THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22796, 2 August 1937, Page 14

THE LEAGUE CODE

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP

DRAW IN PRINCIPAL GAME MANUKAU PLAYS RICHMOND A splendid exhibition of Rugby League football was witnessed at Carlaw Park on Saturday, when a record crowd for tho season saw Richmond and Manukau play a drawn-game in the Auckland Rugby League's senior competition. The gamo was played at a fast pace, and there were many exciting incidents in tho last 15 minutes of play. Just on timo Manukau scored a try which equalised tho points. Tho kick at goal was taken by Wateno from an easy position, but the ball hit the crossbar. Richmond wns very lucky to escape with a drawn game, and club championship honours for it; now seem assured.

A feature of tho series was tho first victory of tho season for Newton, which defeated North Shore in a well contested game. In tho curtain-raiser on No. 1 ground, Mount Albert outclassed Ponsonby. Marist defeated City by a comfortable margin in tho curtain-raiser on No. 2 ground. The Richmond team wore white armbands as a mark of respect to tho late Mr. W. J. Holdsworth, who was patron of the club for many years.

Results of Saturday's senior matches were as follows: —

Richmond, 11; Manukau, 11. Newton, 24; North Shoro, 15. Mount Albert, 120; Pousonby, 0. Marist, 15; City, 5. MANUKAU WEAKENED HEMI UNABLE TO PLAY Brilliant play by both teams was a fraturo of the match between Richmond and Manukau, which ended in a draw. The absence of Hemi from the Manukau team made all tho difference to the result. No fewer than six kicks at goal wero missed, and in this direction alono lleini would have no doubt proved tho match winner. Richmond was .very lucky not to have been defeated, as in the second half, Manukau went closo to scoring on several occasions. Soon after tho kick-off Broughton, a Manukau wing, raced down the sideline, and, when a vard from the Richmond line, ho sent a high pass to Gault. Tho ball just touched his fingers as Tetley dived low, and Gault lost the ball and a try. In spite of the heavy ground, the pace was fast, and tho honours of the first half went to Richmoud. The second spell had not been started long before Manukau gained the upper hand, and R. Chase did somo brilliant work on attack. Ho cut the defence to ribbons and, after throe forwards had handled, Gault got over in a good position. However, Richmond delighted tho crowd with daring tactics on the part of its backs, who were always on their toes. From right under his own goal, Mincham intercepted a high pass from Painter (Manukau), and, instead of kicking, passed to Bickerton and the ball travelled the whole length of tho field for W. Tittlcton to score. . The crowd cheered a fine run by Brodrick and, midst excitement, Mahima equalised. Much depended ou tho kick, but tho ball hit l H'hVr°o S *vas r not, a great deal of difference between the teams, although the Hichmond backs lived up to their reputation as clever attackers. The honours of the day. howevor, went to the Manukau forwards who played with prreat dash, and showed improvement in their general knowledge. A feature of tho game was tho fine play of Furncll at fullback for Richmond. He rarely made a mistake and opened up the .ganio* for many clever attacks. G. Tittlcton played a good game on tho wing, but wiikie lacked chances. Although well marked Mincham played a sound gamo at centre. \\. Tittleton was not up to his best form and dropped a few passes from Bickerton, who plaved a sterling game. Behind tho scrum, Powell played easily his best game this season, and is a little unlucky to lose his place as the New Zealand halfback. D. McLcod was tho outstanding forward and perhaps the best on the ground. Davis and Telford also played good games, while letlej was prominent in the loose. Among tho Manukau forwards Gault and Brodrick were outstanding. I\awe and T& bye also played good games. Yvatene gave a sound display at fullback and tackled realb well. R. Chase was the pick of the backs, while Brimble was also prominent. At n\eeighths. T. Chase overdid cutting in and was freauen'tly caught in possession. Of the wings, Broughton was the pick. Mahima played a fine game behind the pack For Richmond tries were scored by Tittlcton, Tetley and W. Tittlcton Furne I converted one try. lor Manukau, Gault Brimble and Mahima scored, whilo Watenc kicked a penalty goal. Mr. M. Wetherill was referee.

