PONSONBY HAS EASY WIN OVER ELLERSLIE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 389, 25 June 1928, Page 6

PONSONBY HAS EASY WIN OVER ELLERSLIE

At last. After failing on three previous successive attempts to defeat the Ellerslie leaguers, Ponsonby, with a more finished style of play managed a victory over the newly promoted thirteen on No. 2 ground, Carlaw Park, on Saturday by 22 points to 5. the outset it was apparent that the attacks made on the Ponsonby line were mostly the work of the Ellerslie forwards, who are a hard grafting and bustling set. The backs, however, apart from rather line spoiling tactics, could offer little assistance, as combination among them was sadly lacking and they failed to swing away in passing bouts wl}icli looked like scoring turns. It was some time after the kick-off before the Ponies hit their stride. They were certainly throwing the ball about attempting to make the game open, and fast, but in doing so were inclined to leave openings. Of course, with the backs re-arranged, it could/hot be expected to see Ponsonby start off immediately with brilliant rear-guard movements. Sixteen minutes of the game had passed when Slater, one of Ellerslie's hard-working pack, broke through the Ponsonby line and got out into the open. Hemingway, on the wing, showing more speed, took over and dribbled half the length of the field to score a converted try. This proved both the first and last score for Ellerslie. The Ponies immediately showed up and within a couple of minutes, Tim Peckham, lurking behind the scrum, and who played throughout up to his usual form, sent his backs away in a neat passing movement. Gardiner, Hutt and Payne handled and the T atter sent on to the speedy Letton to cross in the corner. GARDINER FEEDS BACKS It wan a regular day out for the hefty Gardiner. He played a fine game and indirectly was responsible for many of Ponsonby’s tries. On many occasions he was seen to secure from the loose and send the backs away, while he also handled well and was often seen putting in a good run. Hutt, the wellknown Ponsonby forward, was given a turn in the back line and although certainly not a fine cut of a centre put in a lot of good work and his strong running was a big feature of the various back movements of the Ponies. Had Usher at five-eighths been a little more certain with his handling and delivering of passes, Hutt would undoubtedly have made a much better showing. Thompson at fullback for Ponsonby was safe, and the two wings, Letton and Scholfield, played with plenty of dash. Letton proved himself to be as good on the wing as further inside. He is speedy and a strong runner—who takes the ball well. COMBINATION LACKING Not a great deal was seen of the back line of the Ellerslie team. S. Crewther was fullback for the first half but after the spell he went up to fiveeighth, where he certainly made a difference. Davis at centre was conspicuous on many occasions for outright brilliant play. Other members of this back line, although playing with plenty of vim, did not combine well, although at times were seen to take full advantage of some of the Ponsonby’s backs lob passing. Fagan, the Ponsonby hooker, managed to get a fair share of the ball from the scrums. The pack generally, went well, but certainly had a much harder task set it than the backs. The Ellers-