LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 99, 29 April 1927, Page 13

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

THE SEASON OPENS. NEW ZEALAND V. AUCKLAND. AT CARLAW PARK TO-MORROW. Last season was a record one in the history of League football in Auckland. To-morrow the turnstiles at Carlaw Park will move once a<rain, and a start made to make the 1927 season better than 1926. It is quite fitting that the season _ should be opened with a star attraction—New Zealand v. Auckland, and, as the New Zealand team will be practically the side which had to battle its way through the tour of England, and, all things considered, established a fine record in winning just 50 per cent of the matches, it will indeed be surprising if there is not a big crowd present to see the returned men in action. The Auckland side is almost the same as that which gave the New Zealanders such a trouncing before leaving for England, and it may be that the same result will have to be a°-ain entered up. In the two sides are °the elect of Auckland League footballers, and, as the men have put in a lot of training, those who line the stand and terraces to-morrow should be provided with a fine exhibition of the code. The teams selected are: — New Zealand.-—Fullback, 0. Gregory* three-quarters, L. Brown, B. Davidson' F. Delgrosso; five-eighths, H. Cole, J Kirwan; halfback, S. Webb; forwards, J. Menzies, J. Parkes, E. Herring C Dufty, G. Gardiner, B. Avery. ° Auckland.—Fullback, W. Hanlon; three-quarters, I. Littlewood, C. List, G Wade; five-eighths, M. Wetherill, S. Prentice; halfback, T. Peckliam; forwards, J. O'Brien (Devonport), F Townsend, W. Payne, W. Clark, G. Dixon, L. Hutt. Reserves: Forwards', N. St. George, N. Bass, J. Ward; backs', s' Little, B. Davies, L. Seagar.

PRIMARY SCHOOLS' COMPETITION. EIGHT TEAMS EXPECTED. A League football competition for primary schools' teams will be commenced on Saturday week, and it is anticipated that eight teams will enter. This was the report of the sub-commit-tee presented last evening.

THE LOYAL TOURISTS. At a meeting of the New Zealand Rugby League Council last evening, Mr. C. A. Snedden presiding, the question of the privileges which would go with the medallion to be presented to the 19 players of the New Zealand team who remained loyal throughout the tour was considered. It was finally decided to communicate with all provincial Leagues and ascertain whether they would extend the privilege of admission to all matches to holders of the medallion.