SURPRISE BY NEWTON FIRST SUCCESS OF SEASON Newton recorded its first. success of the season by defeating North Shore in the cur-tain-raiser on No. 2 ground. It was a we - deserved victory, Nowton proving superior in al! departments of the game. The crowd demonstrated its |)leasure at Newton s surprise by according the team n great ovation as the players filed off the field. displaj throughout was in distinct contrast to their poor plav the previous Saturday, and evidently tlie presence of E. BTimble in the backs, and McNeight, ex-West Coast and New Zealand representative, and Aatlian, in the forwards, had an inspiring effect. Newton attacked from the start, and, except for a brief period in the later stages of the game, held tommand throughout. In spite of the bad state of tho ground both teams threw the ball about at ovcry opportunity and play was fast and open. E. Brinible ami Sissons found gaps in tho North Shoro defence and were responsible for tho majority of the scoring movements, frequently catching their opponents out of position. Jhrco smart passing bouts enabled Newton to establish a lead of 11 points at half-time, which was increased to 21 points curly in the second SPC North Shoro then began to show something like real form, putting more energy into the forward play and combining better in the back line. Three tries in quick succession, all converted b.v Kerr, gave the opposition a fright but Newton rallied, and smart passing between E. Brimblc. Sissons and YV. Brimble, who took a neat reverse pass for the final try, put the issue beyond doubt. The final score was: —Newton, 21, North fullback, played ono of his best games for the winners, his dcfenco being verysound. E. Brinible and Sissons were outstanding among the other backs for good all-round play adding thrust to tho attack, while W. Brimblo set his backs going at every opportunity. Ho had more than his usual share of the ball from the scrums. McNeight and Nathan, who replaced Eraser and Beattio in the pack when these players retired with injuries, both showed glimpses of their best form while their condition lasted. They will bq a welcome addition to the forward strength in the remaining matches of the season. Proctor and Quirko wcro noticcablo in both the tight and loose work. Kerr was safo at fullback for the losers, but his former dash was lacking. North Shore's back division was an uncertain combination on attack and rather weak on defence. Sterling was the pick and never shirked his share of the hard work. Brown, who replaced Zanc, showed aggressiveness. Cowan had a hard time behind a beaten pack. For the most part the forwards lacked dash, although Sowter, Hunt and Hollows did their best to rally a beaten lot. , Tries were scored for Newton by Crook, Gibson, Young, Sissons and E. Brimblc (2). Sissons converted three, Sterling, Hollows and Sowter scored for North Shore, Kerr converting all three tries, Mr. J. Hawkcs was referee.

EVEN FIRST SPELL

CITY TEAM LACKS FINISH ■ Marist and City were moro ovenly matched than tile final score of 15 points to 5 in favour of the former indicates. A fast first spell ended s—all. but the Marist backs wore the better combination in the second half, while City lacked team work and tried too much individual effort. Chief offenders in this respect were Rata and Tawhui, who were repeatedly caught. in possession with supports liiiud.v, mid many promising movements were nullified in this manner. In contrast. the Marist backs learned well toKother and in support of their forwards, with the result that frequently the man to receive the final pass for a try found himself with several others of his team all eager to join in the movement. The pace was fast from tlio outset, first one side and then the other developing;.swift attacks, but in the second spell, when Marist pained tlio upper hand, the play slowed down considerably. A penalty proal by Anderson and a smart try by Midfrley put fivo points quickly up to Marist and then came City s only try, G. McCarthy taking a neat rcvorso

pass hy McLaughlin to score. Hutchinson converted nnd tho spell ended on oven terms. However. Murist was unlucky not to bold a leud, as Halsoy went ucross to touch down after n bright passing bout, only to be recalled on account of obstruction by a forward. Shortly after tho resumption of play. a miskick by a City back gavo Bakalich tho easiest of tries, and a strong run byMidgley from halfway, with an in-pass to Matson, brought a further five points, which completely changed tho fortunes of the garno. Glover was more nippy at fullback for the winners than was Wiberg, for City. His positional play and kicking were very, accurate. Midgloy showed plenty of determination in his running, whilo Donovan and McLnron teamed well at five-eighths, cutting through neatly to vary 'their tactics. Anderson. McGrcnl nnd Finlayson were tho leaders of the pack, which revelled in the loose, the nrstuamed showing his usual anticipation. Ihn heavy ball affected Ills goal-kicking, otherwise Marist's winning margin would have been gronler. , ~ . Rata made a number of brilliant Individual runs for City, but. like Tawhai, was disinciined to pass and thereby spoilt many promising attacks. Hutchinson, holiind the pack, and I'ortcous, fivo-cißhtlis, were solid on defence and good on attack, although support was mostly lacking. The former received a fair share of tho hall from the scrums and got it away smartly. Mataira stood out for consistency among the forwards, and was well supported by tho McCarthy brothers and Donald. „ , For Marist Midgley, Bakalich and Matson scored tries, Anderson converting two and also kicking a penalty goal. For City G. McCarthy scored a try, which Hutchinson converted. Mr. A. Simpson was rofereo.

