Ponsonby Pounded

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 993, 9 June 1930, Page 6

Ponsonby Pounded

WALK-OVER FOR MARIST Big Scores in League FOR the first time this season, there was a one-sided flavour about the senior League games on Saturday. On paper, it looked as if all of them would provide keen football and fairly even play, but it was not so. The biggest surprise of the day was the complete eclipse of Ponsonby. With the exception of the first quarter of an hour of the second spell, it never had a look in against Marist.

Ponsonby was heavily battered, against City three weeks ago, injuries to its three star players, Delgrosso, Riley and Skelton, badly upsetting the side. Delgrosso was unable to play on Saturday, and Skelton and Riley could only manage to play spell about, for that was what it amounted to. Ponsonby fielded a good pack of forwards on Saturday, and Gardiner’s tremendous kicking looked as if it was going to be valuable in the early stages. But the pack lost heart when it realised that its backs were unable to hold the brilliant Marist rearguard. Ponsonby’s tackling was very poor at times, and both Gregory and Hassan played ducks and drakes with the inside defence when they decided to go on their own. Ponsonby was gradually pounded to pieces by raking rearguard runs. . Tliere was not a great deal to the match. Both sides started off as if they didn’t give a tinker’s dam what happened, and the first 20 minutes was weariness and dreariness. There was a bright burst of scoring just before half-time, when Gregory gave a taste of his quality with a spectacular run from mid-field which fairly paralysed the Ponsonby defence. There was a chance that Ponsonby might make a game of it in the early stages of the second spell. Three times in. succession, the Blues launched attacks on the bottom corner, Schofield and Angelo having bad luck with their efforts to finish them off, and Lunn failing in his, through inability to snap up a transfer from Riley. The latter was playing magnificent football on attack. Time and again, he went past Marist men as if they weren’t there. Gregory and Hassan monopolised the remainder of the game. Both were in brilliant form, and tries came with a rush. Gregory’s display at first five-eighth was the outstanding feature of the match. It is to be noted that he has been selected for the PossiblesProbables match next Saturday, and presumably he is available for the Australian tour. On this season’s form, he ought to be one of the first men picked. Hassan gave a great display behind the scrum. As has been pointed out in this column more than once, fie is a very fine player. He may lack some of the spectacular touches of his rivals.

but for consistent, all-round play, he has few superiors in club football. Unlike some of the others, he does not play a brilliant game one day and a poor one the next. He is young, and it is young players that New Zealand wants. Brady showed an improvement. In the second spell, he made one or two of those rugged dashes which were a feature of his play against South Sydney last season. But it looks as if it has come too late, unless he manages to get a game in the trial next Saturday. RILEY BRILLIANT Brisbane, too. was good, but in the second spell, all inside back play with the exception of Gregory’s, was overshadowed by Riley’s amazingly brilliant runs in a well beaten team. With a bandaged knee, this youngster clearly showed that lie is one of the most brilliant footballers Auckland has ever produced. It is a thousand pities that he is not sound Playing him at second live-eighths with strong defenders at first five and centre might relieve some of the strain on him. N. Campbell and K. Peckham both got through a tremendous lot of work at fullback, and both did very well. Ponsonby’s backs were unimpressive, although Mclntyre did his best under difficult circumstances. Angelo and Schofield made one or two good efforts. Graham and G. Campbell were always on the alert in the Marist pack, and were the most consistent .workers on the day’s play. The latter has never been very safe in his handling, and he dropped a certainty on Saturday. Considering the opportunities there are straight down the paddock for a forward, Campbell should pay some attention to the giving and taking of a. pass. Fagan, Stevens, Lunn and Skelton worked hard in the Ponsonby pack. Gardiner showed flashes of his old form. If he gets into condition again, he should be a valuable man in the pack. Moore led the side well in front, but it was the backs that let the side down. Scoring Register.—Marist (tries by Gregory (2), Hassan, Drew, Graham, and Brisbane, two goals by O’Brien), 22 points: Ponsonby (goal by P. Skelton), 2 points, RICHMOND GOES DOWN NEWTON DOES WELL WITH FIVE PACK Playing with a five pack and an extra man in the rearguard line, the Newton Leaguers adopted bustling tactics in the early stages of the game against Richmond at Carlaw Park on Saturday, and by half-time had an 8-nil lead. Although the players weakened slightly toward the end of the second spell as a result of the hard play in the first, they left the field victors by 31 points to 3. It was surprising how Newton, even with its smaller pack, managed to get more than u fair share of the ball from the scrums during the first spell. This enabled its somewhat enlarged and strengthened back line to go away in occasional dangerous passing movements, while the forwards were always up and ready to offer resistance. But generally, the game could not be classed as a bright display of the code. Play was for the most part loose and ragged, and there were only those spasmodic turns of classy play. The Richmond back-liners shone out in a few dazzling passing bouts, but they always found the extra man in the opposition line a grave menace. It was evident that Newton was out

