THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23945, 21 April 1941, Page 4

THE LEAGUE CODE

PRELIMINARY SERIES BRIGHT PLAY WITNESSED RICHMOND SIDE IMPRESSES Judging by the keenness of the players and the good standard in the first preliminary series decided at Carlaw Park on Saturday, prnsjiects are bright for another successful Rugby League season. Prominent players were missing from several of the teams, hut most of (lie clubs fielded strong sides and a number of promoted juniors showed considerable promise. Conditions were excellent for the preliminary series and the exchanges were much more willing and exciting than was anticipated fur the opening Saturday. Richmond showed its calibre in the principal game against Manukau. giving a fine allround display to win easily. Pousonby at times revealed dashing form to defeat .Maris!, while North Shore also impressed in defeating Newton. City came out on lop after an interesting encounter with Papakura. The scores were as follows:—Richmond, al, Manukau, 17; North Shore, Newton, ; Ponsonhy, -'V, Marist, 1U; City, lit, Papakura, I'-'.

Richmond v. Manukau.—-In spite of stern resistance by the .Manukau side, Richmond carried too much strength for its opponents in the principal fixture, the speed, clever handling and excellent recovery work of the Richmond hacks being the deciding factor. Webb, at halfback. Solomon and Graham, five-eighths, and Titt'elon, at centre-three-quarter, present a back combination that will take a great deal of holding. A newcomer wlio should prove a valuable acquisition is A. .1. Sa.vers, former New Zealand 110 yards champion and British Empire Games representative. He played on the wing in I lie first half, where he impressed with his powerful running and clever anticipation. The Richmond pack worked with its usual dash, Davis and Mackintosh showing up consistently. The latter has secured a transfer from the North Shore Club. Manukau has a wealth of talent from which to mould a strong senior side, and its exhibition on Saturday will probably be improved on when the team gets past the experimental stage. T. Chase, versatile as ever, was the outstanding figure in the back line. .Murray and Puller also showed speed and initiative, while earnest toilers in the pack were Shilton and Marsh. Tries were scored for Richmond by Solomon ('J), Davis. Broadhead, Sayers, Graham, Mackintosh and Kinney. Webb converted five. Butler and Murray scored tries for tho losers. Chaso converted two and kicked a penalty goal. .Murray also kicked a penalty goal. Mr. G. Kelly was referee.

Ponsonby v. Marlst. —The forward play was very willing and fho tackling deadly in the Ponsonby-Marist clash. Indeed, th« exchanges appeared too vigorous at times, especially in view of the fact that the fixture was little rnoro than a friendly workout. Ponsonby tried out. a number of now players, and the sido as a whole, with Kay a dominant figure in the hank division, played impressively. A feature of the Ponsonby vanguard's display was the free handling and keen anticipation of Brlggs, who scored three tries. The Marist side was shaded by a team which was faster to yap up opportunities in the loose and which Covered up innre efficiently on defence. Anderson led the pack in convincing style. Tries were scored for Ponsonby by Bridges (3), Kay ('2), White and Morrell. Kay converted three. Anderson and Donovan scored tries for Marist arid the former kicked two penalties. Mr. ,1. O'Shanncssy was referee. Norih Shore v. Newton.—Good form was shown North Shore, which comfortably defeated Newton in a game in which several fine movements were seen. Many of last year's players turned out- for North Shore, and in the second half three juniors were given a chance. Among the North Shore players, V. Scott and J. Smith, both New Zealand representatives, were the pick of the backs. Wilkie and McArthur were also good. Peterson showed speed in the forwards. Among the juniors tried. J. Laing was the most impressive. Newton was not up to fnil strength, but the learn Is expected to be improved by next Saturday. Prominent among the backs was Green, a centrc-threequarter from Avondaln juniors. In the forwards. Finders, Butler and Zimmerman were conspicuous. For North Shore tries were scored by Clarke, Chatham, Peterson, Wilkie and McArthur. Smith and Peterson kicked a penalty goal each, and Scott kicked a field goal. For Newton, Emus

scored a try and 'lrrdrea kicked a penalty goal. Mr. ,J. Jones was referee. City v. Papakura.—Although City heat Papakura there was not niueh to choose between the teams. Papakura was not !>y any means strong, hut it held City for most of the time. The outstanding City hack was R. Grotte, formerly of Marist. \vho>e clever play behind the scrum naved City from defeat. New players in Mc.Manus, of Otahnhu juniors, Donovan (hack), and Morris iforward) showed tn advantage. Mataira and Jackson stood out aiming the forwards. The Halsey brothers were the iiick of the hacks. For Cily Donovan .scored two tries and Dwyer one. Donovan converted two trio ami kicked a penally goal, and Hrassey converteil one try and kicked a penalty goal. For Papakura. If. Halsev and L. Flalsey scored a try each. Mclnne- converted one try and kicked two penalty goa'.s. Mr H. Tale was referee.