THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24052, 25 August 1941, Page 3

THE LEAGUE CODE

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP SUCCESS OF NORTH SHORE MANUKAU DEFEATS RICHMOND

Ideal conditions prevailed at Carlaw Park on Saturday, when a good attendance witnessed a fast and open game, in which Manukau defeated Richmond. It was only in the concluding stages, however, that the Maori team gained the ascendancy. Richmond is now deprived of second place in the Auckland Rugby League's championship. In the curtain-raiser, North Shore beat Mount Albert to retain its position as leader, one point ahead of Manukau. On No. 2 ground Newton surprised by beating Ponsonby, and in the early match Marist won from Papakura. The results wero as follows:—Manukau, 25, Richmond, 8; North Shore, 11, Mount Albert, 3; Newton, 15, Ponsonby, 13j Marist, 9, Papakura, 3. Richmond v. Manukau. —Although Richmond was without the sorvices of D. Solomon, the side fully extended Manukau. A lot of credit goes to Hemi. His try in the second half was one of the finest individual efforts seen at Carlaw Park. It was this try which won the day. Richmond put up a stubborn defence against a splendid set of backs. Play 'generally was high-class and there were many exciting exchanges. The Richmond forwards battled gamely and were superior all round. Murray played a fine game and made many fine dashes between the Richmond, five-eighths. Gregory, at centre, stood out with excellent defence and ran strongly on attack. R. Martin, at fullback, gave a clever display and frequently got his team out of trouble. Behind the scrum, Oliver gave fine service, and his snappy passing was a feature, of the game. Among the Manukau forwards Thompson played a splendid game and was in every offensive. Ririnui and Watene also played good games, and Te Tai was prominent in the loose. Mitchell played a sterling game among the Richmond forwards and was ably supported by Davis and Hilton. For Manukau tries were scored t>y Murray, Hemi and Te Tai. Hemi converted two tries and kicked a penalty goal. For Richmond Lowther and Webb scored a try each and Lowther kicked a penalty goaL Mr. J. Donovan was referee.

North Shore v. Mount Albert.—North Shore was hard pressed but rallied and Gno play by Chatham, Scott and Greenwood placed the result beyond doubt. The score was not a true indication of the game. Behind the North .Shore scrum McArthur was a tower of strength and rarely missed a chance on attack. Both the five-eighths, Clarke and Chatham, did well and they tackled soundly. V. Scott injured his arm early and was handicapped when playing on the wing. Peterson was the best of the forwards, while Graham, Scholes and Hunt also worked hard in the loose. The backs did well on attack, with Lonergan, Cowley aifd Hetherington showing good form. C. List, Hucker and Tristram played well among; the forwards. For North Shore, Petersen, Scott and Chatham scored tries. Scott converted one. For Mount Albert, B. Cranch scored a try. Mr. J. Jones was referee.

Newton v. Ponsonby.—Newton prevailed in a keenly contested game against Ponsonby, which had a little tho better of the first half. However, the Newton backs showed great improvement in the second half, and sweeping attacks were effectively made. New-t-on deserved its victory, although there was not much between the teams. Among tho Newton backs to show prominence were Emus, Green and Silva. Burton, at five-eighths, made several nice openings. Good work in the forwards was done by Everitt and Laurent. The Ponsonby backs were often dangerous, Kay, Hughes and Riley doing excellent work on attack. Williams, at halfback, was splendid on attack and his try was a fine effort. For Newton tries were scored by Cinders, Emus and Burton. Emus converted two tries and kicked a penalty goal. Hughes, Riley and Williams scored a try each for,Ponsonby and Kay converted two. Mr. H. Tat« was referee.

Marist v. Papakura.—The game between Marist and Papakura was ragged and there was little team work displayed. Papakura put up a good 'fight in the first half, but sound tackling by Marist kept the ling intact. Marist had the better of the second half, particularly the forwards, who dominated the play. A fine try by Wellm for Papakura was a feature of the game. The beet of the Marist backs werS the threequarters, Smith and Taripo. The latter showed pace and determination. Costello, at five-eighths, was also prominent. O'Gorman, Barchard and Simpson played well among the forwards. For Papakura. Seymour, Wellm and Smith did good work in the backs. Tries for Marist were scored by O'Gorman, Simpson and Taripo, and Wellm scored a try for Papakura. Mr. G. Kelly was referee. CONTESTS IN LOWER GRADES Senior B Grade.—North Shore, 12, Point Chevalier, 3; Otahuhu, 3, Ponsonby, 2. Third Grade {knock-out). —Point Chevalier, 0, Green Lane, 5; Otahuhu, 7, Glenora, 5. Fourth Grade.—Otahuhu, 82, Northcote, 3. Sixth Grade.—Newton, 5, Ponsonby, 3. PLAY IN OTHER CENTRES Wellington.—ln the final of the senior championship, Miramar beat Petone South by 13 points to 10. Christchurch.—Sydenham beat St. George (Wellington) by 11 points to S.