THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22724, 10 May 1937, Page 14

THE LEAGUE CODE

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP TWO SPLENDID MATCHES RICHMOND TEAM DEFEATED Two splendid matches marked tho second series of contests played at Carlaw Park on Saturday under the control of the Auckland llugby League. Excitement ran high in tho principal match on tho No. 1 ground between North Shore and Richmond. The teams were level at half-timo and in a great second spoil North Shore snatched victory in the closing stages with a penalty goal. These wore tho only points scored during the spell. Marist put up a good performance against Manukau in tho curtain-raiser and held its opponents until near tho end. There were several brilliant movements by Manukau in this contest. On the No. 2 ground Ponsonby scored an easy victory at the expense of Newton, and Mount Albert proved too strong for City in a fast, openmatch. The grounds were in good order and there was a largo attendance of spectators. Following were the results of Saturday's matches: — North Shore, 15; Richmond, 13.

Manukau, 17; Marist, 10. Mount Albert, 22; City, 15. Ponsonby, 27; Newton, 0.

TWO POINTS' MARGIN

NORTH SHORE WINS

One of the best contests Been on the ground resulted in the meeting of Richmond and North Shore, victory going to the latter by a penalty goal, the only points scored in the second spell. There was little between the teams and Richmond was unlucky in not dividing the points. However, credit must be given to the excellent defence"" of the North Shore team, which never* once wilted and stood up to a series of persistent attacks. The North Shore forwards played a fine game, especially in the second spell, when their raiding and fine tackling frequently worried the opposition. Richmond was seen to better advantage in all-round team-work, but its inside backs made the mistake of running across the field. This considerably helped the defence in covering and usually the wings were cramped for room. An exception was W. Tittleton, who, in spite of a hard knock in the early stages, played a fine all-round game. His strong, straight running was a feature and he made several good openings from which tries would have been scored with better finish. Seldom has such an exciting second spell been played in club football. With the score 13-all at half-time the Isorth Shore forwards started the second half with great vigour and kept Richmond on defence for some time. Richmond did its best to open up the play, but North Shore played on top of its opponents and mistakes were quickly turned to advantage. North Shore was first to open the scoring when Mincham had his kick, charged and Milicich gathered, the try being converted. A little later Wilkie failed to stop a rush cleanly and Hunt dived over between the posts. With a deficit of 10 points Richmond began to assert itself and from a splendid movement started by Mincham, fullback, Bickerton scored by the posts. Ihe reverse pass was used to advantage in the movement and W. Tittleton made a nice opening after handling twice. Tittleton was in the picture soon afterwards, making a good opening from which Wilkie scored. A fino tackle by Zane saved a try which Wilkie missed narrowly after a combined movement and then Mitchell burst through m a 10 yards dash and went . over. Shortly before half-time Hollows kicked through anc J scored, when Mincham failed to gather it was a fino battle throughout the second spell and there was great excitement when North Shore gained the lead with a penalty S °For North Shore Kerr played a sound all-round game .and repeatedly saved lns side. His handling, kicking and tackling were always reliable and he played a good part in his team's victory. Ihe threeqirarters did not see much of the ball on attack, but defended ably. Better, handling. by L. Scott would have resulted in two tries. However, he did some excellent work on .defence, frequently smothering the man with the ball. Zane and Hunt were inclined to stand flatfooted at five-eighths, but the latter did some fine all-round work. Sterling showed further promise at halfback and stood up to a hard task in good style. Among the forwards Hollows plavcd an outstanding all-round game. He seemed to be everywhere and on one occasion a splendid tackle by him from behind stopped Wilkie from scoring. He was well supported by Simpson, Souter and R °Mincnam, who played fullback for Richmond in the first spell, was a little uncertain. He played on the wing in the second spell and should, have scored at least one try when ho failed to take a P ass °!I! Powell near time. Wilkie showed pace on 'the wing and did some, effective work on defence, while G. Tittleton played soundly on the wing and then at fullback. Powell gave a very solid all-round display at halfback. Of tho forwards Mitchell, J. Satherley and Telford were the best. Tries for North Shore were scored by Milicich. Hunt and Hollows. J Smith converted two and kicked a penalty B°al. lor Richmond, Bickerton, Wilkie and Mitchell scored tries. G. Tittleton and Mincham each converted a try. Mr. P. Rogers was referee.