THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23732, 12 August 1940, Page 12

THE LEAGUE CODE

CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES RICHMOND'S SUPERIORITY MOUNT ALBERT CONSISTENT Bright football was witnessed in the series of championship games played under tho control of tho Auckland Rugby League at Cnrhuv Park on Saturday. Before an attendance of about 4000 spectators Richmond maintained its three-point lead in tho competition by dofeating Ponsonby after an interesting struggle. Mount Albert was superior to Newton in the curtainraiser nnd won comfortably, whilo North Shore also had tho advantage of City in the main game on No. 2 ground. Marist won easily at the exponso of Papakura at Ellerslie. A friendly mutch played at Waikaraka Park between Manukau, which had tho bvo in the championship, and the iiuntly representatives was won by the latter. Following wero the scores: — Richmond. 10; Ponsonby, 6. Mount Albert, 13; Newton, 2. North Shore, 17; City, 8. Marist, 27; Papakura, 8. ATTRACTIVE DISPLAY PONSONBY'S GAME EFFORT Playing football of nn open and attractive type, with the forwards and backs fanning out und changing direction neatly, Ponsonby had tho support of a largo section of tho crowd in its efforts to lower Richmond's colours, but tho latter team had a littlo too much class for its opponent and took tho points. Especially in tho first half, when tho Ponsonby forwards raided successfully anii the backs, who saw a «reat deal of tho ball, impressed in some swift attacks, Richmond was forced to defend strenuously, but even at this stage the greater precision of movement and experience of the Richmond Hide wus apparent. Although tho Ponsonby forwards battled on gamely to the finish Richmond had matters in hand in the second spell. Solomon continues to hold • his form, and his play was one of tho brightest features of tho game. Fast oft the mark and elusive in tho way -he changed pace and direction he ran his supports into favourable positions and backed up neatly whenever movements broko down. Although he was hampered on occasions through the 'ball not coming out cleanly, C. Williams showed his usual versatility behind tho scrum, his smart servico being greatly responsible for tho speed with which Graham and Solomon wero able to got off tho mark. Graham was a formidable altaeker and also defended staunchly. Straight running by Tittleton gave the back line added force, whilo Mills and Brnmle.v showed initiative on the wings. A polished display at fullback was given by McWilliams, who, although not unduly crowded, performed all his work in a cool and efficient manner. Dcvinc, McLeod and Potter were outstanding in a very honest pack, the first-named being particularly noticeable for successful foraging and fast following lip. The dangerous men in the 3 3 onsonby back line were Kay and Nurse, although both were hampered through the erratic play of Bakalich and AVilliams. Bakalich once or twice showed ability in solo dashes, but for tho most part he did not fit into the Ponsonby back chain. Nurso had to fight for all his chances, generally being surrounded by Richmond players when he received possession, but his speed, swerve and subtlo changes of pace made him a man to be feared. The forwards stuck to their task from start to finish and put in a desperate effort near the Laird, Dunning and Briggs were the most impressive. MrLcod and Williams scored for Richmond. Solomon converted one and kicked a penalty goal. Kay kicked three penalty goals for tho losers. Mr. J. Donovan was referee. NEWTON OUTPLAYED In an attractive exhibition of the code Mount Albert ran up a telling lead over Newton in the first half and, although the latter worked much more smoothly and effectively in the second spell, Mount Albert held to its advantage to win by a margin of 11 points. Supporting a virile pack the Mount Albert backs showed cohesive qualities, whereas tho opposing back division rolied too much on individual effort. McLachlan shaped up to the fast forwards confidently, providing Mount Albert with a dependable last lino of defence. His handling, positional play and kicking were excellent. Banham, Cato and Cowley dominated the back play, Banham timing his transferences nicely and frequently running round to support the other backs when a movement developed. Gunning led a hardworking pack in splendid style. Tho margin against Nowton would undoubtedly have been prreater but for tho cool and determined defending of Dempscy at fullback. Several times lie snapped up tho ball from the toes of the Mount Albert