THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22445, 15 June 1936, Page 14

THE LEAGUE CODE

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP j - FIRST ROUND COMPLETED PONSONBY TAKES THE LEAD Fast and interesting football marked the final series of matches in tho first round of the Auckland Rugby League's senior championship played at Carlaw Park on Saturday, Ideal conditions prevailed and there -was a largo attendance of spectators. Features of tho series were the splendid victory of Ponsonby over tho leading team, Dovonport, and tho* defeat of Richmond by Cit.v. After being down 13 points to nil at half-time Ponsonby staged a remarkable recovery, a penalty goal in tho last few minutes deciding tho issue in its favour. It was a well-deserved and popular victory and Ponsonby is pow in the lead for the championship by one point from Dovonport. In tho curtain-raiser to tho principal fixture Marist suffered defeat at tho hands of Mount Albert, while on the No. 2 - ground Manukau took the honours from Newton by a single point after a fast and exciting contest. City again showed improved form in defeating Richmond, last year's champions. Results of Saturday's senior matches were as follows: — Ponsonby, 17; Devonport, 15. Manukau, 15; Newton, 14. Mount Albert, 10; Marist, 7. City, 18; Richmond, 12.

BRIGHT DISPLAY HONOURS TO PONSONBY Always endeavouriug to play bright and open football, Ponsonby delighted the 'spectators with many clever and thrilling movements in the second spell against Devonport and scored a popular victory. In the early stages and for the greater part of the first spell Ponsonby was hard pressed, the weight of the Devonport pack proving a decided advantage. Ponsonby was hampered by failing to get. the ball from tho scrums. When the backs did gain possession Devonport, playing right on top of its opponents, caused the Ponsonby rearguard to make several mistakes. Riley, who was well watched by Seagar, did not handle so well ao usual and movements broke down when he failed to gather his transfers cleanly. Tho Ponsonby backs stood too flat-footed and there was little thrust in their attacks. There was a very marked improvement in the second spell. Gaining the ball frequently the Ponsonby backs mado play from all positions, speeded up the attack considerably and mado deep noles in the defence. Duo to thh improvement tho team staged a remarkable recovery and, although a penalty goal decided the issuo in tho last few minutes, Ponsonby would have been uniucky not to take the honours. ;A great deal of credit is due to the Ponsonby forwards, who stood up well to tho opposition, and actually outplayed tho Devonport vanguard for most of tho second spell. With a great share of the ball in the first half the Devonport backs did not impress as a very dangerous attacking force. No pointß were scored by tho losers from a combined rearguard nttack. For Ponsonby Paton. at fullback, was uncertain in handling in the first spell and oiico coßt his team a try. He improved a good deal in the second half and retrieved himself Bomewhat by fine place kicking, this winning tho game for his side. The v/ingers, Payne and Jones, showed plenty of determination, and both played good games. One one occasion Jones made a fine run. practically through tho whole defence, and nearly scored a try. Kay, centre, was Ponsonby's best back and. with the slightest chauco, was very dangeroue. He was hampered in the first spell through Riley mishandling, but ho showed his capabilities in the second half by making several good openings. He has a bad habit, howevor, ot passing one hand, his transfer often goitiif astray. Riley played well in the second spell and ho also made nice openings, Ponsonby's first try being the result of his clever play. A sound all-round game was played by W. Stockley, at first five-eighths, lie used his brains on attack, while hie defence was excellent. Many tirnca he stopped the Devonport forwards by going down on the ball at their feet. Another fine exhibition was given by Halloran, at halfback, and he is undoubtedly a muchimproved player. Feeding his backs at every opportunity he showed judgment in going alone when his supports were hampered. He used the cross-kick to advantage and from one of these Morgan scored. All the Ponsonby forward played well. Morgan was in great form and he received splendid support from Carter, Blood and Davis. One of the best exhibitions of fullback play seen this season waß given by Kerr for Devonport. The manner in which ho gathered the ball at his feet when going at full epeed was remarkable. His kicking and defence were very Bound and it was his best display since he joined the League code. The speed of L. Scott always made him dangerous in the open play. He scored one good try through kicking the ball on and following through, and narrowly missed two others, being unlucky on one occasion when over the line in not making contact with the ball with his hand. Neither he nor Hall, however, had many opportunities at the end of passing bouts. Jordan showed improved form at centre, but was overshadowed by Kay. Seagar, second five-eighths, was the brains of the Devonport backs. He did a lot of good defensive work, while he placed his kicks cleverly. E Scott, who played in the five-eighths line, although defending stoutly, waa not a 6ucces< as an attacking player. Cowan played well at halfback and scored a good try as the result- of nice anticipation Of the forwards Souter, Hunt, Rogers and Donald were the best. Hunt, who played in the back row, wns inclined to get too much eff-side. For Ponsonby Jones, Kay and Morgan scored tries. Paton converted two and kicked two penalty goals For Devonport Cowan, L. Scott and Bonier scored tries. Milicich converted one and kicked two penalty goals. Mr. W. Simpson was referee.

