THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23986, 9 June 1941, Page 3

THE LEAGUE CODE

SENIOR PREMIERSHIP

VICTORY FOR MANUKAU

RICHMOND WINS EASILY

In spite of heavy rain for several days previously, Carlaw Park was in good condition for Die senior championship games played under the control of the Auckland liugby League on (Saturday. In a hard contest, which (ltd not feature many outstanding movements, Manukau defeated City in tho principal attraction. North Shore accounted for Marist in the curtain-raiser, while Richmond had a runaway victory over Papakuru in tiie main game on No. '2 ground, a feature of which was the scoring of seven tries by A. J. Sayers, who was assisted by splendid team-work. Mount Albert secured a close decision over Newton in the early match. Following were the scores:— Manukau, 11, City, o; North Shore. 'J7. Marist, Mount Albert. r_», Newton, .11; Richmond, «'-> l'auakura, -i.

Manukau v. City,—Under the heavy conditions, Manukau carried too much weight in the forwards for the City side, while its backs handled better and showed a greater variety of attacking methods. Nevertheless City fought on well and the issue was still in doubt until close to the final whistle. Tho Manukau pack was bolstered by the inclusion of the Wellington and international player, J. Cootes, who soon established an understanding with his supports and gave a useful display. Kirinui, Shiiton and Watene. the last-named replacing Marsh, also gave solid exhibitions, Shiiton being prominent for clean handling and smart Tunning in tho loose. In spite of determined tackling by the City backs and forwards, the Manukau rearguard occasionally made ground with neat interpassing and incisive running. Broughton, Chase and Martin were the cleverest, tho last-named also Figuring prominently on defence, while Butler proved himself a hard and elusive-running wing. With good positional play and lengthy kicking, Herni filled the fullback position capably. Clarke also performed well at fullback for City, intercepting and handling with judgment. Grotto showed versatility behind the scrum, working imperlurbably in the face of (inick smothering. Findlater. ]f. Maflaira and Jackson were the best of the forwards. Tries were scored for Manukau by Butler Ci). Watene converting one. A try by Grotte and a penalty goal by Clarke comprised City's points. Mr. J. Donovan was referee.

North Shore v. Marist. —The play moved at a fairly fast pace throughout, with North Shore holding the ascendancy both in the backs and tile forwards, but Marist replied gamely, its vanguard showing wit mostly in fast-raiding counter movements. North Shore had control of the scrum, however, and its forwards also combined better in the open, oftui supporting the (lacks in quick penetration. J. Smith, the North Shore centre, as well as playing a prominent attacking role, kicked several fine goals. McArthnr, Chatham and Clarke did good work close to the scrum, while the leading forwards were Peterson. Fields and Hunt. Anderson led the Marist pack In fine stylo, receiving good support from McLeod, Finiayson and BarchaTd. McWilliarns and Donovan, who were well served by Crocker, showed initiative, but were checked by sound tackling. Bush and Smith also played well. Tries were scored for North Shore by McArthur. Peterson Chatham and Clarke. (Smith converted five and also kicked a penalty goal. Anderson scored a try for Marist. Mr. E. Pope was referee. Richmond v. Papakura.—Excellent teamwork by Richmond was a feature of a highscorintr victory over Papakura, which provided stout opposition in Ihe first half. Once Richmond settled down its backs showed up in passing movements and on the wing Sayers used his speed to score seven tries. Papakura failed lo cross the Richmond line. 'J he second half was a succession of tries for Richmond. which was without the services of D. Solomon and Mitchell. Papakura was at a disadvantage, losing the ball from almost every scrum. On the wing. Sayers was seen to advantage, and it is many years since one player scored seven tries in a club match. Behind the scrum. Webb gave excellent service and was in every successful movement. TiHlcton. at centre, was very solid, and his straight running gave Sayers most of his chances. At live-eighths, Graham, who is 011 military leave, played a brilliant game and is the most-improved back in recent years. In the forwards, L. Davis was outstanding. Broadhead and Crookall also played good games. For Papakura, Seymour, at fullback, carne through a trying game with, credit. Smith, at five-eighths, did good work. In the forwards, Pinfold. Tate and T. Hogan played good games. 'For Richmond, tries were scored by Sayers (7). Jack, Davis and Broadhead. Webb converted one try. For Papakura. Seymour kicked two penalty goals. Mr. "J. Hawkes was referee. Newton v. Mount Albert.—Fast and open play was a feature of the game between Mount Albert and Newton, won by the former by one point. Mount Albert had the better of the first half and should have scored more tries. The Mount Albert backs gave a good display and combined well 011 occasions. Newton had much the better of the second half, and was a little unlucky not to win. Emus, who kicked several splendid goals, missed a penally kick which would have resulted in a win. Both teams are Improving each week. For the winners, Mclnnarney. at five-eighths, played a fine game and made several nice openings which produced tries. Cowley, at centre, was also prominent on attack Behind the scrum. Clements cave excellent service and was' really responsible for the superiority of the Mount Albert backs. C. List was a tower of strength among the forwards, and Shadbolt- and Tristram gave good support. The Newton backs were well served by Watkins. Green, at five-eighths, was the best back. Emus and Cheater, the wings, played good games. Arfiong the forwards. Everitt was the best on the ground. For Mount Albert, tries were scored by Cowlev and Tristram, while Clements converted two tries and B. Cranch kicked a penalty goai. For Newton. Cheater scored a try. \Cnch was converted by Emus, who also kicked three penalty goals. Mr. G. Kelly was referee.- '* LOWER GRADE GAMES Senior B Grade.—Mount Albert won from Mnnukau by default. Third Grade.—Green Lane, 12, Richmond, 3; City, in. Ponsonby, 11. Sixth Grade.—Richmond. IS, Devonport, 0; Richmond. 17, Ponsonby, 2; Green Lane, 7, Ellerslie. 3. Schoolboys.—Seniors: Point Chevalier, I*2, Avomlale, 0. Intermediate: Green Lane, 20, Ellerslie. 3; Point Chevalier, 12, Richmond, :i. Juniors: Point Chevalier, 3. Glenora, 3; Green Lane, G, North Shore, 3. MATCHES IN CHRISTCHURCH [HV TKLEGIIAPTI —PRKSS ASSOCIATION*] CHR7STCHURCH, Sunday League football matches played yesterday resulted: —Sydenham, 'l7, Addington. 2: Linwood, 12, Woolston, 5; Hornby Rakaia, 10, Wainiairi, 0.