LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Observer, Volume XXXV, Issue 50, 21 August 1915, Page 10

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

The League attraction was the semi-final of the knockout competition for Roope's Rooster. Victoria Park was the scene of the contest, and, despite the unfavourable weather, there was a good attendance of spectators. The whole of the proceeds were devoted to charity. Grafton, met Newton on the Park on Saturday, in tbe second round of Roope's Rooster compeittion, and, after a mud scramble, the game ended in a draw, 2 points each.

Newton were unlucky in not winning, as they .had all the best of the game, but seemed to spoil their chances at the critical moment by faulty handling. Grafton won the toss, and kicked off with a very strong wind behind them, but Newton surprised the line fans by keeping their doughty opponents well away from the scoring line, finishing up the first spell with 2 points down against them, a good kick by Owen ifrom a mark by J. McGregor accounting for the points. It looked a good thing for Newton in the .second spell ,as the wind was still blowing, but, although they were hammering away at Grafton's line all the spell, they only managed to equalise the scores, Potier potting a goal from the field, which in the League code only counts the bare 2. Grafton were without the services of Ifwerson, which seemed to make a wonderful difference. • Their, backs, with the exception of D-.Macgregor and McDonald, did not appear to know what to do with the ball when it came their way, and-for a champion team the fly kicking was dis-

graceful . One wonders why experienced players should resort to such poor defence. Another fault. which missed the referee's attention very often, was the obstructting methods adopted by the Macgregor brothers. One case was very glaring, and it surprised more than one on the ground that Referee Ferguson did not allow Simpson (Newton) a toyStill the referee cannot see everything, and what is seen from the line at times is obstructed from the view of the referee by the players. Simpson came through fast, and J. McGregor missed the ball, it rolling through ihisi legs and over the line. Simpson could have reached it first, but McGregor deliberately obstructed him, allowing one of Grafton's backs to secure. This is not the game, and although Newton were awarded three free kicks for obstruction on the day it was not enough for the number of times it was enacted against them. It is hard to individualise the players, as the ball and ground were very slippery, making fii'st-class play impossible. Simpson of Newton and Mitchell of Grafton were head' and shoulders above the other forwards. Simpson's pace placed! him at the head of all tlie rushes, and he would undoubtedly have scored on the occasion already mentioned, only for the unfair tactics of J. McGregor. Bennet (Newton) played a hard game, but on occasions was inclined to loaf. He made two, or three mistakes in trying to drop kick goals from three penalties in good positions when Clarke and Williams, who, were kicking well, might easily have landed at least one of them over the bar. Potior was Newton's best back. He handled the greasy ball exceptionally well, and his potted goal was an exceptionally good effort. Rope was a good second to Potier, but marred his play somewhat by doing the same rolling ball kicks as his opponent. D. McGregor player first fiveeighths for Grafton, and was the best back on the field. He missed his mate Ifwenson, but still his defence was very solid, and only for him Newton would have gone home victorious. Haddon, on the wing for Grafton, played a good solid game, as also did J. McDonald, half. The other backs do not call for any special mention. A peculiar incident happened at the finish of the game. Williams (Newton) had a shot from a penalty, tlie ball jaist missing the cross-bar. Just then the bell rang time up, and Newton's players were running off the field with the referee accompanying them. D. McGregor caught the ball, and raced! up the field for a try, but, slipping, missed his object, and the ball went out of play. One wonders what would have happened had he scored, as the rule says that the ball must be out of play before the game is findshed, and although the referee's ruling is final on points of fact, on a point of law Grafton would have been within their rights in claiming the match. City A 111. defeated Richmond 111. by 16 points to nil. Tries were scored by Murphy (2) and Whiteside (2). James converted one try and kicked a penalty goal. Stinnyside 111. defeated Thames Old Boys 111. by 11 points to 2. Tries were scored! for Sunnyside by Walker (2), Lepine (1). Walker converted one. For Thames Old Boys Eagle kicked a goal. City Juniors defeated Thames Old Boys by 14 points to nil. This puts City well in the lead for the championship. They have not yet been defeated up to the present. Tries, were scored: by Postleweight (2), W. Davidson (1), and . Hancox (1), Postleweight kicking a good goal. City Fifths won from Manukau by default.