THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22439, 8 June 1936, Page 14

THE LEAGUE CODE

SENIOE CHAMPIONSHIP PRINCIPAL MATCH DRAWN CITY'S SURPRISE VICTORY The sixth series of matches in tho senior championship of the Auckland Rugby League was played on Saturday, when weather and ground conditions again favoured fast football. In the principal contest both Devonport, tho leading team, and Richmond, Inst season's champions, fought strenuously for the honours, and after a very even game tho match resulted in a draw. Play for the most part was fast and open, with the attacks changing frequently from one twentv-fivo to tho other. Devonport is now leading in the championship by a point from Ponsonby. Tho curtain-raiser between Ponsonby and Newton saw tho former's backs in form and the team ran out comfortable winners. Manukau showed improved form to defeat Marist in a highscoring match, while at Papakura City caused a great surprise bv winning over Mount Albert and gaining its first success of the season Results of Saturday's senior matches were as follows: Richmond, 13; Devonport, 13. Ponsonby, 22; Newton, 10. Manukau, 39; Marist, 18. City, 21; Mount Albert, 18. FAST EXHIBITION SOME WEAK TACKLING In spite of several mistakes at critical stages, the match between Richmond and Devonport was very fust, especially in the second half, when Richmond, which was three points down at half-time, made desperate efforts to gain the leud. One disappointing feature of the grime, however, was the poor tackling by several players of both teams. Often the man in possession brushed aside as many as six weak attempts to stop him. An outstanding exhibition of the correct way to tackle was given by E. Scott, the Devonport captain. Many times he covered his defence cleverly and saved several tries with spectacular and most effective tackling. Although there was very little between the teams, Richmond was rather unlucky in not taking tho honours. Tho first try scored by Devonport appeared to bo from a forward pass. Rhodes threw a long pass wildly across field and Hall gathered possession to beat two defenders and score. Richmond lost two certain tries, one in the first half and the other in tho second spell. On the first occasion Mincharo made a brilliant opening which was spoiled when, with the defence beaten, the scissors pass was unnecessarily introduced, and a great chance was lost. Wilkie threw awuy the other opportunity by failing to accept a good transfer a few yards frOm the line with a clear field.

Devonport attacked strongly i.i the opening stages and narrowly missed scoring on two occasions. It gained possession from most of <ho scrums, but the backs, a fault olso with the Richmond rearguard, lobbed their passes and the defence was able to Tepel the attacks. The Devonport backs were inclined to overdo the short kick. L. Scott once scored a good try from a cleverly-placed kick by Soagar and after this these attacking methods were persisted with.

For Devonport, Kerr, although a little Blow at timeß, played a solid game. The wings, L. Scott and Hall, showed plenty of dash, but Jordan at centre wag weak in tackling and often missed _ his man. Seag&r showed some of his old-timo clevtrness at second five-eighths, but Rhodes, who retired injured, was far from Btrong on defence in the first five-eighths position. Crooks, who replaced him, frequently flashed into the picture, while Cowan did a lot of good work at halfback. E. Scott and Hunt were the outstanding forwards for Devonport. The former is at the height of his form, while Hunt is a vastly improved all-round forward and did great work in the loose. Except for mishandling on a few occaeions. one mistake leading to a try. _ G-. Tittleton played well at fullback for Richmond. Mitchell was the better of the wingers and he scored a try for Richmond by coming into the five-eishths position and receiving an in-pass, a movement which left the oppoution standing. Both Mmcham and W. Tittleton placed fine games and made brilliant openings which should have brought better results. Mincham is showing form which gained him nigher honours last season, while Tittleton, besides being prominent both on attaok and defence, scored a good solo try from a poor cross-kick by Crooks. Although a little slow in getting the ball away. Powel! was conspicuous for splendid defence. He frequently saved his fullback from dangerous situawaa the beat Richmond forward and ho was seen in some clever movements. Ho was well supported by Telford, J. Satherley, Hadley and Brosdhead. For Richmond, Mitchell. J. Satherley and W. Tittleton scored tries. G. Tittleton and Mincham onch converted a try. For Devonport, Hall. E. Scott and L. Scott scored tries and Milicich kicked two penalty goals. Mr. P. Rogers was referee. CITY'S FIRST WIN DEFEAT OF MOUNT ALBERT An interesting game was played at Papakurft, where City caused a surprise by defeating Mount Albert by 21 points to 18, and gaining its first win of the reason. Mount Albert was somewhat disorganised as the result of injuries to two players in the first half and the absence of Watkins and Herring. The City backs, however, played good football, especially Brown and Rata, who were outstanding. The former gave a brilliant display jind put in somo thrilling rU The City backs gained raow of the ball from the scrums and were dangerous on attack. City led at one singe by 23 points to 10, but Mount Albert did a lot of useful work in the second half. Besides Brown and Rata, Wiberg played a splendid game at fullback and often got his side out of difficulties. Johnston proved an efficient hooker and received good support in the loose from Clark, Herring and Spiro. For Mount Albert Peterson was the outstanding forward. He also played a fine game when moved from the scrum to fiveeighths. _ . , For City Brown (2). Rata (2) and McLaughlin scored tries. Rata converted two tries and kicked a penalty goal, tor Mount Albert List (2), Bickerton and Gunning scored tries. Morrisey converted one and kicked two penalty goals. Mr. M. Wetherill was referee.

