LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 190, 14 August 1933, Page 12

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

REPRESENTATIVE MATCH. VICTORY TO AUCKLAND. NORTHLAND BEATEN BY GOOD MARGIN. Before a large attendance at Carlaw Park on Saturday, in ideal conditions, the Auckland representative thirteen conquered the elect of Northland in a nfatch that was thoroughly entertaining, but not productive of the best of play. In the early stages the visitors, with a number of players making their debut here, played with a crispness and vim that impressed, but as the game progressed their positional play fell away, and the consistency of the Auckland pack in the scrums and rucking, allied to the finesse of the inside backs, told its tale. The match, however, was not without thrills and incident, and the visitors made the most of their limited opportunities to lose 13—28. Several of their tries, as in the case of Auckland, were the result of cleverly executed movements, in which C. White caught the eye as a player of class. Auckland!s full-back, Campbell, gave a faultless display, and converted five out of six goals, three being wonderful long-range efforts. Bright, the right winger, more than won his spurs «s a capable three-quarter, A. E. Cooke also being constantly in the picture. The teams were:— Auckland.—Backs, N. Campbell, R. C. Bright, A. E. Cooke, W. Turei, S. Prentice, H. Brisbane (captain), A. Axeman; forwards, S. Clarke, G. Campbell, Donald, R. Lawless, C. Satherley, T. Hall. Northland.—Backs, C. Meyer, 11. Hamilton, G. Maekie, T. Cross, N. Dunn (captain), R. Cunningham; forwards, E. O'Callaghan, C. O'Callaghan, T. Pitman, H. Bowycr, W. Rata, C. White. Northland faced the sun, and were more quickly in their stride. They had two unsuccessful penalty shots at goal, and impressed in a couple of passing bouts in reply to similar moves by the city side, which, within eight minutes,' was badly beaten round ascrum by the visiting halfback, Cunningham, and C. Hamilton converted. This reverse sharpened up Auckland, whose retaliation was facilitated when Brisbane profited by opponents' mishandling, and • burst through from halfway to hand on to Prentice and Bright, who scored, and Campbell evened the tallies—s all.

The forwards were having a lively duel, with Auckland controlling the scrums and occasionally sending the rearguard away. Bright side-stepped to score at the corner, and in the next minute materialised again by taking a cross-kick by Turei on the full and charging into the centre to score under the goalposts. Campbell converted each try, and the half-time scores were: Auckland 15, Northland 5. It was thought that Northland, with the sun at their backs, would be hard in the second half, and some clever, passing amongst their backs and forwards, veering across the field, culminated in a great inside try by Rata, C. Hamilton missing the easiest of kicks. Auckland 15, Northland 8.

The game was moving at a fast clip, but both sides were mishandling, one of the balls used being new and tricky. Cooke paved the way for Auckland's next try, Northland's full-back being out of position. Satherley was up to gather the bounce and send Clarke across, Campbell missing the flags. Auckland 20, Northland 8. ' Cooke gained a try at the end of a machine-like move, and went round from the corner to touch down. Campbell landed his fifth goal to make Auckland's total 25. Northland responded with a telling combined movo that ranged half the length of the field, originating from Pitman. White, Cunningham and Mackie participated, and the first-mentioned dashed across from an in-pass, and C. Hamilton added the goal points. The Auckland forwards took a turn, and Satherley went across, Campbell missing the goal. The game ended— Auckland 28 Northland 13 Mr. V'. Simpson was referee.

