THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23774, 30 September 1940, Page 10

THE LEAGUE CODE

RICHMOND SUPERIOR ROOPE ROOSTER SUCCESS A DECISIVE VICTORY Showing superior combination, Richmond decisively defeated Ponsonby in the final of tho Auckland Rugby League's Itoope Rooster competition, which was played at Carlaw Park on Saturday before a crowd of about (5000. A light shower of rain made tho ball greasy, but it in no way affected tho underfoot conditions. Tho Richmond backs gave a high-class display, and in the second half overwhelmed Ponsoubv.

The Pliclnn Sliiold games resulted'in wins for .Mount Albert, Manukau and City. Results were as follows:—

Roope Rooster Final.—Richmond, 31, Ponsonb.v, 0. Phelan Shield. —Mount Albert, 10, North Shore, D: Manukau, 1211, Marist, 0; City, 11, Papakura, 0.

PONSONBY BACKS WEAK Following an easy victory against Mount Albert, Ponsonby was expoetud to extend Richmond, but the latter proved superior in nil departments. Few of the Ponsonby backs ran straight, and from the base of tho scrum (lie ball came very slowly to Kay and Riley, the usual pivot of the attack. Considering the frequency with which the Ponsonby backs got the ball, it was very disappointing, that they failed to penetrate the defence. Neither team settled down in the first half, which was very evenly contested, and Richmond led by five points to four. The Ponsonby backs continued to make mistakes, particularly Jordon, who was slow in his movements at first five-eighths. Richmond settled down to play constructive football, and the forwards save the backs excellent support. Ponsonby was completely upset by the swiftness and thrust of the Richmond attack. In positional play the Richmond rearguard was much superior. The Ponsonby forwards found the Richmond pack too heavy, and they tired badly in tho last 'JO minutes. Ponsonby lost two plavers through injuries. Williams, the halfback, retired in tho first half, and was replaced by Dacre. In the second half, Scott was hurt and the team played a man short for most of the time. However, it would have taken a very fine combination to lift the honours from Richmond, whicli has now won both the senior championship and the Roope Rooster competition. A feature of the game was'the brilliant play of W. Tittleton, at centre-threequartcrs for' Richmond. His straight running was an objoct lesson. Tittleton, who played easily his best game this season, tackled very soundly. Solomon.was responsible for somo verv heady plav and started many movements which resulted in tries. Graham was not as prominent on attack as usual, but he did good work nevertheless. Tho Richmond five-eighths received some hard knocks early, and this may have taken the sharpness off Graham's usual play. At fullback, McWilliams made no mistakes and was very sound. Furnell was hurt earlv in the game and was replaced by Harrison. Mitchell gave an outstanding display among a splendid set of forwards. He was in most of the back movements, and his first trv was a fine effort. Devine and Crookall also played well, white McLeod, now at the veteran stage, showed he has lost littlo of his former dash. McLood kicked some splendid g °Kav, who scored all of Ponsonby's points, was the best of the backs. His try was a brilliant effort. Nurse, on the wing, played a good game. He is the most-improved wing in the code. Scott performed well at fullback and is a promising player. Among tho forwards. Briggs, Dunning and Morgan gave useful service. rplt( . For Richmond, tries were scored bv imleton CO, Mitchell Harrison and Takle, MeLeod converted four tries and Takie one. l'or Ponsonby. Kay scored a try, which he converted, and he also kicked two penalty goals. Mr. J. Donovan was referee. Mount Albert v. North Shore.—For Mount Albert Leafherbarrow scored two tries, which he converted. For North Shore Davis scored a trv. which Smith converted. Hie latter also kicked two penalty goals. Mr. O. Chalmers was referee. . City v. Papakura.—For City, tries were scored bv Smith, Donovan, Hughes and H. Mataira. Ellis converted one try. Mr. O. Kelly was referee. Marist v. Manukau. — For Manukau. Broughton scored two tries, and Awhitu, Martin- and Maguire one each. Henn converted three tries and kicked a penalty goal. For Marist Hughes, Breed and Barchard scored a try each. Mr. K. Mclver was referee. LOWER GRADE RESULTS Third Grade.—Otahuhn. 23, The Rest, 5. Fifth Grade. —Richmond, 9. Ellershe. 5. Sixth Grade. —Newton, 11, Papakura. 10.