SUCCESS OF MANUKAU FORWARDS PLAY WELL Manukau gave a fine display to defeat Mnrißt easily in one of the fastest frames seen this season The manner in which the Manukau forwards threw the ball about in the second half was a revelation. Their play in the open has not been surpassed _by any set of forwards in the competition. The vanguard many times started passing bouts from defensive positions, and swept over the Marist. backs, who were completely demoralised. The Manukau backs gave excellent support, particularly Trevathan find Murray, who were always with the forwards looking for the ball. They once figured in a brilliant movement. Near half-way Gault snapped up in the looso find passed to Pickrnng, and Kawe raced in support. After Murray and Trevathan handled, Watene came up to leceive an in-pass and score a fine try. Manukau showed a lot of improvement in positional play and the backs ran straight nnd sent out well-timed passes. Marist was the better team in the first half, wlun the forwards looked likely to repeat their success the previous week. At half-time Marist led by 18 points to t 12. Manukau dominated the game in the second half and added 27 points, while Marist failed to register a point. Play went up and down the field nt a great pace and the condition of the players was well tested. D. Trevathan was easily the best back op the ground and his display at fiveeighths must have impressed the selector. Many times Trevathan beat the opposition with h clever side-etep and he scored two nice tries. His defence was also very sound. Hemi played a good game at fullback and kicked with fine -judgment. On occasions, however, his fielding was a little uncertain. Broughton played his best came since coming from the Wnirarnpa district. Ono of his tries was full of merit. Murray, on the wing, played with plenty of dash and gave a. good display. Ifirkwood, on the other wing, was also prominent. Newton, fiveeighths, and Mahima, halfback, new players to tho code, were outstanding both on attack nnd defence, Mahimn made ninny really good openings. The Manukau forwards played with a lot of dash in the loose and handled well in posing bout 9. Watene and Crault were outstanding, and were the best forwards on the ground. Pickrane:. Kawe and Why© all played well. Rutherford, a hooker, gained a good share of the ball.

HaslatJTi at five-eighths, was perhaps the best of the Marist backg and proved dangerous on attack. Glover played a sound game at fullback. Watson did useful work on attack, but had few chanceß. Anderson and Clarke were the pick of the Marist forwards, while Keane and Breed were also prominent. For Manukau tries were scored by Murray (2), Broughton (2), Trevathan (2), Gault (2) and Watene. Hemi converted four tries and kicked two penalty goals. For Marist. Robinson, Breed, Anderson and Keane scored tries. Anderson converted two tries and kicked a penalty goal Mr, S. Billman was referee.