COMMENT ON THE GAME. The play did not rise to the heights seen in some contests between Northland and Auckland, although it was a keen and clean display all the way, studded with splendid passing bouts. After a good opening Northland, with their pack outmatched, but clever iu the open, found it difficult* to originate constructive movements or finish them iu approved manner. The reason was that the metropolitan inside men moved with understanding and varied their tactics, the versatile Cooke was there to turn the tables with his übiquitous exploiting punts, aud last, but not least, the Auckland full-back, Campbell, was in hia best international form, handling the ball well and clearing with strength and accuracy. His Meyer, did a lot of useful in the piece, but waned sadly. He* is not the ideal fullback type. G. Mackie was the best of the visiting three-quarters, and is a resourceful player. Both It. and C. Hamilton disappointed, particularly the former, who does not lack experience. He is a centre, and was playing out of -place on the wing, but that did not excuse him. C. Hamilton, at centre, was erratic, too. N. Dunn was safe at first five-eighths. G. Cross, one of the most promising five-eighths seen for many a day, spoilt his effectiveness by attempting too much of the cut-iu. Nevertheless, he showed adroitness and skill above the average, but must learn to let the bail go to add to the speed of moves and give the centre and wingers a chance. The half, Cunningham, was alert and dangerous behind a troubled pack, of which the North Auckland reserve international, White, was a feature. In the second half he was equally at home amongst the backs."• Itata, the O'Callaghan brothers, and Pitman were hard-grafting forwards. Pitinan played with notable dash in the open. Bright was the star of the Auck-

land backs, responding brilliantly to the effective collaborative work of Axeman, Prentice, Brisbane, and Cooke. Bright seems likely to go far in the game. He improves in performance cadi game, and is now developing his side-step and sense of anticipation. Turei was fair, but the play did not go his way much, and when it did lie received the ball a trifle late. Campbell hooked the ball for Auckland, but there are many who claim that his peculiar method is illegal. Satliei'ley and Clarke wore the pick of the pack in general play, though Lawless, Donald, and Hall gave solid inconspicuous support. The team at least justified the opinion expressed at the time of its selection that it was the best side to represent Auckland this season, yet it should have done better. A little more coaching in play systems may make a deal of difference.

MUTUAL CONGRATULATIONS,

At the subsequent dinner, held at the Commercial Hotel, Mr. G. Grey Campbell, chairman of the Auckland League, in commiserating with the visitors on their defeat, mentioned that it was said Northland was capable of a better display. It had to be remembered, however, that Auckland recently had received a shock at the hands of South Auckland, and that day was leaving no stone unturned to ensure success. Northland had to bear the brunt of this, and could take comfort in the fact that it was beaten by a side containing a number of brilliant players. The great thing, above all, was that the game was played in the best spirit, and was a credit to the code. Auckland, he had to confess, was glad to win, but it did so fairly, and was pleased to acknowledge the gallant performance of the losers. (Applause.) The Auckland League appreciated the visits of other district representatives', and in the near future would be keen to reciprocate. Responding to the toast of the Northland League, Mr. J. F. Johnson congratulated Auckland, and said the visitors had learnt some of the finer points in play. One of Bright's tries was worth going a long way to see. He noticed that there was not a sign of temper in the game. Northland was gratified to observe the progressive spirit of the Auckland League, which was inspiring to other units in the game. Northland, with other leagues springing up around it, already felt like an " old man " in the code, and it took some credit for the starting of the game in Kaikohe. His associates and the team wished to thank Auckland for its hospitality and a good match.

UNIFORMITY OF RULINGS

Mr. C. E. O'Callaghan (secretary of the Northland League) endorsed the remarks of the previous speaker, and said Northland did not play up to best form, but was fairly and squarely beaten, even allowing for the fact that the referceing, as regards hooking practice allowed, appeared to be different to Northern interpretation. In this regard he hoped that some more uniformity of ruling would be applied as between the different districts.

N. Dunn, Northland captain, congratulated Auckland, adding that the North had the players, and would produce a team that would beat Auckland. H. C. Brisbane, leader of the Auckland thirteen, said that without any doubt it was the cleanest game, either club or representative, in which he had ever taken part. He tendered some advice to Northland.

The chairman responded to the toast of Auckland League, and Mr. Cyril Sneddon, in replying to the toast of the New Zealand League, congratulated both teams, and said that, judging by recent progress of the code and the fine standard of play, it would not be long before Rugby League was established in a much stronger national manner. In this respect the great support now being given by the Auckland League would be a substantial factor in what could be regarded as a red letter year, au exemplified by Auckland's representative programme, the largest undertaken in its history.

