OPENING OF SEASON.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 98, 28 April 1933, Page 11

OPENING OF SEASON.

TO-MORROW'S ATTRACTIONS. DRAW PRESAGES KEEN" CONTESTS. The senior championship competition of the Auckland Rugby Football League will commence to-morrow, when the main attractions will' be staged at Carlaw Park, ■which is in splendid order for the 24th season, in this city and district. The twelve senior teams nominated, and comprised in the top division and reserve grade, have been in solid training under their various coaches for some weeks past and should turn out in splendid order for the first fixtures. Although a clear line on the exact composition of the top thirteens will not be available until they the field, it is probable that many will be observed, with evidence

of all-round team-building since last year. Willi the three principal matches and a senior reserve contest at headquarters, the programme should be full of interest for patrons. Keen and spectacular play is certain to be a feature of the initial bids for the handsome Fox Memorial 1 w hich vas won by Devonport 'United last season. The draw has worked out trell for the opening series of matches. The Newton Rangers, who revealed very consistent form in their performances in 1932, will lacs ola rivals in Richmond Rovers for the early fixture on No. 1 ground. Both teams have_ been gr&atly strengthened. Last year Newton and Richmond did not meet till the fourth series and Newton won 15—13. Richmond returning the compliment later. 13 —6. Pride of place vrill be taken by the clash between City Rovers (Thistle Cup holders) and Marist Old Boys, the champion of champions. Last year they met in the second series of games, Marist gaining victory 12—2. In the second round, however, the Rovers forced their opponents t.o a 13-point draw. Ponsonbv and Devonport will occupy No. 2 ground. They battled on opening day last year, the Shore side gaining s clearcut victory, 18 —10. Later they were severely tested-to win 7—3. These facte, taken in conjunction with club developments for the season at hand,_ indicate the probability of close and exciting contests ahead. Teams announced: — DEVONPORT. Senior.—Laing, Smith (2). Rhodes, Powell. Harding. O'Donnell, Oliff. Simpson, Masefield, Leatberbarrow, Scott, Donald, Barcbard, Sowter. Senior B.—Double, Tate, Saxon. Gray, Poulton. Adams, Radonich, Kirk, Moloney, Hurley, Jones, Douglas, Hunt, Hawkes, Briggs. All juniors practice Devonport, 2.30 p.ra. MARIST OLD BOYS. Senior.—Hassan, list, Brisbane, B. Schultz. Dunne, L Schultz. Young, Webberley, Campbell. Herring, Thompson, Flanagan, Iversen. Carter. Senior B.—Leydon, Barry. Corbett, Glenn, Bluck, Chalmers, Glover. Gunn, Robinson, Smith, Benson, Young. Clarke, McElwain. PONSONBY. Senior.—Delgrosso, Thompson, Shearer, Bright. Funnell, Batty, Holland, Friend, Riley, Mills, Rush. Fagan, Stevens, Ferra.ll, Blood, Xeal, Brown, Grieve, Lunn. Senior B.—Lane, Bradley, Jones. Draper, Prentice, Midirley, Riley, Eat, Doyle, Small, Barclay. Phillips, Jackson, Reeken, Moran, Greenwood. CITY ROVERS. Seniors.—Watent, Drew, Tnrei. Perry, F. Herring, R. Purdy. Axeman. Pierce, McLaughlin, J. Herring, Clarke, Boswell, Rawiri. Senior B.—Hughes. Robinson, Mnnce, T.vnden. McDonald. Wayne, Mays, Newton. Alderton, McLean, Bowman, Ragg, Peachey, Rowntree, Purdy, Strange, Ashby, Surtees.