LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 188, 10 August 1934, Page 13

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

CONFIDENT NORTHLANDERS. TO-MORROWS REP. FIXTURE. CHANGES IN AUCKLAND SIDE. The second representative match of the season will be staged at Carlaw Park to-morrow, when a large crowd is expected to see the elect of Northland in action against Auckland. The preliminary game between Mount Albeit and Otahuhu virtually will decide the second grade championship. If Mount Albert win Papakura will take the honours, a draw will mean a replay between Papakura and Otahuhu, while success by Otahuhu will settle the grade issue in their favour. Opening their first North Island tour, the Northland team will be keen to conquer Auckland. Advance reports indicate that the players have trained enthusiastically under capable coaching, and are fitter than any previous side from the district, which not only has .run metropolitan teams close in recent years, but has also held the Northern Union Cup. The Northland selector, Mr. F. Little, has chosen a splendid side for this game. A perusal of the personnel suggests that it is the best balanced thirteen ever picked to uphold the reputation of the Novthern peninsula. The .powerful, experienced pack is supported by a classy rear division. The full-back, McKinley, a 19-year-old colt, in his first year in senior rank, has won his spurs through exceptional ability both on defence and in opening up passing movements. In front of him at centre is C. Hamilton, a three-quarter with more than ordinary craft in intiating attacks. On one wing is his speedy brother, R. Hamilton, and on the other flank R. White, who, since he . left City Rovers earlier this season, has been showing good form for Hikurangi Club.

These matured exponents should be ably served by K. Meyer and T. Cross, fiveeighths, who are calculated to make an ideal blend. The former, when in trim, is a delightful opportunist, and he has always shown up in good play in this city. Cross created a favourable impression on his first appearance last season, and is stated to have gone on improving. Cunningham is a half-back with good hands and strong defence. With the O'Callaghan brothers assisting Wells as hooker, C. White (late Auckland Marists) and Bowyer in the second row, and the resourceful Berghan as breakaway, it seems likely that Auckland will have no monopoly of the ball from the scrums.

The Auckland team is radically changed from that which defeated Taranaki. With the Richmond team on tour, the selectors took the opportunity to test a number of well recognised young players, who, with a stiffening of internationals back and forward, are expected to team in brilliant stvle. Realising that the visitors will bo a formidable force, the players and coach (Mr. F. Delgrosso) have given close attention this week to condition and tactics. Dempsey, the new custodian, will be having his first rep. trial, and should do well. With Kay (Ponsonby) at centre, wingers Hardgrave and Stephens, should have many chances to reveal their paces. Riley and Brimble are a pair of clever fiveeighths, who should be able to open up the play, if Axeman gets the ball cleanly awav from the scrums and rucks. The forwards are a solid lot, and with Trevor Hall and Lou Hutt buttressing the scrum in the second row, Qnirke, between Laird and Clarke, should have the weight essential to successful hooking. The sturdy, light and fast Devonport breakaway will be last man down and probably prominent in the loose. Summed up, the contest should be one of the most exhilarating and spectacular exhibitions seen at the park for many a day.

The teams will be as follows:— North Auckland. Full-back: K. McKinlay. Three-quarters: 11. White, C. Hamilton, E, Hamilton. Five-eighths: T. Cross and E. Meyer. Half-back: R. Cunningham. Forwards: T. Berghan, C. White, H. Bowyer, E. O'Callaghan, A. Wells, T. O'Callaghan. Reserves: P. Childs (back), V. Payne (forward). Auckland. Full-back: Dempsey (Newton). Three-quarters: Stephens (Newton), Kay (Ponsonby), Hardgrave (Newton). Five-eighths: Rilcy (Ponsonby), Brimble (Newton). Half-back: Axeman (City). Forwards: Front row, Laird (Marists). Quirke (Newton), Clarke (City); Hall (Newton), Hutt, captain (Pousonby); Scott (Devonport). Reserves: Forwards, McLean (Ponsonby), Simpson (Devonport); backs, Halloran (Ponsonby), Stockley (Ponsonby), McLaughlin (City).

INTER-ISLAND MATCH,

TARANAKI BEATS RICHMOND

ARRANGEMENTS FOR SEPTEMBER 1. At the meeting of the council of the New Zealand Rugby League last evening, Mr. Cyril Sneddon presiding, congratulations were extended to Taranaki on being the first winners of the Waitangi Maori Shield.

The arrangements for the inter-Island match, which were negatived by notice of motion at last meeting, were readopted, so that Mr. C. R. Hall was officially appointed eole South Island selector and manager of the team, and Mr. A. T. McClymont selector for the North Island. Nominations of players were received from the South Island Leagues as follows: — Otago, six players, Canterbury 11, and West Coast 12. The South Island party to travel is to consist of the chosen team and one emergency. The match is to take place at Auckland on September 1. Nominations are to be aeked from North Island teams. The inter-Island selections will be announced on August 18.

' Approval was given to the Canterbury challenge for the Northern Union Cup match, to take place at Grey mouth. On the application of the Taranaki League the Inglewood team was granted permiesion to play at Ngaruawahia on August 18. Regarding an inquiry from Kftihu referred forward from the Auckland League on a proposal for the introduction of the code in Wairoa, it was decided to represent the matter to the Northland League authorities. The Auckland League advised having approved of the suspensions imposed on certain Mariet Old Boys' Club players, whose transfers to Mount Albert Club would be effective only when the latter club entered a team for the Roope Rooster competition, in which ease the club team would rank as senior for this year only. This action was approved. The reinstatement of S. Carter (Tnangahua) was confirmed at the request of the West Coast League.

(By T'lCßraph. —Press Association.! NEW PLYMOUTH, this day. Kicking a goal from a penalty after the call of time, the Taranaki Rugby League team defeated the Richmond Club (Auckland) here yesterday by 23 points to 22. The scorers for Taranaki were Hunt (2). McDonald, Lewis, Arnold (tries), Arnold (three goals), Priar (a field goal). Richmond's scorers were Cooke (2), Broadhead, MeNeill, Tetley, Lawless (tries), Satherley, Millicich (goals).