MOUNT ALBERT'S WIN

VICTORY OVER PONSONBY

Although Ponsonby did not field its usual teani, Mount Albert played really good football and would probably have won in any case. At 110 stage of the game did Mount Albert lose control, and its forwards outclassed a fairly strong Ponsonby set. The Mount Albert backs also played better football than usual, and scored several nice tries. Tho Ponsonby rearguard dropped numerous passes and tho defeneo ou occasions was very weak. Tho ground was heavy, and in tho second half [day was confined to tho forwards, and was uninteresting. A feature of tho gaino was the good play of the Mount Albert inside backs, who were superior to the Ponsonhy pair. Both L. Schultz and Patterson 'made good openings for the speedy wings. For Mount Albert, Crunch played n good panic at fullback and tackled well. Stewart niado a jrood impression on the wing and is a promising player. McCallum also played witli plenty of dash. L. Schultz was the best of the backs and did a lot of useful work on attack. Watkins played well at halfback. Tristram, Shadbolt and Sathorley were the best of the forwards. The Ponsonby backs gavo a disappointing display, Riley and Halloran being tho best. Morgan. Cootcs and Pickrang wero prominent in the loose. For Mount Albert tries wero scored by McCallum (2), Stewart and Tristram. Sathorley converted four tries. Mr. 0. Chalmers was referee. LOWER GRADE RESULTS Senior Reserve. —Richmond, 20, Manukau, 0: Marist, 10, City, 8; Mount Albert, 15, Ponsonby, 3; North Shore, 11, Newton, 3. Senior B Grade.—Creep Lane, 11, Richmond., ((; Pnpakura, 37, Manukau, 0. Third Grade.—Richmond, 8, City, 3. . Fourth Grade.—Ellerslie, 10, Ponsonby, 2; Richmond. 1-J. Northcote, 3. Fifth Grade. —Otahuhu, 14, Avondale, 9. Sixth Grade. —City, 38, Richmond, 0. Seventh Grade. —Richmond, 13, Ponsonby, 0. PRIMARY* SCHOOLS' GAMES Senior Grade. —Marist, G, Eljcrslio, 2; Richmond., 31. Mount Albert, 0. Intermediate Grade. —Ponsonby, 50, North Shore, 0; Avondale, 11, Otahuhu, 0; Richmond, 3D, Ellerslie, 0; Marist, 11, Balmoral, 0; Newton, 11, Northcote, 0; Mount Albert, 5, Point Chevalier, 3; Avondale, 11, Otahuhu, 0. Junior Grade.—Green Lane, 0, North Shore, 0; Newton A, 21, Point Chevalier, 0; Ponsonby, (!. Mount Albert, 0; Balmoral, 3, George Court's B, 0; Marist, 0, Newton B, 0; Manukau, 0. Georgo Court's, 0; Richmond, 0, Ellerslie, O.

SOUTH AUCKLAND WINS

NORTHLAND TEAM DEFEATED

[from ouu own correspondent!

lIUNTLY, Sunday

Considerable interest was taken in a match between the South Auckland and Northland League representative teams at Davics Park, Huntly, yesterday. Last year residents of Whangarei witnessed a very evenly contested game, which (he Northlanders won by a very small margin. Tho teams yesterday were:—

' Northland. —Fullback, C. Meyer; threequarters, T. Toki, C. Hamilton, A. Lacey; five-eighths, F. Holow, A. Lennie; halfback, Raisbeck; forwards, V. Payne, W. Meyer, "VY. Rata, J. McNeil, W. Flesluir, W. Slacko. South Auckland. —Fullback, T. Shaw; three-quarters, N. Tahao. L. Powell, J. Braun; five eighths, AV. Mcßurnie, W. Mikij halfback, JR. Shaw; forwards, N. Hall, H. Mason, J. O'Brien, G. Moyes, F. Hilton, T. Timms.

