THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23744, 26 August 1940, Page 10

THE LEAGUE CODE

HUNTLY TBIUMPHANT SPECIAL CHALLENGE MATCH RICHMOND SIDE OUTPLAYED The Huntl}' South thirteen, revealing an excellent all-round knowledge of the code, proved superior to Richmond, winner of the .Auckland championship, ill the special challenge match staged at Carlaw Park on Saturday before an attendance of about 4000. The Hunthpi ay crs made a fine impression, and their success was highly popular with the spectators. A further series in the Auckland championship was also decided. In a sparkling curtain-raiser on No. 1 ground, Manukau got the better of North Shore. Ponsonby con-' tinued its improvement to account for Marist in the principal match on No. 2 ground, while City triumphed over Newton in the early contest. Mount. Albert defeated Papakura at Fowlds Park. Following were the scores:—Huntly, 10, Richmond, 5; Manukau, 13, North Shore. 7; Ponsonby, 21, Marist, 3; City, 10. Newton, 3; Mount Albert, 48, Papakura, 22. ADVANTAGE IN FORWARDS HUNTLY WINGER IMPRESSES Although Richmond has been seen to better advantage, on the day it was an inferior side to Huntly South in the challenge contest. and the visitors, who gave an excellent interpretation of the League game, varying virile forward play with clever initiative among the backs, gained a well-deserved victory. The ITuntly pack soon got the measure of the Richmond forwards, and, although the latter offered strong opposition throughout, the visiting vanguard had that little advantage both in the tight and the loose which permitted it to open up play for its hack line. With Tittleton missing from the Richmond back line, the Auckland champions did not move with their customary , freedom and accuracy, in spite of herculean efforts by Solomon at five-eighths. The visitors had confidence in T. Shaw at fullback, his handling, kicking and positional play beinp: fcood. He also impressed as a fine place-kick. Outstanding members Of the back division were Tarplett, a determined and sprightly winger, and Deverall, whose opportunism at five-eighths was responsible for some splendid movements. Tarplett had fine support from Jiis inside men. but, apart from proving a reliable link in the back chain, lie also impressed with his individual brilliance. Although sometimes covered by as many as three Richmond men, he gained ground with brilliant weaving and side-stepping. Deverall, who fielded the ball well at all heights, ran straight whenever an opening appeared. With smart fservice from R. Shaw, who toiled manfully behind the scrum, the back line handled neatly, and occasionally disconcerted Richmond with unorthodox touches. Moyes, McAllister and G. Stevens were, fast ori the ball and solid tacklers, and they formed a deadly spearhead for a hard-working pack. The line-kicking of McWilliams, the Richmond fullback, was expensive at times. The Richmond threequarter line seldom appeared dangerous, and, with Graham, at first fiveeighths, erratic in his handling, the burden of the attack was left, to Solomon. Lacking confidence in his supports, however, he could not achieve a great deal. Mitchell, Davis and McLcod offered the stoutest opposition in the forwards. Tries were scored for Huntly South by Tarplett and Deverall. T. Shaw converted one and kicked a penalty goal. Graham scored for Richmond and McLeod kicked a penalty goal. Mr. K. Mclver was referee. SPECTACULAR PLAY Free handling and fast raiding by forwards and backs were features of the contest between Manukau and North Shore, which the former won by 13 points to 7. The first half provided brilliant exchanges, with the advantage fluctuating in an exciting fashion as play was swept from end to end by speedy bouts of handling. North Shore made a sterling effort in the closing stages, but the Maoris' clever cover defence repulsed the invaders. A versatile display was given among the Jlfnnukau backs by Martin, who gave great service on defence with dour tackling and quick interceptions. All the backs figured prominently, Mahima getting the rearguard off the mark quickly with his volatile scrum play, Hemi and Broughton revealing fine constructive ability at five-eifrhths. and Chase, Butler and Awhitu playing their part admirably in furthering aggressive moves. The fast conditions appealed to the Manukau players and permitted them to exploit open methods to the fullest. Ririnui. Shilton and Marsh were the most prominent forwards. The North Shore side owed much to its hard-working forwards, who repeatedly made ground by skilful dribbling and good handling, and also opened up movements for their backs. Peterson, Fields. E. Scott and Mackintosh were responsible for virile attacking and defending. McArthur played gamely at halfback, while Solomon and Smith were dependable at five-eighths without being outstanding. Clarke and Chatham showed the most initiative in the threequarter line, and Scott was sound at fullback. Martin, Hemi and Butler scored tries for Manukau. Hemi converted one and kicked a penalty goal. Donaldson scored for North Shore and Smith converted. Clarke secured a field goal. Mr. G. Kelly was referee. DECISIVE VICTORY Ponsonby decisively defeated Marist in a fast, open game on No. 2 ground. The Ponsonby backs again gave an excellent display and were superior all round to the Marist sel. Marist put up a strong front in the first half, hut in the second spell I'onspnby settled Jinni to play more constructive football. From almost every Scrum, Gordon and Kay, the five-eighths, gained useful ground and penetrated deeply. But for the excellent defence of Glover, the score would have been higher. The Ponsonby forwards, too, were a little superior in the --loose, although on occasions the Marist pack' did effective work. Tho good handling and speed of the Ponsonby side proved the deciding factor jn its welldeserved success. Playing his first senior game, Jordan, a •(former Northcote junior, was the beat of the Ponsonby backs. He made some nice openings, and his first try was full of merit, Jor-' dan combined well with Kay, whose clever running and elusive swerve paved the way for two tries. On the wing, Riley, a former Auckland and New Zealand representative, showed that he retains excellent attacking ability. Takle played a sound game at fullback, und Carr ran with determination. Both Nurse, at centre, and Williams, behind the scrum, played their part well. Among the forwards, Briggs and Laird made a good impression, especially the former, who is one of the best forwards in the code for his size. Flanagan was again a successful hooker. Matthews, on the wing, played well for Marist, as did Glover at fullback. The renu'inder of the backs were beaten by superior forces. Among the forwards, Barchard, Finla.vson and C.rotte played good games For Ponsonby. tries were scored by Nurse (2), Jordan, Laird and Riley. Kay converted two tries and kicked a penalty goal. For Marist, McLeod scored a try. Mr. S. Billman was roferoe. CITY SLIGHTLY SUPERIOR City proved a little too good for Newton In a game, which, for the most, part, was ragged and uninteresting. Play was not commenced until 25 minutes after tho scheduled starling timo, with the result that short spells were played. The City backs did most of tho attacking, and eafi.v in the first half dominated the game. Newton lost Stephens through an injury, and he was replaced by R. Brimble. The City forwards infused plenty of vigour in their play, and gave the Newton bucks a busy time. City had the advantage at half-time, and led by seven points. F.ach team scored a try in the second half. The City backs showed more, enterprise in the second half, particularly the Inside men. Hughes, Simpson and Nesbitt. Newton lost, scoring chances through faulty handling. A feature of the game was the fine display of Clarke, at fullback for City. He rarely missed the ball on the full, and frequently