forwards and got his kick in to break up attacks which seemed certain to result in tries. Stephens, Richards and Brimble were the best attacking backs, Richards especially impressing with his speed and skill. Taylor was the outstanding forward. Tries were scored for Mount Albert by Clements, Cato and Gunning. Banham converted two. Dempsey kicked a penalty goal for Newton. Mr. O. Chalmers was referee. NORTH SHORE SUCCESSFUL Playing improved football in the second half, North Shoro defeated City in a wellcontested game on No. '2 ground. The gamo was marred by too much kicking by the backs of both teams. City bad numerous chances in the first half, when tries were missed by over-eagerness. Ono of the 1.-ost movements iu tho game came from a nice run by Jackson and Gillgren, who passed to Raisbeck, for Simpson to score a fino try. City led at half-time by S points to -1. In tho second half however. North Shore persistently attacked, and its backs settled down to play attractive football. There was, however. 100 much kicking by Chatham and Greenwood. Donaldson, at centre, was starved wheii in excellent scoring positions. A fine solo try by McArthur from the halfback position was a feature of tho last 10 minutes of play. For the winners V. Scott, nt fullback, played a sound gamo. His fielding in the first half checked several dangerous City attacks. L. Scott showed dash on the wing. Donaldson played a heady game, nnd at halfhack McArthur did a lot of useful work. E. Scott, Field and Macintosh were the pick of the forwards. Simpson, at second five-eighths for City, was the best back on tho ground, and he pivoted the attack on many occasions. Clarko played a splendid gamo at fullback, whilo Gould, on the wing, made tho most of few opportunities. Jackson, Gilgren, Mageo and Smith were tho best of ■ tho forwards. For North Shore tries, were scored by E, Scott, Graham and McArthur. V. Scott converted two tries nnd kicked a penalty goal. Donaldson also kicked a penalty goal. For City, Mageo and Simpson scorecl a try each, and Clarko kicked a penalty goal. Mr. H. Tato was referee. MARIST WINS EASILY Marist easily defeated the Papakura thirteen by 27 points to 8. The winners gavo a bright exhibition of the code, particularly tho backs, which threw tho ball about in good style. The Papakura backs wero outpaced, although they defended well against a superior set. Matthews, of Marist, usod his snood to advantage, and, with Hughes nnd Unlmann, comprised the main attacking force. Tries were scored for Marist by Matthews, Finlayson, McWilliams, Hughes and W. Grotto. Uhlinunn and McWilliams each converted a try, and McWilliams kicked four penalty goals. For Papakura, R. and V, rial Key scored a try each, and Mclnnes kicked a penalty goal. Mr. K. Mclver was refereo. HUNTLY DEFEATS MANUKAU In a well-contested game tho Huntly toam defeated Manukau by 2ii points to 13 at Waikaraka Park. Tho visitors gavo a good exhibition, and pleased tho crowd with fast, open football. In the first half tho Huntly backs wore successful ,ou attack, and good passing was a featuro of tho play. Tho visitors' forwards outplayed tho Mnnukau vanguard und wore superior in scrum work. Playing at fivo-olghths far Huntly, Devornll was tho outstanding man on attack. Ho made many Bplondld openings and generally impressed as an inside back of exceptional promise. Tauhoa also did a lot of splendid work. Moyes, tho Huntly back-row forwahi, stood out as tho best forward on tho ground. Ho is a player likely to gain representative honours should tho game eventuuto between Auckland and tho rest of New Zoaland. Chase played an oxcellont game for Manukau and his try wub a really brilliant effort. Wateno and Ririnul played good games among the forwards. For Huntly, Deverall scored three tries, and McGaughran and Minnix one each. Moyes convorted two tries and Shaw kicked a penalty goal and converted ono try. For Manukau, Wateno, Awhitu and Chaso scored a try each, and Homi converted two trios. Mr. G. Kelly was reforee. —, 1 LOWER GRADE RESULTS; Senior B Grade. —Ellerslie, 10. Point Chevalier, r>i Otahuhu, fi, Northcoto, 3. Senior Reserve Grade.—Mount Albert, 85, Newtou, 7; City, 13, North Third Grade. —Mount Albert, 34, Ponsonby, •I; Otahuhu, 14, City, 11. Fourth Grade. —Richmond. 10, City, 5. Fifth Grade.—EUorsllo, 10, Mount AlSehoolboys,—lntermediate grade: Mount Albert, 0, Point Chevalier, 3. MATCHES IN CHRISTCHURCH [BY TKI.EORAPH —TOKSS ASSOCIATION] CHRISTCHURCH, Sunday League football matches played yesterday resulted: Hornby, 20, Waimain, lGj Sydenham, 12, Addinglon, 13.