NEWTON OUTPLAYED PONSONBY'S CLEVER BACKS After a well-conteßted firßt half Ponsonby outplayed Newton to win comfortably in a game which was always full of action. The Ponsonby backs gave their best display to dnto and scored some good tries. Excellent positional play often turned dofence into attack, and clean passing and speed played a big part in tho decisive victory. Although Ponsonby held a five-points lead at halttime Newton was unlucky on several occasions, Twice Brady wub pulled down when trios looked certain. , . In the second half Newton rearranged its team, playing Dempsey at centre, Bright on the wing unci Young at fullback. It was an obvious mistake, for Dempsey, in a strange position, could not check a relentless lonsonby attack, lie would have been more effective at fullback, while the brilliant play of Bright at centre wus badly missed. Both Kay and Riley comb in od well and the wines, Payne and Jonca, finished oft some nice movements. The Ponsonby backs were always willing to take risks and on attack unorthodox football was frequently played. The forwards were well matched, Newton being a liltlo superior in tho loose. Half-way through tho second spell Payne scored a nice try for Ponsonby. From near half-way Payne received from Halloran on tho blind side and raced along the touchline. Halloran came into the movement again and passed to Riley, who beat the defence to send Payne across. Kay and Riley were the best backs, especially the former, whose clever running often beat the °P'? O V-l on i Kny, however, has developed a bod habit ot taking the ball with ono hand. Riley was the pivot of attack and his clever swerve was very deceptive. Halloran played a splendid game behind the scrum and sent out clean passes. W. Sfockley was solid at five-eighths. Both .Tones and Payne, the wings, did a lot of useful work, especially the latter. Paton was sound ot fullback and his fielding showed improvement. Lcatherbarrow was the best forward, while Morgan, Middleton and Davis played good foothsjll. , , , ~ For Newton Young, when moved to fullback, played a sound game. He often tried to open up the play for the threequarters. Brady, on the wing, ran with determination. He and Bright were .the best backs. Bright scored a fine try just before time, lne Brimble brothers played well against better opposition. Johnston stood out as the best forward, being ably supported by Hutt and N For Ponsonby Payne (3), W. Stockley (2) nnd .Tones scored tries. Paton and Leatherbarrow each converted one try. ror p,ewton E. Brimhle and Bright scored tries, Sissons converting both. Mr. W. Simpson was referee. LOWER GRADE RESULTS Senior Reserve Grade.—Marist Old Boys, 29, Manukau, 2; Ponsonby, 12. Isewton, 6; Richmond 28, Devonport, 3. Senior B .Grade.-Point Chevalier, 28. Waiuku, 2; Otahuhu. 15, Green Lane, 3. Second Grade. —Mount Albert, 13, Glenora, 3; Richmond, 15, Manukau, 5. Third Grade.— Ponsonby, 26. Point Chevalier, 4; Devonport. 31, Mount Albert, .0; Ellerslie. 25, R.V.. 0: Newton A, 13, Point Chevalier A, 11 ; Marist, 10, Northcote, 5. Fourth Grade.—City 32. Ponsonby. 2; Richmond. 18, Mount Albert, 0; Devonport. 3. Ellerslie, 2. Fifth Grade.—Richmond, 6. Otahuhu. 6: Newton. 7. Northcote, 5. _ , Sixth Grade.—Green Dane, 12, Papakura. 5: Richmond, 35. Avondale. 2. Seventh Grade.—Marist, 17, Point Chevalier. 3; City. 3, Richmond, 3. Schoolboys' Games. —Senior grade: Richmond. 26. Ponsonby, 0; Mount Albert, 7, Devonport, 7, . , Intermediate Grade: Green Dane, 8, Richmond 8: Ellerslie. 33. Northcote, 3: Otahuhu, 14. Newton, 5: Marist, 14, Avondale, 8: Manukau 7, Mount Albert, 3; Richmond, 8, Green Lane 8. Junior Grade.—Manukau 3, Otahuhu, 0; Richmond A, 9, Green Lane. 0. GAMES IN COUNTRY CENTRES [from herald correspondents] Whangarel.—Bright and attractive football wus provided on Jubilee Park under the Rugby League code, there being a good J attendance. Tho weather was beautifully nno and the ground was in first-class condition, making for fast, open football. The chief attraction was the senior match between Takahiwai, winner of last year's championship, and City, resulting in a win for Takahiwai by 21 points' to 4. The game was full of interest and much closer than 'the score indicates. Other senior results' were:—Portland, 14, Kensington. 2: Kamo, 33, Whnkaparu, 0. Juniors: Hikurangi, 5, One Tree Point, 4; City, 7, Kamo, 6. Fourth grade: City, 10, Hikurangi. 9; Kamo, 19, Portland, 13. Huntly.—Seniors: Huntly South, 22, Ngaruuwahia, 2. Lower Waikato.—Seniors: Manaia. 19, Mercer, 3: Te Kohanga, 11, Pukekohe, 0. Juniors: Waiuku beat Te Kohanga. GAMES IN OTHER CENTRES [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] Ohristchuroh.—Hornby, 7, Addington. 5; Linwood, 27, Waimairi. 8. Wellington.—St. George, 29, Potone. 10: Hutt, 8, Central. 5.

REPRESENTATIVE TEAMS MATCHES ON JUNE 23 The sole selector to tho Auckland Rugby League, Mr. H. Avery, haa chosen the following team to represent Auckland against the Maori representatives at Carlaw Park on June 23: Fullback.—C. Dempsey (Newton). Threequarters.—E. Mincham (Richmond), W. Tittleton (Richmond), R. Bright (Newton). Five-eighths.—B. Riley (Ponsonby),. A. Kay (Ponsonby). Halfback;—R. Powell (Richmond). Forwards.—L. Hutt (Newton), R. Flanagan (Mount Albert), E. Simpson (Devonport), E. Morgan (Ponsonby), J. Anderson (Marist), H. Tetley (Richmond). The following team will represent Auckland against Wellington at Carlaw Park on June 23: Fullback. —F, Paton (Ponsonby). Threequarters.—L. Scott (Devonport), R. Haslam (Maxist), E. Hall (Devonport). Five-eighths.—T. Trevathan (Manukau), W. Stockley (Ponsonby). Halfback,—F. Ilalloran (Ponsonby), Forwards.—A. Donald (Devonport), J. Salhorley (Richmond), H. Telford (Richmond). A. Gault (Manukau), D. Keane (Marist), L. Petersen (Mount Albert). Reserves for both teams:—Backs. Morrisey (Mount Albert), A. Cowan (Devonport), L. Bickerton (Richmond). Forwards: E. Scott (Devonport), S. Quirkp (Newton), D. Herring (Mount Albert). A. 'Sowter (Devonport).

INTER-UNIVERSITY RACE CONTEST ON SWAN RIVER (Rooeived June 7, 7.15 p.m.) PERTH, June 7 Tho inter-university boat race wag held yesterday on the Swan River. The water was very rough. Sydney University won by three lengtho from Western Australia University, and Melbourne University enme third.