THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24058, 1 September 1941, Page 3

THE LEAGUE CODE

SENIOE CHAMPIONSHIP NORTH SHORE BEATS CITY. NEWTON'S IMPRESSIVE WIN City made a tine effort against North Shore in the Auckland Rugby League's championship at Carlaw Park on Saturday. There were many exciting: incidents, and in Hie second half, City went very close to ijaining victory. .Splendid forward play was a feature In the curtain-raiser, Newton surprised by heating Richmond, which failed to score. On No. '_' ground, Marist won a well-contested frame from Ponsonby, and Manukau outclassed Papakura. The championship is at a very interesting stage. North Shore is one point ahead of Manukau with two games to be played. The main ground was in excellent order after heavy rain and the attendance was large. The results were as follows: —North Shore, 13, City, 10; Newton, 7, Richmond, 0; Marist, 9, Ponsonby, 0; Manukau, 43, Papakura, 2. City v. North Shore.—ln a game marked by fine forward play North Shore was pressed throughout by City, which had a little the better of the second half. The game opened sensationally as North Shore scored two tries in quick succession. The second try by Wilkie was given away by foolish play on the part of two City players. The North Shore backs were often dangerous. City missed a try when over-eagerness resulted in Jackson passing forward to McManus, who had a clear field ahead. City did better in the second half, but there was a lack of finish to tho backs'play. .At the critical stage, North Shore won the ball from set scrums and its inside backs. McArthur, Clarke and Chatham, used good tactics to dominate tho game. Chatham is North Shore's most improved player. Clarke did good work in defence, but was inclined to kick too much. Two Rugby players, Naughton and Rogan, played for North Shore and City respectively. The latter made a good impression on the wing. Greenwood, on the North Shore wing, was always prominent and behind Ihe pack, McArthur played his usual sound game. Several of the City backs disappointed, being particularly weak in tackling. McManus. at second five-eighths, took his passes flat-footed and slowed up the attack. The outstanding North Shore forward was Petersen, whose speed and good handling was a thorn in the side of tlie opposition. Graham, Meld and Hunt were also prominent. In the City forwards 11. Mataira, W. Mataira and Jackson did excellent work. Tries for North Shore were scored by Chatham, Wilkie and Petersen. R. Smith converting two. For City. Jackson and Gould scored tries and Clarke converted one. Mr. E. Pope was referee. Richmond v, Newton.—Newton gained its fifth successive win by beating ' Richmond, which was without the service* of five of its usual players. The same was very Tagged and- there was little constructive play. The fact, that Richmond failed to score is an indication of lack of combination. The first half was a battle between tiie forwards. In the set scrums Newton won the ball consistently. In the loose, however, the Richmond pack, led by Mitchell, Hilton and Metcalfe, wa.s superior. The combination of the Newton backs showed improvement, and in the second half they outplayed the Richmond set. Emus, on the wing, used his speed to advantage. Silva, at five-eighths, and Green, halfback, also played well. Kendall, at fullback, played his best game this season. Among the forwards Gitiders. Zimmerman, Quirke and McNeil played well for Newton. Quirke scored Newton's try, and Emus kicked two penalty goals. Mr. G. Kelly was referee. Marist v. Ponsonby.—A. fine game by Smith on the wing for Marist, was a feature of a well-deserved victory asrainst Ponsonby, whose play was not suited to the heavyground. Smith was in every' movement, and there was a lot of merit in his two tries. The Marist forwards were superior all round to the Ponsonby set, and adapted themselves better to the muddy conditions. The Ponsonby backs, usually a bright combination, lost chances by faulty handling. Glover, the Marist fullback, was a thorn in the side of the opposition. Costello played a fine game at five-eighths, and McWillif,ms was prominent on attack. Barchard. MeLeod and James played well among a solid Marist vanguard. Kay, Rilly and Murphy were the best of the Ponsonby backs, and Briggs did a lot of useful work. Marist's tries were scored by Smith (2) and James. Mr. O. Chalmers was referee. Manukau v. Papakura.—Manukau had a run-away victory over Papakura, which offered feeble resistance to the most spectacular scoring team in the competition. When the Manukau backs handled cleanly they scored from almost every movement. Murray. Hemi. Butler and Gregory were an outstanding combination, and there was no selfish plaj by the backs. Among the forwards, Te Tai Ririnui, Thompson and Watene gave thi backs excellent support in some clever pass ins movements, which were a feature. Trie: for Manukau were scored by Murray (4) Tlemi t3), Butler (2), Gregory and Te Tai Ilemi converted three and Watene two. Sey mour kicked a penalty goal for Papakura Mr. ,7. Donovan was referee. Christchurch.—ln the .Vivian Cup fina Sydenham beat Linwood by 2i poinfs to C LOWER GRADE RESULTS Third Grade.—City, 3. Point Chevalier, 3 Fourth Grade.—City, 45, Point Chevalier 0 Sixth Grade.—Richmond, S, Newton, 7. Seventh Grade.—Ellcrslje, 7, Richmond