RUGBY LEAGUE TRIAL

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 259, 29 July 1937, Page 15

RUGBY LEAGUE TRIAL

Players Handicapped By Muddy Ground By Telegraph—Tress Association. Auckland, July 28. The trial Rugby League game played with a view to assisting the selectors to choose' the New Zealand team to play the Australians next month did not prove Of any great value inasmuch as the ground, which resembled a quagmire in places, did not permit players to do themselves justice. The game was also marred by injuries, Hemi and Kay, two prominent Auckland players, and Berry, Wellington, having to retire. Features of the game were the splendid play of Bickerton at five-eighth, and Rata on the wing. The former made some nice openings, and was easily the best of the inside backs. R. Chase, who scored three tries, made a good impression among the southern players. Davison, the Canterbury wing-threequarter, was their best back, and he should have good prospects of inclusion in the New Zealand side. He showed more speed than any other wing taking part in the match, while his goal-kicking was also a feature of his play. Kiely, the West Coast centre-tbreequarter, djd not receive man” opportunities, but he played prominently in the second half. Glynn, West Coast, played a fine, game in the forwards, being prominent in the loose as well as performing excellently iu tight play. Cootes, Wellington, ruined a promising display by holding on to the ball too long. The team will be chosen next Saturday evening, and players will have a week's training prior to nieetinf the Australians in the first Test, at Auckland on Saturday week. .