LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 245, 11 July 1921, Page 7

LEAGUE FOOTBALL

SATURDAY’S GAMES. Perfect weather favoured f « n ° wo ™ r] ° e f the League- code on Saturday, grounds''were somewhat heavy and slippery, players finding it difficult to keep their feet. At Emerson Street a very close and interesting game between Central and Athletic, the> foimw winning by a narrow margin. At New town Pork Petono had no difficulty m defeating City. A match bebveon Knia. poi (Christchurch) and Petono third grade players provided an interesting game, although the visitors showed more knowledge of the finer points of tuo game and were a heavier team all round. Despite this, however, the Petono boys only suffered defeat by one point. CENTRAL (14) V. ATHLETIC (10). Athletic won the toss, and played with the wind in their favour. From the kick off Leoney obtained the ball, and his opponents, thinking the ball had gone out. ho was able to run over unopposed. Gruer failed with the kick. A tew minutes later Lo Warne scored from a cross-kick by Sass. Even play followed until Edlin set his backs going. Iho ball went from Hedges to Jolly to Whittington, who scored after a good run. Hedges failed to convert. These reverses roused Athletic, and good work by Murphy, Mills, Thompson, and Morns took play to the Central line. From some loose play Morris secured, and cubing in smartly, beat three opponents, scored. He converted his try. last and open play ensued until just before half-time the Athletic full-back was caught napping, and Gruer dashed up and scored. His kick was successful. On changing ends. Athletic showed greatly improved form, and they were unfortunate in not passing their oppononts total. In the opening stages, Athletic attacked with great vigour, successive dashes bv Morris, Dobson, and Thompson being spoilt at tho critical moment. A nice loose rush, headed by Harvey, Anderson. and Le Warne, took piny to the Athletic line, but iho defence was sound. After a period of open play, Athletic worked down, and Morris scored after a tricky run. His kick was again successful. Keeping up tho pressure, a mce piece of work between Morris and ihoinpeon saw the latter almost over. A few minutes later White got across for Athletic but tho referee was not in a Jiosition to see it. A big struggle took place right on the Central line for some time, a force eventually relieving. I . bass was responsible for a nice, dashing run, but' he was well tackled when nearly over Fast play continued until the whistle blew. Mr. E. wn* referee. PETONE (30). CITY (0)At Newtown Park. Petono easily <tefeatod City by 30 points to Mr. C. Murphy was referee. KAIAPOI (ID. PETONE SOUTH (10). Playing at Newtown Park, Kaiapoi defeated Petone South by 11 points to 10 During the first half the visitors had much tho better of Hie game and scored three tries to Petone’s nil. Iho local boys made strenuous efforts in tho second spell, but they failed by a point Mr. F. E. Evans was referee. On Friday evening tho Kaiapoi team were the guests of tho Petone Club at a smoko concert, a very pleasant evening being spent. Tho visitors speak highly of tho hospitality shown them during their visit to Wellington. A U CKL AND MAT CH ES. By Telegraph. —Press Aasociaticu. Auckland, July 10. Maris! Old Boys defeated Maritime by 18 to 4; City bent Newton by 37 to .) (one spell only); Ponsonby bent Fire Brigade bv 21 to 5.