THE LEAGUE CODE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20249, 8 May 1929, Page 16

THE LEAGUE CODE.

SATURDAY'S PLAY REVIEWED

INSTANCES OF OBSTRUCTION.

A WEALTH OF YOUNG PLAYERS

The feature of Saturday's match between Marist and Richmond was tho deadly tackling by both sets of forwards. However the game was not slowed down as is generally the case when tho forwards dominate play. The first divisions were as keen as the backs to pass when an opportunity occurred and some splendid attacking movements were witnessed. Both fullbacks, Gregory and Lang, were called upon to do a tremendous amount of stopping. A few incidents crept into tho match that were not altogether in keeping with the spirit of the game. Several times the Marist forwards were guilty of glaring cases of obstruction which went unnoticed by both tho referee and linesmen. The touch judges fail to realise they possess strong power, which , exercised firmly, is a deterrent to the unfair player. Twice in tho first half Mincliam was deliberately tripped and Lang was charged long after he had kicked the ball. A Player of Promise. The success of young players has been a feature of the senior competition, and there is an abundance of players likely to make good in the next few seasons. Many new, faces have been secu at Carlaw Park, and the play of the young brigade has been a striking success. No player has impressed more than Mincliam, a speedy winger for Richmond. Mincliam has had a rapid rise to senior grade, having played fifth grade football only two seasons ago. He is quick to seize an opening and has wonderful anticipation. Mincham is also a splendid goal-kickor, and his final effort on Saturday was particularly good. Agnew, another first-year senior player, gave a great display behind the scrum. Twico he opened play on the blind sido with splendid judgment, and with a littlo luck Richmond woilld have scored two more tries as the result pf Agnew's play. Coote impressed with his dashing runs along the touch-line, and with more experience should make a fine scoring throequarter.

Gregory gave a gfeafc display at fullback for Marist and his play was a feature of the match. He saved his side on numberless occasions and turned defence into attack. Once in tho second half Richmond's forwards, Telford, Lennie and Stewart, came through with the ball at toe. A try seemed. certain but Gregory went down in great style and actually cleared as Telford tackled him. In the absence of Jenkinson, who was r/uffering from influenza, Telford captained Richmond, and the ex-Glebe forward ably led his side. Telford is not yet in his best form, and should plav even better later in the season. Probable Richmond Recruit. S. Prentice was given a great reception when he came on in place of McDonald, who retired soon after jhe start of the game. The New Zealand representative did not extend himself as he has only recently recovered from an operation. It is expected Prentice will play regularly for Richmond.

Meyer, a prominent North Auckland five-eighth, who also represented Auckland at Rugby, is under transfer here and will probably play for Richmond.

Ellerslic has secured the services of an excellent halfback in Oliff. This young player is having his first season in senior grade football and should benefit immensely with experience. His lack of size should be no handicap to his- advancement and it would not be surprising to see him ranked among the best after a season or two. Reynolds, his City vis-a-vis in Saturday's game, is another promoted junior who shows promise. Although not, so brilliant as . Oliff he played a very sound game and combined well with his backs. Wilson-Hall in Action. Wilson-Hall, tho ex-South Auckland and Waikato representative, played his first game in Auckland club football on Saturday when he turned out for City. He was not particularly bright in the first spell but in the latter half of the game livened up play considerably. There was little to choose between Pousonby and Newton and the former side was,a little fortunate in winning by three poirjis. Ponsonby's try was indeed a presentation. The ball was kicked high, and actually over Newton's line, where owing to a misunderstanding both McLeod and Wilson let the ball bounce. Winter following up fast scored a simple fry. _ Failure to win the ball from the scrums was again in evidence in Newton's play and its speedy' backs saw little of the ball. Hardgrave had a quiet afternoon and the brilliant winger would have improved Newton's position by going into five-eighths. Little, on the other wing, also suffered and rarely had a chance to show his pace. Newton requires a centre capable of making play for two of the fastest wings playing the game. L. O'Leary was includod in Devonport's team for the first time this season and he gave a dashing display on the wing against Ellerslie. His re-appearance in the team has improved Devonport's attack, and the champions have at present more pace in the rear division than any of the other teams. Successful Junior Teams.

Richmond's juniors liad a most succesful day on Saturday last, winning no fewer "than four grade matches. The club is the strongest in tho code, having no fewer than ten junior teams. The complications which arose over the transfer of J. Clarke from Newton to Marist have apparently vanished as the Auckland representative forward played for Marist on Saturday. It appears that permission to play resulted from a clearance granted from tlic Canterbury League. The ex-City forward F. Townsend continues to play prominently in Dunedin where he was transferred two seasons ago. In a recent club match Townsend was an outstanding forward and ho won the ball from the scrum witji monotonous regularity. Townsend is undoubtedly one of the cleverest hookers tho code has produced for many years.

The dispute between the Brisbane and Queensland Leagues, ,which at 0110 time threatened the existence of the code in Queensland, is still being prolonged. Both organisations arc at present playing competition matches in Brisbane under separate control. The Australian Board of Control has interested itself in the matter and a delegation recently visited Brisbane to hear both sides of the trouble.

A Sydney writer fully conversant with the details is confident that the Board of control will adjust matters satisfactorily and the game in Queensland will be better governed by proportional representation. In the meantime tho (pieslion of selectors and appointment of managers for the tour of England by ai Australian team has been deferred.