KINGSLAND ROUTED BY PONIES’ BACKS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 673, 27 May 1929, Page 6

KINGSLAND ROUTED BY PONIES’ BACKS

FLASHING GALLOPS DELGROSSO AND McINTYRE Even without the services of three good forwards—Gardiner, Fagan and Stevens—Ponsonby was sufficiently equipped to rout Kings-land-Athletic in the tallest-scoring match so far this season. THE final score, 41-10, was a serious setback for Kingsland, which has been showing signs of stiffening up its general play. Fast-moving Ponsonby forwards, and brilliant passing by a back-line which nosed out flaws in the defence —these factors had Kingsland rattled right from the start. At the opening and near the end, Kingsland was hopelessly disorganised. Otherwise, the game was somewhat more even than the scores indicated. Generalship brought success for Ponsonby. The winning backs paced along in fine style. The fleet threequarters are certain to make Devon - port watchful when Ponsonby has its much-awaited chance against the unbeaten Shore team. Delgrosso, the veteran, was in most of the runs. He landed 14 points by kicking. One lesson for Kingsland was that it cannot stall off attacks unless its tackling is sure. Baffled by abrupt changes in tactics, the frantic Kingsland backs rarely went low. Ponsonby made the most of this weakness. On attack, the Kingsland backs occasionally got under way in smart rushes. Ponsonby did not have the controlling hand by any means when the opposition snapped up chance#. List, at centre ran powerfully when the chances came along. But the Ponies marked him closely, and List

i forgot the return pass. At least tw.» I tries Aver© lost when he did not throw j the ball infield. WHERE SWIFTNESS COUNTS From Foss, fullback, to McintA if. half, Ponsonby was sound. Mclntyr* was once more a scrum half keyed up to his work. He sent his backs away briskly and his swift handling was an immense advantasfe for the winners. AIAA-ays up with the play. McInt A-re was rewarded with two clever tries. He was the smartest back on the field. Of the Pony fives, Deigrosso and Thompson, the former stood out for his astuteness. Goal-kicking, attacking and defending, Delgrosso played his part to the full. Thompson handled brightly and made the pace for the threequarters. Schofield Avas more clever than Winters in Aving work for Ponsonby. but both were dangerous in passing rushes. Riley, the centre, fitted in well, out Foss, the fullback, had a fairly easy day. The young Kingsland forwards found him an obstacle sometimes. Kingsland is still juggling with trial fullbacks. It tested Hemmingson. a Richmond recruit, but no was raw and had to be replaced. Lucas Avas a hard- working half, bat ho Avas overshadowed by Mclntyre. In all Avork, Angelo Avas better than Longville as a five-eighth. Longville scored seven points, but his feeble tackling was costly. Hard-pressed on defence, the Kings-

la.nd threequarters Avere kept busy. R. Carter and Christmas, the \Aingers. did Avell Avith their few attacking chances, and List supplied them as much as he could.

Ponsonby’s forAAards, in spit~ of depletion, showed up Hutt, Payne, Skelton and Moore at their best in a game of fast running. MoLoughnan. Railev and H. Carter battled valiantly for the losers.

Scoring details: Ponsonby, 41 points (tAvo tries each by Mclntyre and Schofield, one each to Winters, Hutt. Payne. Thompson and Moore; six con\*ersions and a penalty to Delgrosso): Kingsland, 10 points (R. Carter, a try, LongA'ille, a try and two conversions). The referee was Mr. J. Emeraii.