GRADE GAMES.

SECOND GRADE. Mangere 11. heat Otahuhu 8. Mangere win the championship. Point Chevalier 17. beat Papakura 8. THIRD OPEN. Richmond 22, heat Mount Albert 3. Ponsonby 19, beat Papakura 5. THIRD INTERMEDIATE. City beat Akarana by default. FOURTH GRADE. Mnrist B 41, beat Northcote 2. Marist. A beat Akarana by default. Richmond 4, beat Newton B 3. FIFTH GRADE. Richmond A beat Point Chevalier by default. Papakura 38, beat Akarana 0. Richmond 2, beat City 0. SIXTH GRADE. Otahuhu 7. beat Richmond 4. Manukau 38, beat Avondale 2. Devouport 10, beat Point Chevalier 8. • SEVENTH GRADE. Richmond A 17. beat Richmond B 0. HOUSE MATCHES. W. Lovctt, Ltd. 13. beat McKeadrick Brothers 2. Bycroft, Ltd. 5, beat Auckland Gas Co. 0. GAfaES IN THE PROVINCE. HUNTLV. Seniors.—Taupiri 8. heat Huntly 3. Juniors.—Huntly 11, heat Ngaruawahia 3; Kia Ora 3, beat Taupiri 0. GAMES IN THE SOUTH. NEW PLYMOUTH. Tnglewood 23, beat Ngaruawahia 10. Western Suburbs 23. beat Waitara 20. CHRISTCHURCfI". Addington 24, beat Hornby 5. Linwood 21, beat Pirates 12. DUNEDIN. Christian Brothers 34, heat Pacific 14. City 25, beat Athletic S.

ALL AUSTRALIAN GAME.

AMALGAMATION OF CODES. | SYDNEY, August 13. I A football carnival in Syduey yesterday ended in a trial of strength between Victoria and South Australia for the Australian rules championship. A strenuous game saw Victoria retain the title by a margin of 44 points. There has been much discussion regarding a proposal to amalgamate the Rugby League and the Australian rules code. The trial 'game was arranged for the officials' study and conference. The matter was fully considered, but so far no definite decision has been reached.

JUNIOR POSITIONS.

The final of flic second grade championship leaves iPapakura, last year's winners, in third place. In the third open division, last match of the round. i.Vlarist Old Boys lead. Kiehmond, with Mount Albert and Glenora on level terms, third. The intermediate grade is headed by Northcote two points ahead of Marists and l'apakura. Marists A lead Newton A by four points, with Marists 15 third in fourth grade. Richmond A and Ii are battling out fifth honours, and City and IPapakura are close up. Pevonport leads Otahuhu by two points in the sixths, with Point Chevalier third, whilst Richmond A prevails in the lower grade, followed by Devonport and Newton.

SCHOOLBOY REPS.

The following team has 1 hen chosen to represent Auckland agnlnst Northland : — Full-back. C. Wilson (captain. ElTorslie) ; three-quarters. Can- (Avondale). Sutherland (Kiehmond). Mirko (Avondale) : fivepightbs. lipid (Avondale), Johnson (Kllcrslie) : half-back. Hartrreaves (Kiehmond) ; forwards. McLeod (City). Veart (Devonport), Hush (City), Harkins (EllersHe', Boardman (vice-captain, Northcote), Cotman (Richmond). Reserves : Backs. Green (Avondale). Kean (Kiehmond) : forwards, Williams (Ellerslie), Moon (City).

SECOND GRADE . FINAE.

A large crowd attended early for the championship final between Otahuhu and Mangere. It was a solid and higlilyspectacular contest. Otahuhu had a slight advantage in the first half, which ended (5—.1 in-their favour. The Mangere backs opened up with thrilling football and the Wilson brothers started In swift and resourceful play, capped by a try that brought the crowd to its feft and made the scores level—eight all. The game went along with a swing, and, nftPr an exciting duel. Mangere went on to score at the corner .pist before the bell, amid much jubilation among the winners' supporters. Mangere 11, Otahuhu 8;