to win the game in the first half, and during that period Richmond could not hold out against its hard bustling play. Newton eased off toward the end of the game, but it was then too late for Richmond to come away and materially affect the score, although it did manage to go across once. Newton was ‘undoubtedly the better side, but it was possibly its particular style of play on the day that brought the victory. A noticeable improvement was in the scrumming, and perhaps some of the credit due here is to referee Simpson, who kept the game surprisingly free from the whistle. But even though the ball was coming from the scrums more clea-nly than is usual, the inside backs of both sides were not handling well and many promising movements broke up miserably. Unnecessarily hard and awkward passes appeared to be the trouble in some cases when the ball was fumbled. Beckham, at halfback for Richmond, had another day under the glare of the limelight and found solid assistance in Prentice, while farther out Mincliam and Patterson, on the wings, put in some very creditable dashes down the line but were seldom left sufficient room in which to work. Brimble, on the wing, and Hill both made a fine showing for Richmond, while Beattie at five-eighths, made a number of smart openings. The two fullbacks, Lee and Dempsey, performed most creditably and as far as they were concerned “nippy” saves and good line-kicking was 'the order of the day. Newton’s forwards opened out in dashing style and the majority of movements in this division were led by Francis, whose following-up marked him as one of the best forwards on the field. Ferrall, Butler, Middleton and Kirkup. however, proved themselves a very handy quartet. For Richmond, Lennie was, as usual, in the thick of the play, but was a little slow when Francis and Co. went away in some of their fast forward movements. Stewart and Jones were a good pair and did some good work. DECISIVE DEFEAT FOR DEVONPORT CITY ALL THE WAY City Rovers decisively defeated Devonport United by 23 points to 10 in the three o’clock match on No. 2 ground at Carlaw Park on Saturday. It was a case of City all the way and except for ten minutes or so early In tlm second spell Devonport seldom looked like taking the lead. Play for the most part was uninteresting early in the game, with City having the best of it territorially. Two trios, by W. Perry and Laurie Barchard, both of which Steve Watene converted, left the Rovers ten up at half time. Just before the spell Shore pressed strongly and it took City all its time to keep the blacks out. When the game resumed the men from across the harbour continued their strenuous efforts to make up the leeway and for a time it looked as though they might succeed in doing so. In the first half the Devonport backs had let the side down by bad handling. The ball very seldom got as far as the clever wingers, but in the second stanza this was rectified and the blacks threw the ball about with a freedom and determination which looked bad for City. St. George, the .Shore hooker, was having tings all his own way in the scrums, with Pascoe, City’s representative hooker, away on the injured list. CITY PACK OUTCLASSED For some unaccountable reason, after getting to within five points of the City total when Seagar put across his “dummy” and scored close in, the Shore men were caught napping and three times in fairly quick succession City was over the line for tries, two of which Watene converted. This was the death blow to Shore’s chances, although another converted try came its way just before the last bell sounded. The City forwards were badly outclassed for the greater part of the game on Saturday, not only in the set scrums but in the loose also. “Snowy” Dixon seems to enjoy a woman’s privilege for the number of times he changes his mind. After announcing his retirement a week or so ago, he donned the Shore jersey again and on Saturday played a solid game. He was about the best of the Devonport forwards. Ruby was seen to great advantage in the loose, where he battled all afternoon. Rule, who came on in place of McCarthney when the latter was injured, played a fair game also, scoring the last try of the day. Rhodes was the best of the Shore inside backs. He is a great little tackier, besides being a most determined player in attack. Les O’Leary was the best of the threequarters. He shone right throughout the game. Trevor O’Leary is a spectacular player, but on Saturday he got very few opportunities till well on in the second spell. He then did well. The City forwards were a. little disappointing on the day, but hotter opposition might have made them work harder. B. Clark, who has gained a place in the North Island team, was evidently having a Saturday off. He showed little trace of the form which he displayed three weeks or so ago. Len Bareli a rd was a trier in the pack. Shortland displayed his best form at half till he had to go off early in the game and Wetherill, in the fiveeighth line, was, as usual, a tower of strength to his team on defence. Steve Watene, on the day, gave a better display than George Perry. The dashing, slashing attacks of the big Maori threequarter had Devonport in trouble constantly. In addition his goal kicking was an acquisition to the team. Perry played well in the latter stages of the second half. Mr. W. Mincham controlled the match in his usual efficient manner. ONE-SIDED GAME ELLERSLIE BEATS KINGSLAND-ATHLETIC In a game at Ellerslie on Saturday afternoon the home side defeated Kingsland-Athletic to the tune of 31 points to 10. Up till half-time the game was evenly fought, for at the