POPULAR WIN MANUKAU'S NARROW MARGIN Manukau gained a very popular win by defeating Newton by one point, after tho latter looked the winning team. The excite mcnt was intense during the last ten minutes, when the Manukau forwards dominated the same. Manukau missed Hemi, who received an injury early in the game and retired. A minute before the final bell Manukau was awarded n penalty kick and Watene. playing in place of Hemi at fullback, kicked a fine goal. Play in the first half was very ragged, being confined to forward scrambles. There were few attempts made to open up the game, and weak handling cost Newton several tries. The Newton forwards gained a temporary advantage in the first half, but the backs failed to penetrate far and most of the movements broke down before they were dangerous. Breaches of the rules were frequent. On changing ends the Manukau forwards swept over the opposition, and Kawe, Proctor and Pickrang combined effectively to score a good try and place Manukau in the lead. Newton's backs, with Sissons prominent, completely beat the opposition in a bright passing bout, and Bright scored a spectacular try. The Manukau forwards rose to the occasion, and with clever dribbling often forced Newton to defend. Although the Newton backs wero dangerous, the fiveoighths wero checked by splendid tackling. For Manukau, Watene played an outstanding game at fullback, and must be considered the most versatile player in the code. Broughton, at centre, was the pick of the backs, and made several nice runs. In spito of an injured shoulder, Davis played well on the wing. Mason, who was also hurt early, was also prominent. Newton and Mahinut got through a lot of useful work, especially the latter, who is a promising halfback. Pickrang was Ihe best forward on. the ground, nnd lie was ably assisted by Kawe, Gnnit and Rutherford. Dcmpsey played a sound game at fullback for Newton. Bright was the best of the threequarters, and Sissons plnyed n good game at five-eighths. W. Brimbie, halfback, was also prominent. The Newton forwards were beaten by ft better pack, -although Johnston, Quirko and Gindcrs played good gr.mcß. For Manukau, Pickrang, Mason nnd Rutherford scored tries. Wntene converted two tries and kicked n penalty goal. For Newton, Sissons nnd Bright scored tries. Brady kicked two penalty goals and Sissons converted one try and kicked a penalty goal. Mr. P. Rogers was referee.

DISAPPOINTING GAME COMBINATION LACKING After s. disappointing came Mount Albert took the honours from Mai-ist by a margin of three points. The losers lost several scoring opportunities through the player in possession leaving his transfer too late when support was offering. Both eideß indulged in too imioh kicking. Many of tho scrums were not decisive, while tho allround combination of each thirteen left a lot to be desired. Mount Albert led at hiilf-time by 7 points to 6, Marist's first try came a« a result _ of a good opening by Chalmers, from which Robinson touched down. Marist also gained

