LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Evening Post, Volume CII, Issue 32, 6 August 1921, Page 11

LEAGUE FOOTBALL

(By "Referee.") The Australasian team, which arrived by the Tahiti last Monday, played their pro mis'ed exhibition game on the Basin Reserve during the luncheon hours of Tuesday. Although the' vigour usually present in a test game was somewhat diminished on account of the "no decision" nature of tho exhibition, an interesting game resulted. The visitors demonstrated that they are past-masters in handling the ball, running cleverly, and gavo glimpses of their qualities both in attack and defence. The attendance—about 1500—was good, considering the hour. The team sailed on Tuesday evening, carrying the best wishes of all local sports. ; AUCKLAND TRIP. A3 anticipated, Auckland succeeded in defeating our representatives last Saturday for the Northern Union Cup, by 31 to 8. The game, which was played before an attendance of some 6COO in continuous rain and on a particularly muddy ground, was a good one; the scores not indicating the merits of tho teams. Unfortunately, the ground was twisted round to avoid a bad patch, and it was not discovered until half way through, the first spell that the corner flag marking Auckland's goal line was wrongly placed.' This robbed Wellington of three certain tries, as Thompson (twice) and Nicholls (onq.6) actually got over the line after passing bouts, and were not aware of it. The flag was subsequently altered to its correct place, which* was necessary, as the chalk lines were obliterated by the rain. Tho Wellington forwards were much the better of the two packs, and were right on top of their, opponents throughout the game. Particularly in the Beoond speli they demonstrated their superiority, penning Auckland for the greater part in their own territory, and were unlucky in not gaining more points. As the Auckland Star puts it, "time after timo the blackjerseyed pack swept down on Auckland's goal line and only tho condition of the ground and ball, together with very bad luck, prevented Williams, Le Warne, Haryey, Kruze, and Zimmerman from scoring." When these two teams meet at Wellington .on 20th August, there should be a different story. It would bo difficult to pick out an.v player from, the Wellington team deserving special mention, 1 as every man played splendidly. Thoy were handicapped by not getting a fair share of the ball through Lowry, the Auckland rake, sitting down immediately the ball entered the scrum —an old obstruction, which should be stopped. The game has resulted m bringing out two facts. Firstly, that there are players outside of Auckland worthy of being considered when a Now Zealand League team is being selected, and, secondly, that Wellington has made marked improvement in its standard of play this season, When one remembers that the Auckland team was practically the New Zealand team which toured New South Wales and Queensland, the merits of the Wellington thirteen are more apparent.

Both Doo. Niriholls ana Jack Shannahan had_ to retiro owing to receiving severe kicks, but were quite themselves again after receiving attention. Their p SS 08 were fillod fey Wiffioy and Jessop. Pho team was splendidly entertained by tho Auckland League during the stay, and the loss of the game was m a way compensated by tho hospitality showered upon them: ) . . ■

The ground—Carlaw Park—when finished, will be a great asset to the Auckland League, but at the present time, owing to the wet season, is more like Petone No. 2 Ground at its very worst. Next year, when the field drains will hay© been laid, it will be a fine ground. Tho Wellington team also played South Auckland at Hamilton during!tho week, and again suffered defeat. f The League code has made rapid progress in this district, no less than twelve senior teams playing our code. . The New Zealand Leajgue sent a team of Aucklanders to Hamilton to play the local lads for the purposo of lending a helping- hand: Tho team which wa3 far from Auckland's best and called a "New Zealand team" (?) was beaten by a small margin.

It is almost certain that an Auckland third grade team will visit Wellington when the representatives play, and give our local boys a game. Tho Avon (Christchurch) boys are, also coming, as'aro the Napier junior representatives.