored three fries, is a nice stamp of wing, being speedy and clever at anticipation. Mincliam showed that he has lost none of his form, and was equally at home in the threequarter line or at fullback. Fletcher and Bickerton played soundly at five-eighths, the latter being clever on attack. W. Tittleton was well to th* fore in the first half when he was receiving opportunities, and there is little doubt that he is a most promising playtr. Powell, at halfback, showed form in keeping with that which gained liim representative honours. His defence was very sound, while he did good work on attack. Tetley. C. Satherley and Metcalfe were the best of the forwards. For Ponsonby, Paton was safe_ at fullback, although being slow to get into position. Jones, Kay and Keesing did well with limited opportunities. At five-eighths Riley and W. Stbckley did not have the chances that came the way of their opponents, but both played sound games. Halloran, halfback, played a Eood game, his all-round form being reminiscent of that which made him outstanding three seasons ago. Middleton. Davis and Morgan were the best for-, wards. For Richmond, Wilkie (3), Bickerton and G. Tittleton Bcored tries. Fletcher converted one and C Satherlev kicked a penalty goal and converted a try. Kay and Halloran scored tries for Ponsonby. Paton converted one and kicked a penalty goal. Mr. W. Simpson was referee. LAST-MINUTE TRY VICTORY BY A POINT A last-minute try by Marist in its match against City enabled it to snvp (he game and win by 12 points to 11. Such was the trend of play that Marist would have been unlucky to lose, because under conditions necessitating dribbling rusheß above anv other form of attack, the forwards had cohesive strength than their opponents. The team as a whole played a more foiceful game, that held the ball mostly in City territory Attempts at epectnculnr movements were hampered by the wet ground, particularly as use was made of a rubber ball, which seemed harder to control, but bright work was accomplished at times. Some of the players wasted opportunities by fruitless passing and wild kicking. The Marist forwards had the better of the scrums, in which Woods and Breed, a Rugby recruit, strove hard. The superior mobility of the pack put a strain upon the City defence, and in loose rushes Anderson and Carter were especially prominent. Two other former Rugby players taking part in their first League competition match were Aro, halfback, and Haslam, second fiveeighths. Aro sent the ball away cleanly, but the weather gave neither a fair chance of showing their ability The winger. Loader, linked well with Bakalich at centre and mr.de useful dashes. Conspicuous City forwards were Clarke, Dye. Tveson and Herring. With Brown the most resourceful and figuring in piercing defensive runs, the backs were as good as the opposing rearguard. The five-eighths. Rata and Towhai, were impressive. A good stamp of five-eighths, the former had safe hands and combined thrust with quickness off the mark. Thompson, winger, made the mistake of holding on to the ball too long. The first try was scored by City early in the match, Thompson crossing wide out. Marist replied with a try by Woods, but Brown placed City in the lead again with

another try, which Wiberir could not convert. Breed then struggled over at the corner and tints brought Mavis! level. Anderson's kick missed. City carried the hall to near the Marist line, where Herring kicked it, and Dye, following up, beat Keane in ft dive for the ball and added a try. Wiberg converted. The score at the interval was:—City, 11; Mnrist, ti. In the second spell Murist made vigorous efforts to reduce the deficit, being successful when Loader sent Baknlich across for a try that was not converted. Marist was repeatedly attacking toward the end of tile match, and just us the final whistle sounded Louder obtained the, winning try. The angle was too wide for Keane. The finul score was?—Marist, 12; City, 11. Mr. P. Rogers wus referee. MANUKAU'S DEBUT LACK OF EXPERIENCE The appearance of Manuknu, the new team in the senior competition, caused much interest on No. 2 ground, where it met Devon port. After a good showing in the first half, when the score was 3 points to 2 in favour of Devonport, Manukau failed to make an impression, and was defeated by 27 joints to 2. The score was not a good indication of the game, although Devonport played with excellent combination on a heavy -ground. Sharp hail showers made conditions unpleasant, but there were some good movements tin the part of Devonport. , The Manukau forwards battled on gamely in the second half, but for the most part lack of experience placed them at a disadvantage. Many of Manukau's players were playing League for the first time. Accurate handling by the Devonport backs was a feature of the game, and as the round advances good combination ehoulu »e worked up. The Manukau backs had plenty of opportunities from the good hooking uy Rutherford, who showed excellent ability. Heuii, the New Zealand Maori fullback, improved the backs when he moved to fiveeighths. The rear division should develop into a strong attacking side with more experience. 1 For Devonport Kerr played a soun l game at fullback, and kicked with good judgment. Jordon, a junior, whs the best of the threequiirters. and on a dry Ground should be effective on attack. Ihe wings, Hall and L. Scott, got limited opportunities Behind the scrum. Cowan played a lieactj game. Rhodes and Crook combined well at five-eighths. Hunt and Sowter were the best of tli'e forwards, while Hollows and Donald gave good support. There is no doubt that. Hemi is a polished player. His handling throughout wns faultless, and on occasions he made clever openings. Davis, on the win «; ™ , dangerous back with a .lot of puce. Bioughton on the other wing did well with limited opportunities. Why, Kawe and Gault were the best of the forwards. For Devonport triee were Bfor f d Crook (2), Sowter (2), Hollows, Rhodes and L. Scott. Milicich converted two tries and Kerr one. Hemi kicked a penalty goal for Manukau. . Mr. F. Thompson was referee. LOWER GRADE RESULTS Senior Reserve Grade.—Marist, 26. City, 6; Devonport won from Manukau by default; Richmond, 17, Ponsonby, 7; Mount Alhert. 30. Newton, 0. Senior B Grade.—Otahuhu. 13, 1 oint Chevalier. 6; Panakura, 15, Green Lane. 5. Third Grade.-—Richmond, 14, Isorthcote, 0; Ellerslie, 6, Point Chevalier, f>; Manukau, 9. R.V., 0; Green Lane, 7, Papatoetoe, .J; Newton, 13, Glenora. Fourth Grade.—-Richmond, 48, Ponsonby, 0: Marist. 13, Point Chevalier, 2. Fifth Grade.—Devonport won from Manukau by default; Papakura, P. Richmond, 0. Sixth Grade.— City. 21, Avondale, 0; Richmond, 10, Green Lane, 2. . , Seventh Grade.-City, 31, Point Chevalier, 0. MATCHES AT WHANGAREI [fkom our own courf.spondf.nt] WHANGAREL Sunday The Whangarei Rugby League opened its season yesterday afternoon at Jubilee 1 ark in very boisterous weather. The chief matci? was the senior game between Kensington and City, and it was won by Kensington by 8 points (try ench by H. McGregor and Tauri, one being converted by D. Parkes), to 3 (try by F. Hollows). For Kensington, the Parkes brothers (3) were a good combination and they were well supported by Dunn and McDonald, while Angelo. as fullback, played a very safe game. For City. F. Hollows, Child and Bowyer played well. Kamo. 3, drew with Hikurangi, 3. Juniors: One Tree Point Rovers, 8, City, 5; Kamo, 3. Hikurangi, 2. Fourth grade; Kamo, 22. City, 5.

