LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 235, 4 October 1935, Page 12

LEAGUE FOOTBALL

THIRD TEST MATCH. AUSTRALIA VERSUS N.Z. DECIDING GAME OF SERIES. The third Test match between the New Zealand and Australian Rugby League teams will take place at Carlaw Park tomorrow. In view of international honours at stake and the fact that each country now has a win to its credit in the series of three matches, the game should be full of interest. The Kangaroos opened their Dominion tour by defeating Auckland in a brilliant game by .16—8. They then beat a combined team at Wellington by the high scoring being a great surprise, particularly as the home side registered a record tally against an Australian side. Taking all things into consideration it was not so remarkable that a keen New Zealand side succeeded in beating the visitors in the first Test by 22 —14. A vital change in the New Zealand team for the second Test had much to do with the home side's downfall, when the Kangaroos rose to mastery and in the process staged some glorious football. Colts to Make Debut. Some further changes have been made by the New Zealand selectors as the result of Wednesday's game. Cooke was heavily late-tackled early in that contest, and E. Ward, the Canterbury hooker, who required five stitches in his lower lip after the game, will be unavailable. Cliff Hunt, the Taranaki star, who as centre in the second Test, scored New Zealand's only two tries, replaces Cooke at fullback. In this position he has had considerable experience. A. Mitchell, the virile Richmond winger, replaces his club mate, E. T. Mincham, who certainly did not perform satisfactorily in his last outing. Mitchell is a resolute and heady player with big-match temperament. Kay has been shifted to centre to give extra thrust and speed to the backs and will have Lou Brown to give good assistance. Associated with Prentice, who, having recovered well from a knock, is restored to first five-eighth instead of H. r. Lilburne, of Wellington, i® ®* Kiley, clever young Ponsonby inside back. A surprise selection is that of E. Fletcher, who takes the half-back position instead *of Powell. Fletcher, a versatile representative colt, proved his worth recently on tour, and may make his mark on this occasion. He, Mitchell and Riley will be wearing the All Black Jersey for the first time. In spite of the absence of Cooke, the rearguard is fast and likely to prove constructive and dangerous on attack, while being sound on defence. A slightly lighter but speedier pack will be seen in action. Glynn (West Coast) is unlucky to be dropped. The front-rankers are the same as in the first Hutt and Laird. Satherly, in the second row. will have the support of Lawless. Locking the scrum again -will be Tetley, whose play in the first Test was outstanding. Australian Side Unchanged. As sound and as attractive as this Dominion side is, it will require all its team power and initiative against the visitors, whose ranks remain undisturbed. The stage appears to be set for a grand Test final. The teams will be as follow.— New Zealand (all black). Full-back.—C. Hunt (Taranaki) _ Three-quarters.—A. Mitchell, A, S. Prentice ' J Ha!f-back.—E. Fletcher (Auckland!. Forwards—J. Calder (West Coast), L. Hutt, J. Laird, C. Satherly, R. Lawless, H. Tetley (Auckland). Australia (green and gold). Full-back. —L. Ward. • Three-quarters. —R. Hincs, D. Brown, K. McKinnon, S. Goodwin. Five-eighth.—E. Norman. Half-back.—V. Thicknesse. Forwards.—F. Curran, P Fairall, R. Stehr, S. Pearce, E. Lewis, W. Prigg. COUNCIL MEETING. PRESENTATION OF CUP. At the meeting of the council of the New Zealand Rugby League last evening, Mr. Cyril Snedden presiding, it was decided to thank Messrs. George Court and Sons for specially entertaining, the Australian team ind visitors at luncheon yesterday. , "'J. The entertainment committee also reported progress in connection with the special evening to-morrow when' the Courtney Goodwill Cup will be presented to the winners. the third Test arrangements to-morrow were also completed, and the council expressed confidence in the New Zealand team. The Test will be followed on Wednesday by a game between Auckland provincial representatives and the Kangaroos. FIXTURES FOR TO-MORROW. Owing to the annual ball held at the Peter Pan cabaret, the Auckland Rugby League Control Board did not meet on Wednesday evening., Fixtures are : — Third Test.—New Zealand v. Australia, Carlaw Park. No. 1, 3 p.m. Third Grade. —Ngaruawahla v. City, Carlaw Park No. 1, 12.30 p.m., Mr. J. CottlnFourth Grade. —Semi Final: Newton Rangers v. Glen Ora, Park No. 1, 1.30 p.m., Mr. C. Gedye. Schoolboys.—Otahuhu r. Richmond, Carlaw Park No. 2, 10.30 a.m.. Mr. C. Bonchnm ; Northcote v. Green Lane A. Carlaw Park No. 2. 11.30 a.m.. Mr; C. Boneham; Marlst v. Devonport. Carlaw Park No. 1, J 1.30 a.m.. Mr. A. Lennie. Seven-a-slde.—Northcote v. Ellcrslle, Carlaw Tark No. 1, 3.45 p.m.