THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 24010, 7 July 1941, Page 5

THE LEAGUE CODE

SENIOE PKEMIEKSHIP NORTH SHORE STILL LEADS RICHMOND SHADES MANUKAU With the decision of the last series of Karnes in the first round of the Auckland Kugby senior championship, North Shore holds a two-point lead from Richmond, which showed improved form after two successive defeats to account for Mannkau iir the principal fixture at Carlaw Park on Saturday, One of the largest attendances of the season witnessed the prat, which, although it did not produce the bright back movements anticipated, provided a fine exhibition of rugged forward play. North Shore easily defeated Mount Albert in the curtain-raiser, the lattor failing to maintain it« recent good form, while Ponsonby proved too strong for Newton in the main attraction on No. 2 ground. In the early fixture Papakura put up a game showing, but Marist won comfortably. Following were the scores: —Richmond, 0, Manukau. 7; Marist, 15. Pnpakura, 3; Ponsonby, 15, Newton, 0: North Shore, 30, Mount Albert, 8. Manukau v. Richmond,—The Manukau team had the support of a large section of the crowd when it met last year's champions in the principal contest, but, although the Maoris made valiant efforts—the forwards especially showing to advantage—they could not match the speed and cohesion of Richmond, and the two-point margin in the latter's faronr was flattering to the losers. In the first half there was little to choose between the teams. Afterwards, except for spasmodic burst* of energy on the part of the Maoris forwards and occasional individual work among the backs, the Richmond side had a firm grip on the exchanges and looked a winning team. Excellent tackling by both sides checked initiative among the backs. Quicker decision in all its movements and a better idea of attacking technique raised the display of Richmond above that of it# opponent. The opposing packs often became locked in strenuous encounters which aroused enthusiasm. and the heavier Maori set. although tiring badlv, wag game to the finish. In spite of taking a severe drubbing from the Maori forwards. Webb was as smart and versatile as ever behind the Richmond pack, his good service helping Solomon to give a dominant display in the backs. Defensively Solomon could not be faulted, whils his clean handling and ability to crowd on extra pace at vital moments had a decisive effect. It cannot be said that the support of the remaining backs was in any way outstanding, but Magiil, at fullback, played a sound game. There were no slackers in the vanguard, which showed its class in the tight and the loose. Davis, Potter. Mitchell and Mackintosh were the most impressive. It was unusual to 6ee Chase showing faulty judgment at fullback for Manukau, his handling and positional play both revealing weaknesses. But for 6mart covering by Murray, Hemi and Martin, some of his mistakes would have proved costly. Shilton did not fill Oliver's place very capably, but when he did get the ball away from the scrum the Manukau inside backs made the mistake of going too far on their own. Butler battled hard for the few chances he got, while Murray and Martin also ran determinedly on occasions. In a hard-working pack, Watene, Thew and Te Tai were the most consistent. Tries were scored for Richmond by Solomon, Sayers and Jack. A penalty try was awarded to Awhitu, of Manukau, while Hemi kicked two penalty goals. Mr. J. Donovan was refree. North Shore v. Mount Albert. Mount Albert was responsible for a disappointing showing against North Shore, the latter easily stemming offensive movements by the opposition and hitting back with fast forward raids and clever inter-play in the rearguard. The Mount Albert pack was demoralised by the speed and power of the North Shore forwards. who made the scrums run much as they pleased and took advantage of most openings and any mistakes by the Mount Albert backs. A polished exhibition of fullback play by North Shore's international, J. Smith, grea-lly assisted the winning team. Smith drove back the Mount Albert side with lengthy and accurate line-kicking, while his handling, tackling and positional play were first-class. McArthur was on the alert behind the North Shore pack, and Clarke and Chatham profited by the halfbacks good service. Peterson led the forwards in his usual dashing style, best support coming from Hunt and Graham. B. Cranch and Cowley occasionally flashed into prominence in the Mount Albert rearguard, but most of the backs had a dejected appearance with the game only two-thirds run. Hard toilers in the forwards were Leatherbarrow C. List and Tristram. Peterson (2), Wilkie (2), Greenwood and Clarke scored for North Shore. Smith converted five and kicked one penally goal. Hucker and TristrAm scored for Mount Albert, and Taylor kicked a penalty goal. Mr. J. Hawkes was referee.

Marist v. Papakura.—Marist proved too good for Papakura in a game marred by too much kicking. The wet ball mitigated against good handling and as a result the play was ragged. However, the Marist backs showed improvement, and in the early stages of the game the set executed several good movements. The first try came from a. good run by Smith, on the wing, who passed infield to Bree<J, and three Marist backs handled before Wiberg scored. The forwards were well matched, but ' the Marist vanguard was a little superior in the loose. McLeod (Marist) was ordered off. Playing at fullback for Marist, aftec an absence of many weeks. Glover gave a sound disp.ay and his fine defence saved many dangerous attacks. Smith, on the wing, did useful work and used his speeti to prood advantage. Behind the pack, Crocker gave gooxl service. On attack Oonovan, at five-eighths, was prominent Breed, , McLeod and Finlayeon played good games among the forwards. The best back for Papakura was Robottom, who showed up well on the wing. Seymour, at fullback, also played < well and with more experience should develop , into a good player. Keats, in the threequarters, wijs prominent on attack. 11. Ilogan and Pinfold did good work in the forwards. For Marist, tries were scored by Wiberg. < Crocker and Smith. Wiberg converted two tries and McLeod kicked a penalty goal. For Papakura, H. Hogan scored a try. Mr. J, Jones was referee. Ponsonby v. Newton. —The Ponsonby backs gave an excellent display to defeat Newton comfortably in a game which was more evenly contested ihan the scores indicate In spite of a greasy ball, the Ponsonby backs handled well and speed and good combination wore features of the five unconverted tries. Riley retired with an injury early in the game and was replaced by White, a forward, "ho ton backs suffered in comparison, and missed numerous opportunities on attack;. Quirke, the Newton hooker, won the ball from most scrums. A feature of the Rame was the splendid work by W llliams, at halfback. He made several fine openings, o-nd paved the way for three tries. Kay, at j fiveeighths, was always a thorn in the side or the opposition. Murphy, on the wing, combined well. Carr played well at centre and gained ground by strong running. Scott was sound at fullback. Among the forwards, Briggs, Laird and Sullivan played good games. For Newton, Burton w - as prominent a.t five-eighths, and the wings, Silva and Davison, did well with limited opportunities. The Newton forwards showed up well in the loose, Zimmerman, Ginders and F.veritt being prominent. For Ponsonby, Murphy scored three tries and Blucher and Kay one each. Mr. J. O'Shannessey was referee. LOWER GRADE RESULTS Senior B Grade. —Otahuhu, 21, Ponsonby, 8 Third Grade.—Otahuhu, 42, Richmond, 0; Ponsonby, 12, Papakura. 5; Glenora. 13, Green Lane, 5. Fourth Grade. —Otahuhu, 5, Point Chevalier. 3; Richmond, 20, Ponsonby, (>. Sixth Grade. —Newton. (>, Otahuhu, 0. Seventh Grade.—Richmond, 13, Ellerslie, 3; Green Lane, 2, Ponsonby, 0. Schoolboys.—Seniors: Point Chevalier, 8, Northcote, 0. MATCHES IN THE SOUTH Wellington.—Miramar, 0, Central, 6; St. George, 10, Eastern Suburbs, 2; Rand wick, 27, Petone East, 5; Petone South, 8, Petone North, 3. Chrlstohurch. —Woolston, 12, Addington, 6; Linwood, 15, Hornby-Rakaia, 10; Sydenham, 48, Riccarton, 7.