LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 224, 9 June 1923, Page 18

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

(By

“Petone.”)

The display of tackling in the New-town-Hutt match last Saturday was really high-class, and it was very pleasing -to see the improvement in this very important branch of the game. The game between- Petone and the Hutt this-afternoon-is creating a good deal of interest. On the last occasion these teams met Petone won by 8 points to nil. Since then both teams have been unbeaten, and both have shown greatly improved form m team work and combination so another close game should result. W. Anderson, who has had experience of refereeing both in Australia and Auckland has joined the local referees. On Saturday last ho had charge of the Petone-Uentral game, and nis exhibition with the whistle was an eye-opener to 1 both ) layers and Sectators. A few more referees of e same calibre would do the game a lot of good. A. Zimmerman, who has represented Petone and Wellington since the gamo restarted here is leaving the district. His loss will be greatly felt by Petone, as he was a very popul/ir and versatile player, being at home cither as a back or as a forward. League players wish him luck in his new venture. Fawcett, a last year’s junior played ia great gamo for Hutt on Saturday, and should go close to representative honours this year. McLennan and p err y—the .latter another promoted junior—also showed promising form. T Balks who hitherto has always played full-back for Petone, is this year playing first five-eighths for.Hntt. Though playing a good Kama in Jus new position, there is no doubt he would be more help to his team in his old position, in which he has no equal in Wellington. Mason, Newtown’s wing-three-quar-ter, has returned to Wellington, and plaved for his club on Saturday last. Ho "was immediately unfortunate, as in the early stages of the game he received a bad knock, and .then after receiving two minor injuries was helped off the field suffering from slight concussion of the brain. The match for the Ayon Cup on Monday was unfortunately spoilt by the heavy ground. Tho exhibition of “playing the ball” by the southern players was certainly an education to the local players, and. if they fellow their 'trample a groat improvement in local play will certainly result.