THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23720, 29 July 1940, Page 10

THE LEAGUE CODE

RICHMOND EAMPANT MANUKAU SIDE OUTPLAYED SURPRISE FOR NORTH SHORE Richmond consolidated its position in the Auckland Rugby Lengue'a championship by a convincing victory over Manukau in the principal game at Carlaw Park on Saturday. The contest, which was played under good conditions and before an attendance of about 5000, revealed sparkling back play on occasions, but for the most part the exchanges were rather ragged. Ponsonby surprised North Shore in the curtainraiser, defeating the erstwhile leaders by a five-point mnrgin, .while Marist proved too strong for City in the main fixture on No. 2 ground. In the early game on No. 2. ground Newton accounted for Papakura. Following are tho scores:— Richmond, 32; Manukau, 0. Marist, JO; City, 5. Ponsonby, 8; North Shore, 3. Newton, 20; Papakura, 8. SUPERIOR TEAM-WORK \ MANUKAU FORCED TO DEFEND In spito of spasmodic efforts by Manukau which gave it momentary respite, tho Maori side was defending desperately for the greater , part of tho timo in its match with Kich- | mond on No. 1 ground, and the latter had a well-earned victory by a margin of 10 points. Richmond took about a quarter of an hour to settle down, but after that there was no doubt as to the issue. Manukau, relying to a large extent on individual play, both in tho backs and the forwards, could not match the cohesive movement of the Richmond side, whose attack hit hard and often. Tho Richmond forwards played a prominent part in opening up the exchanges, and tho backs had tho renuisito pace and cleverness to profit by their chances. Outstanding displays were given in the Richmond back lino by Solomon, Graham and Tittelton. all of whom were devastating on attack. Graham played his part nicely in the Richmond chain and varied his play in a subtle manner, whilo Solomon and Tittelton were responsible for most of the thrust, frequently swerving and sido-stepplng their way through tho Manukau defence. C. Williams, the halfback, Rot tho ball away smartly to his snpports, whilo Harrison and Mills were a pair of determined wingmen. Apart from their attacking ability, all tho backs impressed with their adamant tackling, quick smothering, nnd clever backing up. Tho forwards justified themselves in (he tight and outmatched the Manukau men in the loose. Devine, ITadle.v, Davis and Potter were most prominent in the loose. Martin and Chase carried the burden for Manukau in the back division, although even tho latter was inclined to become a triflo lackadaisical toward tho finish. Martin, however, was a trier from start to finish and was tho most dangerous attacker in the rearguard. Shilton, Wntene and Marsh were tho best battlers in the forwards. Tho last-named several times spoiled valuable work by holding on too long. Tries were scored for tho winners by Mills (2), C. Williams (2), Devine and Harrison. Solomon converted two. Penalty goals were kicked for Manukau by Chase (2) and Heini. Mr. S. Billman wns referee. MARIST'S NARROW VICTORY Marist and City played a hard-fought game on Xo. 2 ground, tho teams being evenly matched. Marist, however, had a little, the better of tho first, half, and gained a five-point lend. Tho City forwards put in some solid work in the second half, and_ on numerous occasions went close to scoring. The ground was badly cut up, and this handicapped both teams. Soon after play started in the second half, the City backs swept over the Marist set- and Simpson scored a good try. Marist. however, had the better of the open play, and weak tackling by I lie City hacks gave Marist chances to show superiority on attack. The scores should have been closer, for City had a distinct advantage in the forwards. Uhlmnnn made few mistakes at fullback for Marist and did a lot of good tackling. Matthews, as usual, showed his speed to advantage, and was always looking for scorinn chances. McWilliatns. centre, and Hughes, five-eighths, played good football. Breed and McLcod gave f-terllng displays ill tho forwards, and Haslain only requires a few moro games to bo an acquisition to the pack. Simpson played a good game at five-eiirhths for Citv, and was perhaps the best back on tho ground. Xe*bitt also did good work, as did Hughes