raced to the threequarters and started attacking movements. Hughes did a lot of good work at halfback, and Simpson, the second five-eighths, played a heady game. C. Gould was prominent on the wing. Mataira, who played his first game for some weeks, was the pick of the City forwards. n Tho best of the Newton backs was Kendall, at centre, and Sander, five-eighths. There was, however, a lack of combination, and most of the backs kicked too much. Dempsey got through much useful work at fullback, and Oliver, behind the scrum, put plenty of energy into his play. Taylor, Everitt and Zimmerman were the best of tho forwards. For City, H. Mataira and Hughes scored tries. Clarke kicked two penalty goals. For Newton, Taylor scored one. try. Mr, J. O'Shannessey was referee. WIN FOR MOUNT ALBERT In a championship match played at Fowlds Park, Mount Albert defeated Papakura by ■lB points to 22. RESULTS IN LOWER GRADES Third Grade.—Otahuhu, 10, Mount. Albert, ."5; Richmond, 13, Glenora, 0. Fourth Grade. —Richmond, 32, Green Lane, 'J. Fifth Grade.—lOtahuhu, 2-1, Northcote. 0. Schoolboys' Matches. Representative game: Auckland Schoolboys, 30, Taranaki Schoolboys, 3. Intermediate grade, final: Mount Albert, 10, Avondale, 0. REPRESENTATIVE TEAMS Considerable interest is being taken in the annual fixture between the Auckland Rugby League representatives and the Maori team, to be played at Carlaw Park next Saturday. The proceeds of the match will go to the injured players' fund. The teams are as follows : Auckland.—Fullback, V. Scott; threequarters, J. Smith, A. Kay, A. Graham, R. Nurse; halfbacks, R. Banhani, Williams (Richmond); forwards, Tj. Davis. H. Flanagan. D. Shadbolt, IT. M. Milliken, J. Gunning, E. Scott. Reserves: Fields, Taylor, Cowley, Mclnnarhey. Maoris.—Fullback, Martin; threequarters, Chase, IJeini, Butler; five-eighths, Solomon, Donaldson; halfback, Mahima; forwards. H. Mataira, W. Mataira. McLcod. Mitchell, Ririnui, Tristram. Reserves: W. Brimble, Brouprhton. Te Tai, Shilton, Briggs, Kendall. Players not available arc requested to notify the secretary of the Auckland Rugby League, Mr. I. Culpan, immediately. Both teams will train at Carlaw Park to-morrow and on Thursday. GAMES IN WELLINGTON [BY TF.r.KGItAPII PRKSS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON. Sunday Matches played in the League sonior knock-out competition yesterday resulted: — Miramar, 16, Newtown, 8; Petone, 27, Randwick, 3.