a penalty coal. Mount Albeit soored n converted try and a penalty goal. Gunning broke away at half-way and, with Peteraen and Shadbolt in support, the lastnamed easily scored behind the posts Poor tackling once let B. Schultz through the Marist inside backs, but Petersen knocked on with tho defence beaten. Aro mado some good openings, which should have had better resultß, and on one occasion the speed of B. Schultz saved a certain try when he tackled Chalmers from behind. In the second half Mount Albert lost a great clianco when Halsey made a fine opening, but Morrisey knocked on near the poßts. Later llalsey made another opening, which was turned to better advantage. Marist's only score in the second spell was a penalty goal. Near time Anderson made a great effort to score, being grassed just short of the lino by three men. He, however, should have passed to Reeve, who had a clear run in. J. SchultJi was sound at fullback for Mount Albert, while the threeciuarters, Haleey, Morrisey land B. Schultz, played well individually. Pawson showed promise at second five-eighths, but Balliwell, who was suffering from an injury, kicked too much. Watkins was solid at halfback. The best forwards were Petersen, Gunning, Shadbolt and Flanagan. . Glover wna safe at fullback lor Manst, while the wingers, Robinson and Reeve, had few chances. Bakalich was off form at centre and mishandled frequently. Hnslam was the best back, but lacked the necessary support. Aro played well and made some good openings. Breed, Keane and Anderson stood out among the forwards. . , For Mount Albert Shadbolt and Herring scored tries. Morrisey converted one try and kicked a penalty goal. For Manst Robinßon scored a try and Aro kicked two penalty goals. Mr. M. Wetherill waa referee.

CITY IMPROVES DEFEAT OF RICHMOND City showed vastly improved form, arid had the better of a well-contested game against Richmond. In previous matches the City backs have shown excellent combination, but usually tired badly in the concluding stages. Against Richmond, however. City fought, out fast play to the end, when Richmond frequently had to defend ite lino. In the early stages Richmond had a good deal the better of the play and often caught the City backs out of position. Good goal kicking by Marshall gave Richmond a six points' adyantage. City's rear division, however, was always keen to attack, and a beautiful opening by McLaughlin saw three backs handle in turn, for Brown to finish off a nice movement. Richmond retaliated and was successful in getfing another good try, to lead at half-time by 12 points to 10. When the teams resumed Brown started a brilliant movement on his own wing. Ho ran round the whole chain and joined in to accept the final pass. City was now well on top, and often had Richmond on tlie defensive. The game in the concluding stages was full of incident. On one occasion Tittleton and Tetley broke away, but Marshall missed a pass when a try looked certain. Brown again provided a great thrill when, after following up a long kick, he dived to touch down a foot inside the dead ball line. The succrsn of City was undoubtedly due to the polished football of Brown, who made many clever openings. Rata also gave a good display at centre and made some fine opening#. McLaughlin played with a lot of dash on the wing, and his try was full of merit. Wiberg did useful work at fiveeightha, and Tawhai was also prominent on attack. Hughes, at fullback, was a little uncertain, and was fortunate in getting out of a lot of trouble. Porteous, at halfback, played well. Clark and Spiro were the pick of tho City forwards, while Herring and McCarthy were also prominent. W. Tittleton was easily the best of the Richmond bß';ks and was dangerous on attack. Minchnm played well until he retiled just before half-time with a leg injury. Bickerton did not handle as well as usual, and his defence was weak. Tetley played a fine game in the forwards. Broadhead and Telford played well. For City Brown (3) and McLaughlin scored tries. Wiberg kicked two penalty goals, and Rata converted one try. L'or Richmond Broadhead and Telford scored tries. Marshall kicked two penalty goale and converted one try. Mr. F. Thompson was referee.

LOWER GRADE RESULTS Senior Reserve Grade.—Mount Albert, 16, Marist, 10; Ponsonby, 8. Devonport, 8; Newton. 11, Manukau, 5: Richmond, 11. City. 5. Senior B Grade.—Papakura, 16. Otahnilu 2 Second Grade.—R.V.. 13. Richmond. 2 Third Grade.— Devonport, 22, R.V., 2; Richmond, 49. Point Chevalier, 7; Ponsonby, 24, Newton B, 3; Green Lane, 20. Mount Albert, 0; City, 16, Marist, 0; Otahuhu. 11, Glcnora, 7. r Fourth Grade.—Marist. 10, Devonport. 5; Richmond, S, City, 5; Point Chevalier, 15, Ponsonby, 2; City, 5, Richmond, 5. Fifth Grade.—Richmond, 13, Devonport, 5. Otahuhu. 5, Glenora. 0. . Sixth Grade.—City, 43. Avondale, 0; Richmond, 37, Green Lane, 3. Seventh Cirade. —Mount Albert, 10, Glenora. 9; Richmond. 54, Point Chevalier, 2; Otahuhu, 10, City, 0. _ Primary Schools.—Senior grade: De\ onport, 21, Ponsonby, 3; Richmond. 21. Mount intermediate Grade.—Green Lane 23, Manukau. 2; Avondaie, 18. Isortlicote. 3, Mount Albert, 22. ?sewton. 0; Richmond, 17, Marist, 3: Otahuhu. 12, ElleHlie, B. Junior Grade.—>>orthcote. 3. A\ondale, 3, Richmond B, 0, Newton. 0; Devonport. 3, Mount Albert, 0: Manukau, 6. Marist, 0.