nt halfback. Mataira, Jackson and Thompson were tireless forwards For Marist, Wiberg and Haslam scored a trv each, Mntthews and Wjherg each kicking n 'field goal. For City. Simpson scored a try. which Silva converted. Mr. G. Kelly was referee. PONSONBY MORE CONSTRUCTIVE There was not a great deal to choose between Ponsonby and North Shore, the latter losiupr numerous chjuicos of winning in the second half. Ponsonby, however, deserved its success, for its backs were more constructive on attack In the first half the Ponsonby rear division, well served by Flanagan as hooker, made many determined attacks, and the set created a good impression by their speed and smart handling. In Ihe second half however. North Shore dominated tho play for some time, and Greenwood probably cost his tram two tries by hanging on to tho ball too long. On one occasion Donaldson made a smart burst through the Ponsonby defence and Smith raced from fullback in support. Greenwood, however, delayed his pass ! when three of his supports were unmarked Almost the same thing happened a Tew minutes later, and North Shore wns indeed unlucky not to linvc at least drawn. V. Scott I was injured in the first half and was replaced by Wilkie. . Hcadv play by Kay at five-eighths was a feature of the game, fie made many clever openings and used his pace to advantage. Doth McManus, centre, and Nurse, on the wing, stood out prominently. Williams played ,-i sound (tame nt halfback. Brigfrs. Gee and Blucher were (he best of the forwards. Donaldson was the outstanding North Shore back, anil Smith, at fullback, fielded well and kicked with excellent judgment. F,. Scolt, Hollows and Field worked hard among a tireless set of forwards. Gee nnd Hughes scored (ries for Ponsonby and Kay converted one. For North Shore, Donaldson scored a try. Mr. It. Otto was referee. NEWTON IMPRESSIVE Newton had little difficulty in defeating Papakura, which was weakened by the illness of several of its players. The ground was muddy in places, but this did not prevent Newton from giving a high-class display of tho passing game. In fact, its form was more in line with that of the first round. Both backs and forwards handled well, and the throo-iiiarlers got numerous opportunities on attack. Tho Papakura backs were somewhat. disorganised, and were outclassed by a more speedy set. The Papakura forwards, however, buttled on. well against, heavy odds. Playing on the wins? for Newton, Stephens Kavo a dushing display nnd scored three (rood tries. He showed plenty of sneed and determination, and brushed asido (bo defence with resoluto tactics. De,mpsey was a tower of strength at fullback, and gave tho threequarters splendid chances on attack. Kendall played a sound game nt centre, nnd Brimble gave his usual honest exhibition at halfback. Taylor, Fraser and Middleton did good work among the forwards. , . Horken, at five-eighths, and McTnncs, nt fullback, played good games among the Papakura backs, whilo Milliken was tho best forward . , ~ For Newton, Stephens scored three tries, and Everett, Taylor. Tredrea and Middleton one each. Dempsey converted (line tries and kicked one penalty goal. For Papiikura. Milliken and Mclnncs scored a try each, and McInnes converted one. Mr. K. Mclver was reffcrcc. OTHER GRADE RESULTS Senior Reserve Grade. —North Shore, 3, Ponsonby, 2. „ , , Senior B Grade. —Otahuhu, in, Point Chevalier, 5; Ellcrsiie, 14, Northcote, 13. Third —Otahuhu, -17, Marist, 3; Mount Albert. 22, Newton. 3. Fourth Grade.—City, 11, Green Lano, 4; Papakura, 0, ptnhuhu, 3.. Fifth Grade. —Dllcrsllc, 4 Otahuhu, 2; Richmond, 15, Ponsonby, 0; City. S, Mount Albert, (1. ' Schoolboys' (lames. —Senior grade; Kilerslie 2, Point Chevalier, 0. Intermediate grade: Green Lane, 1), Marist, 0; Mount Albert, 15 Richmond, 0. Junior Grade: Green Lano, 3. Northcote. 0; Sixth Grado: Point Chovalier, 35, Richmond, O. MATCHES IN THE SOUTH [BY TK.I.KCiItAPU —IMIERS ASSOCIATION*] Wellington.—St. George. 1-1, Polono, 10; Miramar, 14, Randwick, 10; Eastern Suburbs, 8, Conlral, 3. Christchurch, —Addington, 22, Hornby, 8; Sydenham,. 35, Kiccnrton, 5; Linwood, 15, Waimairi, 5. WIN FOR QUEENSLAND (Received July 28, 7.45 p.m.) BRISBANE, July 2S The Queensland Rugby League representatives defeated New South. ,Waloa jestorday to- 15.