spell Ellerslie had a lead of only three points. The second half told the tale, however, for the home side rattled up 18 points in hollow style. The scoring was opened early in the game by Kingsland, when Atkins ran from almost half-way to score wide out. Longville made no mistake with the extra points. Ellerslie retaliated with an attacking movement that ended in Coster going over. A kick, that from the sideline, and to one line umpire, appeared to go over, was ruled out by Referee Billman. and Ellerslie failed to equalise. Kingsland livened up at this stage of the game, and some clever play by List and Carter saw the latter race over for Longville to convert. With the score 3 o—3 against it, things looked black for the home side, and it was not until Olliff showed how the ball should be got out of the scrum that Ellerslie picked up. The diminutive halfback played a brilliant game, and fed his backs excellently. When half-time came Ellerslie had put on 10 extra points, due to Webb and Coster (tries) and Dufty conversions. After the interval Ellerslie never looked like being beaten, and got the visitors completely rattled. Tries in quick succession by Coster, Grogan and Hemingway, and kicks by the reliable* Dufty, helped matters along, and by the time the final whistle blew the score was 31 —10 in favour of the home team. On the winning side, it was hard to single out individual players for praise, the whole team playing an excellent game. Of a sparkling lot, Dufty, at fLillback, and Olliff, the half, were outstanding. The former’s clearing kicks were powerful, and he made few mistakes. Coster, on the wing, was speedy, and troubled the opposition a good deal with his lightning dashes. Although he 'made a few mistakes early in the game, “Pip” Webb showed excellent form in the later stages of the match. Grogan. \then he got support, took a lot of beating, while of the remainder Quirke, Campner, Hickey and Chapman were outstanding. For the losers, Longville, at fullback, did some useful work with the boot, while in the forwards Atkins, E. Simms and McCloughen played well. G. Simms, at halfback, was handy, although his failure to retire behind the scrum after putting the ball in cost Kingsland several penalties. Considering that it was playing a man short, the visiting side did very well to hold Ellerslie as long as it did. SENIOR B GRADE OTAHUHU’S CLOSE CALL With bo tli teams playing good League, the final issue of the OtahuhuNorthcote senior B grade match, played on Victoria Park on Saturday, was in doubt right up to the call of time. The staying powers of the south suburban thirteen enabled it to win by the narrow margin of 10 to S. Play opened at a fast clip, with both sides taking turns in the attack, but it was not long before Northcote seized an opportunity and registered in a handy position. For the remainder of the first spell neither side was able to gain any advantage, and half time was called without any alteration to the score. On the resumption of play Otahuhu was the outstanding team and rattled on 10 points in as many minutes. Hart was the first to score. As the result of a forward rush he gained possession and dived over the line. Otahuhu continued on the offensive and predominated play, which resulted in Ritchie registering. Eustace was successful with both kicks. Northcote again got into its stride after these reverses and launched a number of unsuccessful counter attacks, some of which were within an ace of success. Play continued to move from one end of the field to the other, neither team able to pierce the defence of the other, till right on call of time Northcote registered. The kick at goal failed. Time was called with the score card reading, Otahuhu 10, Northcote 8. Both teams played excellent football. Eustace was the outstanding member of the Otahuhu team and Robinson, playing at full for the marine suburb, acquitted himself well. POSSIBLE V. PROBABLE TRIAL NEXT WEEK’S GAME The following players have been chosen for the Possibles-Probables match which will be played as a curtain-raiser to the inter-Island league match at Carlaw Park on Saturday: Probables.—Backs: Prentice, Thompson, Doogan (5.1.), L. O’Leary, Seagar, T. O’Leary, Peckham; forwards: O’Brien. Pascoe, Hicks (5.1.). Hobbs, Dunn (N.), Berghan (N.). Possibles. —Backs: Simons (W). Watene, Riley, Davies (W.), Paki (S.A.), Gregory, Abbott (S.A.); forwards: Hamilton. Stevens, Fagan, Len Barchard, Hertzell (N.), Jones (S.A.). Emergencies for botli teams. —Backs*. Brady, Hassan, Winters; forwards: W. Skelton and Francis. Unless otherwise stated, players are Aucklanders. Abbreviations used for outside players are.—N. Northland; S.A., South Auckland; W. Wellington: S. I. South Island. Any player not available is asked to notify Mr. E. K. Asher immediately. WRESTLING TONIGHT WALKER AND McDOUGALL It is expected that the wrestling bout between “Scotty” McDougall, of C unadu. and George Walker, heavyweight champion of Canada which takes place in the Town Hall this evening, will be one of the finest contests yet seen in the Auckland ring. The contest when last the pair met in Auckland, was the best seen here this season. Walker winning by one fall, and that an extremely doubtful one. Since then, they have met *-i Wellington and McDougall had one fall in hand when he was hurled from the ring and was not able to continue. McDougall has recovered from the injury and is in the pink of conditon. Walker also has been in hard preparation and there is little doubt that there will be a great struggle. An excellent programme* of amateur bouts will precede the main event.