There was a record attendance of spectators. Flcsher, of the Northland team, received an ( injury when the play had been in progress for 22 minutes, and he was replaced by Rata. South Auckland pressed, and Miki broke through brilliantly and passed to JR.„ Shaw, who followed up quickly to open the score for South Auckland. The latter became very aggressive. Hall breaking through, and, kicking over tho line, but in a great race Lacey beat him to tho ball. However, tho Southerners were not to he defeated and soou afterwards Hilton broke through and scored. Powell adding the extra points. Rain began to fall, making the ball very greasy. Northland then started pressing, and with a very good piece of combination succeeded in fretting the ball out to Toki, who ran a great distanco before transferring infield to Raisbeck, who scored. The kick at goal failed, and the scorn at half-timo was:— South Auckland, 8; Northland, 3.

Soon after play resumed Payne scored a brilliant try for Northland, but again the Kick failed. N. Tahao was the next to show up for South Auckland, running half the length of tho field before transferring the hall to Miki, whose return pass went astray. Then O'Brien broke away for South Auckland and scored again, G. Moyes converting. Soon after this South Auckland scored another try and G. Moyes converted, making tho final score:—South Auckland, 18; Northland, G.

The outstanding player for Northland was undoubtedly T. Toki in the lmcks, and the forwards played well and had their fair share of tho ball. South Auckland's outstanding player was G.- Moyes, who played his first representative game. N. nail, Hilton and O'Brien also shone on many occasions. GAMES IN OTHER CENTRES [ill* TELEGRAPH —I'lllKSS ASSOCIATION] Christ church.—Vivian Cup matches :'Sydenham, 1212, Waimairi, 9; Addingtoii, 20, Hornby, 112. Wellington.—Petone, 30, Newtown, 10; Central, 10, Randwick, 3. AUSTRALIAN TEAM PASSENGERS BY AWATEA (Received August 1, 5.5 p.m.) SYDNEY, Aug. 1 The passengers by the Awatea for Auckland last evening included the Australian League football team, en route to Britain. It will play games in New Zealand. ' SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS CONTESTS AT MOUNT COOK [IIY TEIiKGItAI'Ii —I'IIKSS ASSOCIATION] TIMARU, Saturday The Grand National ski championship meeting began at Mount Cook yesterday in perfect wenthor. A largo crowd of visitors remained over from the international meeting, and competition was good. Results:— Downhill Championship. —Men: L. B. Black (Canterbury Winter Sports Club), 5m •lßs, 1; R. S. Duncan (Ruapebu Ski Club), 5m -18 2; J. Swan (Otago Ski Club), Oin 'll. 3-ss, 3. "Women: Miss D. Allen (Marsden Ski Club). 8m 1 '2-ss, 1; Mrs. J. B. .Tackson (Christchurch Ski Club), 10m 60s, 2. Slalom. —Men: J. Swan (Otago Ski Club), Jin 10 3-Gs, 1; L. B. Black (Canterbury Winter Sports Club), lin 25 3-ss, 2; R. S. Duncan (Ruapehu Ski Club), Jin 27 I-55,. 3. Women: Miss D. Allen (Marsden Ski Club), ilm 1J 2-ss, I; Mrt. J. B. Jackson (Christchurch Ski Club), 2m 10 8.-58, 2; Miss T. Miller (Tasnian Ski Club), 3m 35 l-ss, 3. BILLIARDS HANDICAP TOURNAMENT A handicap billiards tournament was continued at the Vulcan Billiard Parlours on Saturday evening, when R. Carrick. 500, defeated C. Cumiiiins, '173. C'arrick's best breaks were 50, 07, 00 and 55, and Cummins' <ir> and r, 1. Tho first semi-finals will be played this evening, when' It. Carrick is drawn to play A. Crossan.