LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Observer, Volume XXXVII, Issue 42, 23 June 1917, Page 10

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

The star match last Saturday under League rules was played on Victoria. Park between Ponsonby

and City, 'before an attendance of over 500U people, Ponsonby emerging victorious by 15 points to 11. This places Ponsonby at the head of the table for the championship by two points, Newton lying second with one loss against them.

The match was not ac scientific as could be desired, but, taking it all round, was full of excitement, the scores being very close at one part of the contest.

Ponsonby had decidedly the best of the first half, leading at spell time by 12 points to 3, through superior back play. City coming to light during the second half, and attacking l practically the whole time brought their score to eleven points, leaving the issiie in doubt right up to the bell. Ponsonby scored a try at the. corner just on time, this being the only time they were within striking distance of City's line during the whole of the second half.

The rain undoubtedly helped City, together with the fact that E. Aslier, who had played full back, was replaced by Paki, Asher moving up to five-eighths, and eve.n if City were beaten they have dug up a tiptop full, as Paki never made a mistake during the. game.

E. AsTier was weak at full back, but certainly justified himself at five-eighths, where City should leave him, as his play in that position was all that could be desired.

Clarke, for City, played a tip-top game, his try from half-way being a fine piece of work. He is, on his performances this season, one of the best wing three-quarters in the competition.

Sutton, City's right wing, played well', his tackliing amd taking! being very good. He also scored a good try for City, but in the writer's opinion' ho is too valuable at fiveeighths to move from that position.

Davidson played bus best game this season, but has developed' a habit of kicking too much and going on his own. He threw away a certain try through this fault. He only had the full back to beat, with Sheehan alongside of him waiting for the pass which never came. Had he have passed out Sheehan would have scored unopposed.

Lunn, at half, played a good solid game, and is to be congratulated on his. showing. He opened up the game in good style, and on the defence was a tower of strength.

City's forwards played well, asid it is hard to individualise, Rukatai and Mitchell showing out to most advantage- By the way, Mitchell a,gain proA'ed what a versatile player he is, leading all the forward rushes during the first half, ai.rd playing as an extra back during the second half, making few, if any, mistakes in either "position.

For Ponsonby, Montgomery, at full, was the only weak link in a tip-top combination. He was not as safe as desired, his fumbling of the ball at times placing his side in serious difficulties.

The remainder of the backs played ed with so much confidence and combination that it is hard to single out any for special mention, unless perhaps it was Martin at centre. Every time he got the ball he did the right thing with it. He runs straight, iseems exceptionally Ward to collar, and uses his head the whole time. He was undoubtedly the best of a good set of backs.

Ponsonby forwards played up well, Pooley's weight being a great factor in the scrums. Clark played a good bustling game also, but on the whole no fault could be found with any of the vanguard.