CITY BEATEN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22772, 5 July 1937, Page 14

CITY BEATEN

WEAK TACKLING Better positional play by the Ponsonby backs and splendid support by the forwards were features of the team s comfortable win over City, which disappointed in defence. Mo«t of Ponsonby's tries came from weak tackling and at least three should have been stopped. Speea and accurate handling often turned defence into attack and some nice movements were witnessed in the Kecond na.li, which was dominated by Ponsonby. It was only for a short time in tho first half that City was seen to advantage, but failed to score. All the points for City came from penalty kicks by Rata. Ponsonby was greatlv strengthened in the forwards by thp inclusion of Pickrang and Cootes. However, in this department City held its opponents, BitbouKh there was no passing among the City forwards. Most of City's backs stood flatfooted and were slow to cover up once Black gent the Ponsonby backs on attack. Some or the tackling of the City backs was very weak. The performance of Ponsonby was full of merit and the team on this standard of play will be hard to defeat. For Ponsonby Kay played a fine game at centre-threequarter and scored two nice tries. On tho wing Riley played a good game and showed a lot of speed in passing bouts. Hallor»n, at five-eighths, did a lot of useful work, especially in the first half, when he turned defence into atladk by clover running.

Stocklcy played a sound game at five-eighths. Jones, at fullback, made few mistakes while Nurso, on tho wing, did well with limited opportunities. Behind tho scrum Blaok was good on attack, but was overshadowed by Hutchinson, tho City halfback, in all-round play. Morgan was tho best Ponsonby forward and • was well supported by Pick rang and Cootes. Petersen made many mistakes and was 'caught offsido thrco times whon tries may have been scored. ' McLaughlin was tho weak link in tho City backs and his poor defence gave Ponsonby two easy tries. Rata and Tawhai played good games, especially tho formor, who was outstanding 011 attack, "Wiberg played well at fullback, although his defence has been better. Tho City forwards yut up a good showing. In tho looso .Mataira and Donald were outstanding, especially the former, who gained ground by rcsoluto running. Raymond also played a good game. For Ponsonby tries wero scored by Kay (•-1), Riley (2), Morgan, Stockley and Nurse. Jones converted a try and kicked a penalty goal. Black also converted a try. For City Rata kicked four penalty goals. Mr. P. Rogers was referee.