MATCHES IN CHRISTCHURCH [by telegraph*—press association] CHRISTCHURCH, Sunday League football matches played yesterday resulted:— Addington, 20, Linwood, 11. Hornby, 27, Sydenham, 8,

PLAY IN COUNTRY CENTRES [from herald cobrespondents] Huntly. Seniors: Huntly South, 3: Huntly. 2. Juniors: Huntly. 3: .Huntly South. 2. Third grade: Pukemiro. 27: Huntly, 5. Tauplri.—Playing in the South Auckland League's senior competition, rsgaruawahia, 14, beat Tnupiri, 8. Juniors: I*garuawahia, 32*, Taupiri, 0. i Whangarei.—Following are tho results of senior championship matches played by teams under the jurisdiction of the Northland Rugby Lengue:—Knmo, 11, Kensington, 7; Hikurangi. 8, Portland, 6; City won by default from Whakapara. Juniors: One Tree Point. 8. City, 6; Kamo. 12. Hikurangi, 5. Fourth grade: Kamo, 2G, City, 0; Hikurangi won by default from Portland. Papakura.—Senior B: Papakura, 16, Otahuhu, 2. Third grade: Papakura, 9, Newton, 6. Sixth grade: Papakura A. 9. Papakura B, 0. Lower Walkato.—Senior matches under the control of the Lower Waikato ltugby League resulted as follows:—Kohanga, 19, Mercer, 0; Manaia, 29, Pukekohe, 3.

WIN FOR ENGLAND MATCH WITH QUEENSLAND NINETEEN POINTS TO FOUR (Received June 14, 5.5 p.m.) BRISBANE. Juno 14 The English Rugby League team defeated Queensland by 19 points to 4 yesterday in n game which, although not brilliant, revealed the magnificent cover defence of the visitors and the consistency of Hodgson's goal-kicking. Queensland was quite unable to make any headway ngninst the defence, its, few opportunities being spoiled through faulty handling ( Brogden cut through close to a scrum to score England's first try, which Hodgson converted. Edwards, right wing, completed a brilliant movement, initiated by Brotigh, when he picked up from a clever punt by Brogden and raced for the line. Brough, who gave a masterly display at fullback, was again in the picture when he cooperated with Bolshnw and Watkins to enable the winger, Smith, to score at the corner. Hodgson's value to the side wns shown by his five goals, three of which were kicked from well out at hnlf-wny. In the first half play was rather disappointing, England apparently being anxious to test the strength of the Queenslnnders before giving anything away. With the score 11—4 in its favour at half-time, however, and Edwards' try coming within ft few minutes after resuming. England realised it had the game in its hands. During the closing stages the visitors exploited open football, with the threequarters throwing the ball shout beautifully. Brough often joined in and proved Jliat he is just as entertaining as Sullivan, The official figures make the gate-takings £2402. and a crowd of 23.684 spectators. The teams were:— England.—J. Brough. A. Edwnrds, A. J. Risman, W, Belshaw, S. Smith, S. Brogden, W. Watkins, H. Beverley, L. A. Trour>. M. Hodgson, N. Silcock. T. Armitt. 11. Woods. Queensland.—W. Smith, H. Robisorf. W. Motion. J. Roardon. L. Hudson, V. Hoy. F. Gilbert, P. Marisen, J. Little, W. Law. L. Heidke. W. Ryan. P. Hickey. Arkwright wns chosen for the English team but hnd to drop out owing to a leg injury. On its present tour of Australia the English team lias played five matches. It has won four nnd lost one. It has scored 116 points and had 64 registered against. »it. The next match will be against Wide Bay, at Gmpie, to-day. The first test will be decided at Sydney on June 29.