FOOTBALL IN BRITAIN

MATCHES ON SATURDAY SOCCER, LEAGUE AND RUGBY (Received May 3, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, May 2 Results of Association football matches played in Great Britain today are as follows: — ENGLISH LEAGUE First Division.—Arsenal. 2, Leeds United, 2; Birmingham. 1, West Bromwich Albion, ?; Brentford. &. Derby County, 0; Chelsea. 5, Blackburn Rovers, 1; Everton, 5, Preston North End, 0- Grimsby Town, 3, Manohester City, 1; Huddersfield Town, 1, Sheffield Wednesday, 0; Portsmouth, 2, Bolton Wanderers, 1; Stoke City, 2, Liverpool, 1; Wolverhampton Wanderers, 4. Middlesbrough, 0. Second Division.—Barnsley, 0, Tottenham Hotspur, 0; Bradford City, 2, Leicester City, 0; Burnley, 0, Fuiham, 2; Charlton Atnletic, 1, Port Vale, 1; Hull City. 1, Manchester United, 1; Norwich City, 2, Doncuster Rovers, 1; Plymouth Argyle, 1, Newcastle United, 0; Sheffield United, 1, West Ham United, 2; Swansea Town, 1. Bradford, 2. Third Division. Southern Section: Bournemouth 0, Notts County, 1; Bristol City, 2, Exeter City, 1: Clapton Orient, 2. Cardiff City. 1; Coventry City, 2, Torquay United 1: Gillingham, 1, Bristol Rovers, 2; Newport County, 4, Hillwall, 1; Queen's Park Rangers, 0, Luton Town, 0; Reading, 2. Southend United. 1; Swindon Town, 3, Aldershot. 2: Watford. 2, Brighton and Hove Albion, 1. Third Division—Northern Section: Barrow. 3. Gateshead. 0: Darlington. 1, Tranmere Rovers. 3; Mansfield Town, 8, Rotherharn United, 2; New Brighton. 0, York City, 2; Oldham Athletic, 3, Carlisle Untied, 0: Rochdale. 1, Chesterfield, 1: Southport, 2, Accrington Stanley, 1; Stockport County. 4, Lincoln City, 0: Walsall, 2. Halifax Town, 1. , n Amateu' Cup Final.—Casuals. 2. Ilford, 0 RUGBY LEAGUE CONTESTS Acton Willesden. 20, Bramley, 11 ley. 19 Barrow 7: Broughton, 3G. Keighley. 0: Leigh. 18. Bradford. 12: Warrington, 28, Castleford. 8. Wakefield. 13, Oldham. 2u. . „ , ■ ' Championship Semi-finals. —Hull, 13. Wigan. 2: Liverpool, 9, Widnes. 10. RUGBY UNION CONTESTS Aberavon, 3, Llanelly, 0; Bristol, IS. aioucesler, 0; Cardiff. 3. Neath, 5: HartleDool Rovers, 0, R. F. Oakes fifteen, 24; Northampton. 3. Coventry, 15: Plymouth Mbion, 0, Torquay Athletic, 8.

AUSTRALIAN SCULLING

NEW SOUTH WALES' VICTORY C. PEARCE DEFEATS LANGLEY (Received May 3, 5.5 p.m.) * PERTH, May 3 The New South Wales team led all the way to win the King's Cup race for the eight-oared championship of Australia hold on the Swan River yestorday. The Olympic representative, Cecil Pearcc had no difficulty in winning the Australian Sculling Championship from the only other competitor, K. Langley, who in 1929 sculled an excellent race against Bobby Pearce on the Swan River. Cecil Pearce's win gave New South Wales its ninth successive victory in the contest for the sculling title, and the King's Cup win was the State's fourth successive victory. No members of the New South Wales champion crew (the police) were included in the Stato eight, as they remained in Sydney to train as a combination for the Olympic Games. Details of the results are as follows: King's Cup, Australian EightOared Championship, three miles.—, Now South Wales, 1; South Australia, 2; Western Australia, 3; Victoria, 4. Won bv two and a-half lengths. Time. 16m 225.

President's Cup, Australian Amateui Sculling Championship, two and a-half miles. —Pcarce (New South Wales), 1; K. Langley (Western Australia), 2. Won by eight lengths. Time, 16m ss.