Richmond Leaguers Have Close Call

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 371, 4 June 1928, Page 13

Richmond Leaguers Have Close Call

ELLERSLIE AGAIN DEFEATED THIS MORNING’S GAME In a game which lacked the usual dash at a senior Rugby League contest, Richmond defeated Ellerslie at Carlaw Park this morning by 6 points to 4. Over 2,000 fans witnessed the game. The teams were: Ellerslie: Perry, Heminway, Crewther, Speight, R. Crewther, C. Stewart, lE. Crewther, Shirtcliffe, Littlewood, Johnson, Roxburgh, Allen, Paul. Richmond: Hanlon, Ling, Swift, Taylor, Wheaton, Prentice, Davis, Jenkinson, Stewart, McCarthy, Stewart, Colebrook, Kirby. For the first five minutes play was very loose and remained for the most part in the centre of the field. Then R. Crewther got his boot to work and ran up points for Ellerslie by succeeding at goal with a couple of penalties which came in quick succession.—Ellerslie 4, Richmond 0. Richmond’s team had been changed round considerably since it was last seen in action and its new formation did not appear to be combining too well. Vain attempts were made to send the rearguard away, but Ellerslie held them back without a great deal of trouble. Ellerslie made some fine openings, but lack of following-up spoiled any chances at scoring. Crewther had another shot at goal but missed. Ellerslie continued to have the better of the game and the forwards secured the ball from the majority of the scrums. About 12 minutes before half-time Richmond showed better combination. Taylor made a great run up the line and sent in to Wheaton. 'Wheaton saw trouble ahead and returned to Taylor, who raced over in the corner. The kick missed. Half-time score: Ellerslie 4 Richmond 3 SECOND HALF Richmond opened up the second spell by a neat passing bout and was unlucky not to score. From now an play brightened up considerably, and Ellerslie was also seen making much neater movements among the backs. Another unsuccessful shot at goal by Crewther put Ellerslie on a hard attack, but Hanlon relieved with a good line kick. By many bright openings Hanlon assisted the Richmond attacks, but the rearguard bouts lacked finish. While on the attack Davis secured from the scrum and got his backs in action. Prentice and Wheaton handled nicely before sending on to Turton, who delivered to Taylor on the wing to make a brilliant run down the line and score in the corner. Taylor missed with the kick. Final score:—

Richmond 6 EJlerslie 4