THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22712, 26 April 1937, Page 14

THE LEAGUE CODE

PRELIMINARY MATCHES PLAY AT CARLAW PARK NORTH SHORE DEFEATS MARIST The second series of preliminary matches was played at Carlaw Park on Saturday under the control of the Auckland Rugby League, when another interesting afternoon's football was witnessed. It was the last opportunity clubs had of trying out promising talent and, generally, the form shown was good. In the principal attraction North Shore proved too strong for Marist and won by a margin of nine points. Play was particularly exciting in the second spell, the North Shore backs having more finitli than their opponents. A bright and fast curtain-raiser was provided by Richmond and Ponsonby, the former taking the honours. On the No. 2 ground Mount Albert and City played a drawn game, and Manukau showed good form against Newton in scoring 37 points. Results of matches were as follows: — North Shore, 24; Marist, 15. Richmond, 17; Ponsonby, 10. City, 11; Mount Albert, 11. Manukau, 37; Newton, 19.

SOME BRIGHT STAGES WEAKNESS IN BACKS The match between North Shore and Marist provided bright play in stages. Marist often made strong attacks, but could not finish off its movements, there being a weakness in the five-eichths line. The speed and good play of the North Shore threequarter line always proved dangerous, and some nice tries were scored. Marist rallied well in the second spell and at One stage took the lead. Devonport then asserted itself and never looked in danger of defeat, from this stage. North Shore got the ball from .most of the scrums and the fiveeighths were well served by Cowan, but they were too slow in moving, and at times attempted to go too far when a quick pass out would'have been more profitable. J. Smith played a good game at centre and once made a brilliant opening for L. Scott, who easily outpaced the opposition for a spectacular try. Smith also proved a fine place kick, and he should be a decided acquisition to the team. L. and V. Scott did srood work on the wings, while Barnett, especially in the first spell, stood out for clever play among the forwards. Hollows, Hunt and E. Scott were always in the picture. For Maoist, Glover, except for one mistako at the finish when he failed to field cleanly Bnd gave away a try, played a good game at fullback. His determined tackling saved his side several times. Tho backs did not combine effectively, but Fitzgerald, at centre, impressed as a promising player with reasonable opportunities. Donaldson and McGreal played •well in the forwards and Anderson shone in the loose. ' For North Shore L. Scott (2), Hunt and Barnett scored tries. J. Smith kicked three penalty goals and converted a try, and V. Scott converted two tries. For Marist, Donaldson, Murdoch and Bakalich scored tries. Anderson converted a try and kicked two penalty goals. Mr. F. Thompson was referee.

GOOD PERFORMANCE RICHMOND STRENGTHENED Ponsonby registered a good performance against a strengthened Richmond team, which ■won by seven points. At one stage of the game Ponsonby was definitely on top, and only brilliant "work by Cooke, at fullback, saved the day. Several times during the second half Cooke started passing bouts from defensive positions-and cleverly checked Ponsonby attacks- wjj.th good linekicks. The ball was very greasy, but there were plenty of good passing bouts. - The Richmond backs were a little superior in positional ■ play, although tho Ponsonby rearguard combined well on occasions. Both the tries scored by the forwards, Petersen and Keane, came from nice combined movements by the inside backs. Round the scrum Ponsonby was'a little superior to Richmond. In the second half Richmond had the better of the game, its backs doing good work with the greasy ball. . . A feature of the game was the brilliant play of G. Mitchell, a forward from the Manawatu district. He showed fine anticipation in the loose, and handled the ball well. Broadhead, Metcalfe and McLeod were also prominent among the forwards. Great interest •was taken in the reappearance of Cooke, who showed much of his old-time brilliance at fullback. W.' Tittleton played a, fine game and was the outstanding back. Wilkie and Bickerton also played good football. Greenwood, on the wing, scored a nice try. Miles played a sound game at fullback for Ponsonby, while Halloran and Kay did useful work in defence. Keane, Peterson and Middleton played well among the forwards. For Rifchmond, Broadhead scored three tries and Greenwood and G. Tittleton one each. Bickerton kicked a penalty goal. For Ponsonby Peterson and Keane scored and Jones converted one and kicked a penalty goal. Mr. 0. Chalmers was referee.

A DRAWN GAME mount albert and city The game bet-ween Mount Albert and City was well contested, and a draw was a good indication of the play. The Mount Albert forwards bad a little the better of the play, but the City backs did more effective work. In the first half Mount Albert was superior, and frequently had City on defence. City flaje with a iot of dash in the second ha« and it 3 backs gave the impression of developing into a good combination. Several movements by Hapai, Tawhai and McLaughlin were the result of perfect understanding. Mount Albert was unlucky to lose B. Schultz in the second half. Schultz fractured a leg For Mount Albert, L. Schultz McCullum and Watkins were the pick of the backs. Satherley played an outstanding game among the forwards, and received excellent support from Herring an<l Allen. Ihe forwards all round are a good combination. McLaughlin was again the best City back, while fiapai Ind Lynch, five-eighths, and Wiberg played well. Raymond was the pick of the forwards. For Mount Albert McCullum scored two tries and -Leatherbarrow one. Satherley converted one try. For City, McLaughlin scored a try and Wiberg kicked three penalty goals and converted one try. Mr. D: Taylor was referee.

MANUKAU TOO STRONG large score registered Manukafi proved too strong for Newton and ' won comfortably, although Newton did we I at stages. The first half was well contested, and the Newton backs were frequently in the picture 'with good passing bouts The Manukau forwards, however, outplayed Newton in the second half, and the backs had too much pace for the opposition. Tries were scored 4 - freauently, and it was a good practice for Manuka/ backs Hemi was . outstanding throughout the second half and initiated nice passing bouts. Broughton, Newton,. and Brimble were also prominent. Brodenck G.iult and Whye were the best of tho forwards, t or Newton, Deinpsey, Young and Brimble played good games. . ... . . For Manukau, Brodenck scored three tries, Hemi and Logan two each and Broughton and Kawe 'one each. Hemi converted live tries. For Newton, Young Finders, Beattie and Cairns scored tries. Beattie converted one and kicked a penalty goal. Mr. S. Billman was referee

MATCHES IN CHRISTCHURCH [by telegraph—press association] CHRISTCHURCH, Sunday football matches played yesterday resulted: —Addington, 5, Wahnairi, 0: Linwood. 27. Sydenham. 10.