LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 208, 2 September 1932, Page 10

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

OLD RIVALS MEET. ROOPE ROOSTER SEMI-FINALS. KEEN" CONTESTS ANTICIPATED. Some fast and attractive play ia forecasted for Carl aw Park to-morrow, when teams engaged in the semi-final of the Roope Rooster knock-out competition, should he seen at their best. The recent lull in club activity, owing to the English team visit, reflected itself in the nrst round matches, but diligent practice during the week will, no doubt, tell its tale in the next appearance of contestants. The principal match, between Marist Old Boys and Devonport, who had the byes, should be one of the finest clashes of the season, as the North Shore championship winners are keen to preserve their fine record. On the other hand, Marists are determined to make a strong bid for the popular poultry trophy. The curtain-raiser should be a rousing .battle between the old rivals, City and Ponsonby, which teams have shown surprising improvement in strength as the season nas advanced. Reserve grade engagements will take place as usual. Teams:— CITY ROVERS. Senior.—Watene, Purdy, Pearce, Drew, Peckliam, J. Herring, Hickey, Alderton, Hobbs, F. Herring, Clarke, McLaughlin, Davidson, Aitken, Rowntree. MARIST OLD BOYS. Senior. — N. Campbell, Meehan, Cornthwaite, List, Brisbane, Dunn, Laird, Campbell, Wcbberley, Iveson, Flanagan, Clarke, Carter. Senior Reserve. —Leydon, Barry, Brady, R'.'gan, Corbett, Young, Glen, Schultz, Cronin, Gunn, Donovan, Donald, Herring, McElwain, Railey, Thompson, Little. PONSONBY UNITED. Second Grade.—J. Clark, J. Barclay, J. Carroll, T. Harrington, R. Hyland, J. Bernicker, C. Parkinson, Lunn, D. Grieve, G. Miller, McLean, G. Kelcher, G. Wakelin, J. Lewis. Players to meet conveyance at Grafton Bridge at 1.30. RUGBY UNION RECRUIT.

Unusual interest attaches to the match between Marist Old Boys andJJJevonport United to-morrow afternoon, for 4 tlie reason that among the names of the players appearing in the Marist side is that of W. L. Cornthwaite, the Rugby Union player, who recently toured South with the Auckland team, and took part in the Banfurly Shield match at Christchurch. Should he turn out with the Marist League team Cornthwaite, who has shown good form with the Marist Old Boys Rugby Union Club at centre, should strengthen his new team. He will be playing beside Brisbane, who showed such excellent form in the recent League Test matches. TRAINERS DEFEAT THEATRES. An interesting and well-contested game was played at Victoria Park yesterday between teams representing the trotting trainers and the Amalgamated Theatres, Limited. The trotting trainers, who were reinforced with some senior League players, won by 13 points to 11. Amalgamated Theatres led by 8 points to 7 at half-time. COUNCIL BUSINESS. GOOD PROGRESS IN SOUTH. The council of the New Zealand Rugby League met ' last evening, Mr. Cyril Snedden presiding over a full attendance of delegates. It was reported that South Auckland had accepted the Northland League's challenge for the Northern Union Challenge Shield, and the match would be played on Saturday week at Ngaruawahia. Mr. N. Simpson was appointed referee. A Northland junior team was granted permission to travel to Auckland on the 10th inst. Mr. Snedden said that the English team managers before leaving New Zealand had reported that a conference had been held between them and the Australian authorities, and an agreement reached on rule interpretations, referee appointments in regard to Test matches between visiting teams, and other matters. This was of importance to the New Zealand League, which would receive a copy of the decisions and be in a better position to act in eoncert with Australia in reference to uniformity desired with England. The West Coast League reported that a record crowd 'of 900 people travelled to see the second Test at Christchurch, instead of 750 guaranteed. The West Coast match with the Englishmen had proved a creditable success. The League also thanked the council for the valuable work done by Mr. R. Doble, who was New Zealand representative with the English team. The superintendent of Auckland Hospital, wrote thanking the League for concessions allowed to out-patients to the England-Auckland and the third Test match. It was decided to thank the secretary, treasurer and other officials of the Auckland. League for assistance given the council during the English team's visit. The transfer of Arthur Bauman, City Club (Whangarei), to City (Auckland)., and a clearance of Fred Paul, WhakaWaro Club, Northland, to play in Auckland (the latter application being formally referred back to the Auckland League), were approved. The reinstatement of R. Sherson and E. T. Mincham (Wellington) was confirmed. Wellington and Taranaki. The Wellington League advised that during the week ended August 30, over 30 registration applications, including the names of senior players of the sister code, had been received. The Leaguafcako now had the support of a full teanijSrom the Railway Workshops at this thirteen was taking part in the knock-out competition. Prospects for next season were particularly bright. The council decided to congratulate the Wellington League npon its progress. Mr. 11. Adam, hon. secretary of the North Taranaki Rugby League, wrote expressing pleasure to. hear that two Auckland teams would visit New Plymouth on September 10. The main ground, Pukekura Park, had been retained for the niatch. The new management was working hard, and confidently expected that the game would be a welcome attraction. From information to hand and results obtained, the new League expected to have five or six clubs ready for play next season. The progress committee of the council presented a report on initial arrangements with regard to Taranaki developments. It was recommended that two teams be sent to New Plymouth, as requested, together -with a. referee and the hon. organiser, Mr. W. J. Hamill, the cost of the visit to be a charge on the gate, the new League to have the benefit of the balance of the takings. The journey would be made by cars on Friday evening, September 9.

After some discussion it was decided to leave further arrangements with the.committee, which will report to a special meeting of the council on Saturday evening, when the teams to go will .be announced. It was clearly stated that the council was not prepared to send any team, the absence of. which on "September 10 would interfere with the Auckland League's competition. In reference to an appeal for assistance to start the code in Palmereton North, the committee, while commending the efforts of those who were endeavouring to promote the game, suggested that the council could only give assistance once steps for starting had been taken, as in Taranaki. If a start was made in Manawatu, the council would favourably coneider arranging for team visits next season. The council also noted that the Otago League was reorganising, and the' chairman expressed a hope that the renewed activity would be productive of satisfactory results.