Counter-Attractions ?

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 85, 1 July 1927, Page 11

Counter-Attractions ?

League Rugby Competitions

Marist and Devonport Again

THE star match of the League Rugby code his week between Devonport and Marist at Carlaw Park is attracting a good deal of attention, and a good even game is anticipated, but the opinion is widely held that the A.R.L. is missing an opportunity for a bumper gate by playing Newton and Ponsonby at the Domain.

It is unusual for the governing body in Auckland to miss any chances like this. This game is sure to draw a big crowd to the Domain, and consequently away from Carlaw, but the star game is sure to attract a large crowd as both teams are playing good football at present. Marist has a better team now than at any time, and will be very hard to

dispose of. The “Tykes” are at present strong both forward and back. Gregory will be defending the Marist goal, and he is like a stone-wall to get past. King, who had a bone in his hand broken last Saturday, is hardly likely to be able to play this week, which is a pity, as this young winger was showing good promise. His place will most likely be taken by Hansen. Brisbane at centre is playing at the top of his form, and Knott on the other wing is improving every match. Kirwin, at five-eighths, is showing his best. He is a very heady player. Crewther, as first five-eighths, is not showing the improvement anticipated, and is inclined to take the dummy over-much. Sweeney at half is useful. The forwards have shown that they are a hard-working pack, and with the additiofi of J. Stormont, who has come out of retirement, they will keep the Shore forwards doing their best. DEVONPORT’S PROSPECTS Shore, on the other hand, has a fine set of forwards, which usually holds its own with any six in the game, but the Devonport side will miss “Snowy” Dixon from its ranks this week owing to injuries received last Saturday. Shobe is, however, in the happy position of having a good junior team to select from, and Casey, a fine forward in this grade, will most likely take “Snowy’s” place. Perry a.t fullback for Shore is playing well, but can hardly be compared with Gregory. Cleaver and Seager at five-eighths are a very useful pair, the former especially playing fine football. *

The threequarter line, K. Scott, A. Scott, and Beatty, are a useful trio. Webb at half is playing better now than he did at any part of his career, and is going to be hard to keep out of the representatives this season. NEWTON AND PONSONBY This is sure to be a good game, and needless to say, will be very fast. The meeting of these two teams has been awaited with a good deal of interest and many are disappointed at not seeing it staged on No. 1 Carlaw Park. These two teams played a drawn game last time they met, and Newton was unlucky not to have won, as Dufty’s final kick at goal just before the whistle went hit the bar and rebounded into play. But it should be a better game this time, as it was a bad day, and the ground was in a very bad state. It is to be hoped the weather will keep line, so that a good line will be given as to the merits of the teams on a dry and wet ground respectively. Both teams will be about the same as played last time, neither team having made much alteration in its personnel. Since the opening of the season Newton has added Hargraves to its backs, and Rhodes to the forwards. This should improve the team, but Ponsonby has not made any alteration, and the team to take the field

against Newton will be practically Lhe same. If the weather is fine on Saturday, the game should be slightly in favour of the “Ponies,” and they should nearly win. . CITY V. RICHMOND The other game in the competition is City and Richmond on No. 2 ground, Carlaw Park. On the showing of both teams last Saturday, there should be very little between them. Richmond did not appear to be putting the same dash into its work as usual, and is capable of better things, while City is alTvays a hard team to beat.