THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23756, 9 September 1940, Page 5

THE LEAGUE CODE

MOUNT ALBERT WINS SURPRISE FOR RICHMOND ROOPE ROOSTER MATCHES In a fast and colourful contest at Carlaw Park on Saturday Mount Albert gave a good display to account for Richmond, which had already won the premiership honours. Tlie game was to decide the runner-up in the championship, but Richmond's unexpected defeat complicated the position, as two teams, Mount Albert and North Shore, are now equal in second place. The first spell was marred > repeatedly by faulty handling, the players having difficulty in controlling the lively ball, but more accurate play and greater | initiative were shown by both teams in the second spell. Tho game attracted an attendance of about 5000. The popular Roope Rooster competition was also commenced, two games being decided. Marist wore down Newton's resistance in the principal game on No. 2 ground, while in the curtain-raiser 011 the main ground Papakuru proved too strong for Otahuhu. Following were the scores:— Championship.—Mount Albert, 25; Richmond, '2l. ,t 1 r, Roope Rooster. —Marist, 12, Newton, 2; Papakuru, 23, Otahuhu, 0. MISTAKES PROVE COSTLY Excessive fumbling being in evidence the first spell of the game betwoen'Mount Albert and Richmond lacked sparkle, in spite of the fact that promising movements were started in tho forwards and from the base of tho scrum by both teams. Much brighter play was witnessed in the second half, howevor. when Richmond inadci a late run which almost proved successful. Although Mount Albert is to be commended for its opportunism, Richmond had itself mostly to blame for its defeat. At least two of the tries scored by Mount Albert were gifts, being made possible by faulty work among the Richmond backs. Although' shaky for a start, Clements soon settled down to prove a vital force in the Mount Albert attack. His scrum servico was excellent and he also showed individual talent. Banliam was working the attack in a brainy fashion, setting Cato and Cowley running with brisk passes, and also varying his methods nicely to find gaps with well-placed stab kicks. The hacks all smothered quickly on defence, particularly (rood work in this respect being dono by Cowley, Banham and Cranch. Gunning, who scored two splendid tries, was the best forward on the ground. He followed the ball in terrier fashion from start to finish, being responsible for brilliant attacking and defensive work. Splendid support came from Shadbolt, Leatherbarrow and Tristram. Solomon, Tittleton and Graham were the most dangerous backs for Richmond, but even these could make little headway until late .in the game. Tho backing up of tho Richmond players was not as convincing as usual, which permitted Mount Albert to stage Quick recoveries. The forwards all played well, with Devine, who replaced Potter in tho first spell, giving his backs the most assistance. Tries were scored for Mount Albert by Gunning (2), Mclnnarney, Cranch and Tristram. Clements converted two and Banham one, tho latter also kicking two penalty goals. The try-scorers for Richmond were Tittleton, Harrison and Graham. Furneil converted two and kicked four penalty goals. Mr. G. Kelly was referee. Marist v. Newton.—Superior combination by Marist was tho deciding factor in its success against Newton, although the 10-point margin was not a true indication of the game. The Newton backs did a lot of attacking, but there was a lack of, finish when scoring opportunities presented themselves. The Marist backs were faster all round, and profited by the mistakes of Newton. Tho forwards wero evenly matched, and generally the play was not constructive. There was far too much kicking by both teams. The best of the Marist backs was Matthews, 011 the wing. He did a lot of useful work, and used his speed to advantage. Only strong tackling_ by Dcmpsey prevented Matthews from scoring. Nicholson worked hard at halfback, and Hughes, five-eighths, tackled soundly. Both McWilliams and Chalmers were prominont on attack, but they indulged in too much kicking. Breed, Barchard, Grotte and Anderson played good games among the forwards. Newton fielded threo third : .grade players, and Burton, a five-eighths, played a good game. Deinpsey was a tower of strength at fullback, although he was no better than Glover, of Marist. The honours wore equal on tho day. Oliver, the halfback, put plenty of vigour into his play. Among the forwards Ginders, Taylor, Kendall and Brady worked well. For Marist, Anderson, Breed, Hughes and McWilliams scored a try each. For Newton, Dempsey kicked a penalty goal- Mr. J. Donovan was referee. Otahuhu v. Papakura.—The first appearunco of Otahuhu in tho senior competition attracted interest in the curtain-raiser, but Papakura had little difficulty in beating the junior champions. Otahuhu showed up in the first half, but in the second Papakura dominated the game. Tho Papakura forwards were much heavier than those of Otahulru. and this was a decided advantage. Both teams, however, made the game open, and good passing movements were a feature of the play. Otahuhu was unlucky to lose, through injury, O. McManus, the centre-threequarter. At fullback for Papakura Mclnnes played a sound game, and was prominent in opening up the play. Hosken played well on the wing, and ho and C'ossoy, five-eighths, were tho best backs. Hogan, the halfback, also played a fine game. Among the forwards Milliken worked very hard and took part in most of the open play. Fogarty made a good impression, as did Francis, who followed up well. For Otahuhu Mullins, five-eighths, and P. McManus, on the wing, played good football. Tho Otahuhu forwards were outclassed. However, T. Johnston and Philip did good work. For Papakura tries wero scored by Hosken (2), Halsey, Hogan and Francis. Mclnnes converted three tries and kicked one penalty goal. For Otahuhu Johnston scored one try and Mullins kicked two penalty goals and converted tho try. Mr. K. Mclver was referee. LOWER GRADE MATCHES Senior Reserve Grade.—Point Chevalier, 12, North Shore. 10; Ellorslie won by default from Manukau; Mount Albert 9, Richmond, 0.

Second Grade.—Mount Albert, 25, Richmond, 21. Third Grade. —Otahuhu won from Ponsonby by default. Fourth Grade.—City, 10, Avondale, 0; North Shore, 8, Papakura. 8; Otahuhu, 21, Green Lane, 6. Fifth Grade. —Final: Richmond, 22, City, 5; Point Chevalier, 14, Richmond, S.