League Rugby

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 711, 10 July 1929, Page 13

League Rugby

Notes q*f»cl Comment.

Next Saturday’s Games

Newton v. City. Marist v. Ellerslie. Ponsonby v. Kingsland Devonport v. Richmond. Next Week's Big Game It is usually an easy matter to de- j ride the feature game for each Saturday, but according to the fixture list | this week there is likely to be a dis- \ cussion at this evening's meeting of ‘ the Auckland League before anything definite is settled. After City’s grand triumph in defeating the Shore , Leaguers, many would perhaps like to j sea this much-improved side again on the main area. But it is playing Newton, a team which has not shown the best of farm in recent games, and there is a possibility of the match being a walk-over. The two teams most likely to provide the best game on Saturday appear to be Devonport and Richmond. Although defeated by Ponsonby on Saturday, Richmond made quite a good showing, and, continuing to improve as it has done in recent games, should extend Shore. In Action Again Cole was seen in action again last Saturday, when he took the field for Ponsonby. Since he arrived back with the last New' Zealand team to tour England, he has played very little football. Ponsonby was short in the back line on Saturday, and he was- induced to don the jersey again. Considering he had no training, he made a good showing. The game on the main area at Carl.iw Park last Saturday, in which City defeated the once-invincible Shore Leaguers, was a thrilling tussle from whistle to whistle. And its progress was watched at times with keen interest by the players on No. 2 ground, many of whom appeared to be taking more interest in that game than their own. Another Change-over The Union Rugby rearguarder, P. Skelton, who has been playing for the Grammar Old Boys’ Club, has signed on with League, and w T ill be seen in action next Saturday with the Ponsonby thirteen. Me will probably play five-eighths, next to Delgrosso, and, with plenty of speed and size, should make a good showing. But Skelton will have to show more than just ordinary form to retain a place in a team like the Ponies, which features a fine back line, and is undoubtedly one of the finest sides in the competition. However, next Saturday is his opportunity to make good. Low-point Teams In spite of valiant efforts, Ellerslie still has the distinction of being the only team in the senior competition which has not a point to its credit. The second-to-last side, Kingsland, has five clear points on Ellerslie, so it is obvious which team will take "wooden spoon’’ honours this season. Ellerslie has had enough bad luck for several teams, and it has been unfortunate in more than one match. There are several solid individual players in the team, and more success has been deserved than has come the team’s way.

A large percentage of League followers is paying attention to the longdelayed games between Kingsland and Richmond. Two games will have to be played—one for the second round, and one because of Richmond’s visit to Hikurangi in the first round. Kingslund’s improved play in the past three or four games is bound to worry the Richmonders, especially as they are only one point ahead of the Kingsland side now. At this stage, both teams are well matched, and Kingsland impresses as having more than an ordinary chance of success. Marist's Good Backs Marist is in the happy position of being able to call on a number of excellent backs. Proof of the benefit of this has been shown sufficiently by the good work of "Pope” Gregory in recent games. "Pope's” knowledge of positional play is just what is wanted to run into place such speed and efficient colts as McDonald. Brady and Hassun. who unfortunately has been receiving more than his share of injuries. Coupled with Gregory's fine experience is the dash of Brisbane. What Marist really wants is a pair of fast and weighty wingers. Batchelor has had a haevy season on the wing so far, but the positions are by no means Marist's strongest points. City Encouraged City players and officials, especially those who followed the intensive training course which must have had its full effect against Devonport, have been fully encouraged over the decisive win. City had been waiting for its chance and the defeat of Devonport was just what was needed to heighten interest in the second round of the championship. The winners' prestige has been added to tremendously for smashing Devonport in a way Ponsonby did not approach in its stern effort. One official said that the win was necessary to- answer those who claimed that Citv could not reproduce the form it showed in the first few games of the season.

Devonport officials, too. in spite of their surprise, do not grudge City its win.

W etheri 11—Coach "Gig” Wether ill's newest post is to

coach the Northland League’s team in its challenge against Auckland for the Northern Union Gup. Exinternational and • former clever player for City, Wetherill’s worth as a coach cannot bej questioned. For j tactics alone, "‘Gig” j has a big reputation. The Northlanaers are bound to receive a thorough grounding in the requirements in playing Auckland. It is ambitious on their part to challenge right in the middle of the development of League in the North, but reports say that there is promising material for a representative side. Casualty List Several prominent players were laid low m Saturday’s games. Devonport s sL ffer . ed a oss when Ruby had to go oft with a head injury. He received a blow on the nose and was forced to seek medical assistance this week. He will probably be out of action for a spell. Olliff, of Ellerslie, received a good deal of attention and yesterday he was to have seen the insurance officer owing to a back injury. McLaughlin, who played such a good game for City, is suffering from hurts to an ankle and a rib, and may not play against Newton on Saturday. Another City man, Hamilton, did not come through the game with Shore unscathed, but was not hurt seriously. Devonport could perhaps have done with Beattie’s services in the backs, but, although he was fit to play last Saturday after his spell with a bad hip. it was not considered advisable to risk playing him.