THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24959, 31 July 1944, Page 5

THE LEAGUE CODE

LEADING TEAM BEATEN NARROW WIN FOR RICHMOND A splendid exhibition was witnessed at Carlaw Park by a large crowd on Saturday afternoon, when Mnntikau, the leading team in the Auckland Rugby League's senior grade championship was narrowly beaten by Richmond. Richmond gave easily its best display this season In an interesting curtainraiser Otahuhu won a close game from Marist. Mount Albert, which is second in the comI>elition. played a drawn game with North Shore, and Ponsonby proved too good for Point Chevalier. After forfeiting two niatches owing to a dispute City put in an appearance at Walker Park with a strong team, but Newton defaulted. Tho Richmond backs gave a brilliant display of passing against Manukau. which made a remarkable recovery in the second spell. Within three minutes of the kick-off Cowley (wing) scored for Richmond. A fine effort by Cowley and McGregor (centre) resulted in the latter making an opening before sending Lowther racing for the corner. Manukau was plainly bothered by the speed and good handling of the Richmond backs. The score at half-time favoured Richmond by 10 points to 3. Manukau then settled down to [ilay an open game, and its forwards put in some effective work. Murray, five-eighths, made several brilliant runs and the forwards, Shilton. Ririnui and Te Tai, gave excellent support. Then the play again favoured Richmond and McGregor scored a great runaway try anil Richmond's success seemed assured. Concerted play by both Mannkau's backs and forwards, however, wore the opposition down and two trios came in quick succession. With only one point between the teams Manukau made great efforts, and the excitement was intense. Richmond's defence held and it deserved its victory in the best game of the season. McGregor (Richmond) was easily the best back on the ground and he must have played his way into the representative team. Cowlej was not far behind in elusive tactics, wtilfe Thompson (five-eighths) did fine work all round. On the wing Ijiwtlier proved dangerous. Magill played a sound game at fullback. Seymour was the best of the Richmond for wards, although Hilton. Morris and Davis all played well. Results were:—Richmond, 15 (tries by Cowley, Lowther and Seymour, Seymour ronvert-

ing all three), Manukau, 14 (tries by Murray, Shilton, Beg. Martin and Butler, Butler converting one); Otahuhu, 5 (try by Brady and penalty goal by Riley), Marist, :2 (penalty goal by Brockliss); North Shore, 10 (tries by Mercer and Graham, Clarke converting one and kicking a penalty goal), Mount Albert, 10 (tries by Jones and Sumich, Cranch converting both); Ponsonby, 17 (tries by Roy Nurse 3, Mullott and Jordan, the last-named also kickinp: a penalty goal), Point Chevalier. 13 (tries by Doyle, Anderson and Davies. Rich converting one and kicking a penalty goal); City won from Newton by default. Representative Team. —The first representative Rugby League match of the season will be plaved at Carlaw Park next Saturday, when South Auckland meets Auckland. Jhe selectors. Messrs J. Clark, J. Kirwan and It. Doble have chosen the following Auckland team:—Fullback, Tt. Martin (Manuknu); threequarlers, T. Butler (Manukau). R. McGregor (Richmond), Roy Nurse (Ponsonby); five-eighths, J. Murray (Manukau), I Sumich (Mount Albert); halfback, A. Clement (Mount Albert); forwards D. McLeod (Marist). iO. Hughes (Otahuhu). R. R. Hull (Ponsonby), M. James (City). R. Seymour (Rich mond), W. Rogers (Manukau). Reserves; Backs. S. Jones (Mount Albert). P. Salaia (City); forwards. N. Johnson (Otahuhu), D Muiiett (Ponsonby). South Auckland 81(16.—Backs: R. Davis. D. Davies. O. Stevens, C. Gregory. O. Brook. C. Deverall, L. Allen. Forwards: W. Healey, L. Smith. M. McGreal, S. Hambleton, 0. Harvey, J. Darrow. Reserves: M. Taylor. J. Rogers, P. Minhinnick. ROAD CYCLING RACES Manukau Amateur Club.—lven Picknell Memorial Cup nice. 12.5Vs miles: M. T. Gamble, •5m 455, 1; W. O'Shaughnessy. 7m, 2; B J. Howlett, lfim, 3. Fastest time. V. Hills (scr), 73m 51s. Lynndale Amateur Club,—Combined race for seniors and juniors over 20 milea: V. Combes, Dm 30s. 1; J. Stephens, 2m 30s, 2; D. Anslice, 3m 30s, 3. Northern Amateur Club. —20 Miles combined race: D. Pullan, 3m 30s, It J. Cunningham, 3m, 2; S. Thompson, 3m, 3. Fastest time, Cunningham, 57m 365. Race for Professional!.—2o Miles event for the Osborne trophy: A. Moffat, 2m 30s, 1; TC. Fish. 45a, 2; L. Weatcott, 455, 3. Fastest time, Fish, 53m 10s.