Rugby League Anticipates Highly Successful Season

Northern Advocate, 28 April 1939, Page 4

Rugby League Anticipates Highly Successful Season

»yHE MOST SUCCESSFUL SEASON OF ITS HISTORY IS ANTICIPATED BY THE NORTHLAND RUGBY LEAGUE THIS YEAR.

Although a reversion to five senior teams from the seven of last season has been "made, this policy has been deemed wisest, as it will eliminate long distance travelling and tend to reduce the number of defalcations which marred an otherwise excellent season in 1938.

This year’s seniors are City (winners of last year’s senior competition), Kamo (winners of the knockout), Hikurangi, Portland and Kensington.

With a number of Takahiwai players now stationed at Portland, these men are joining forces with Portland, while Whakapara is amalgamated with Kamo.

As a result, Portland will be able to field a much stronger team than formerly, while the new Kamo United should be one of the most formidable in the competition.

New Junior Team. There will be at least four junior teams taking the field. These will be Hikurangi, Kensington, Portland, and Rangiora, a new team formed from the boys of One Tree Point and surrounding districts. Fourth grade strength is still uncertain but it is hoped that at least one town team from Whangarei, and three country teams will be forthcoming. Grounds in Good Order. Jubilee Park, Whangarei League headquarters, is in excellent order for the commencement of the season. After having been grazed throughout the summer, No. 1 ground has a good turf, which softened by the rains, will make an unbeatable playing surface.

Both have the valuable characteristic of being able to get among other players and impart their knowledge of the game to them. It is probable that these men will be allocated to various teams for certain periods. M This is a scheme which has been under consideration by the League for seme time, and its operation should see immediate benefit in a higher standard of play. Kick-off on Saturday. The battle for senior honours is to commence tomorrow, Saturday. Hikurangi and City will provide the big clash at Jubilee Park, while the new Kamo United and Portland teams will be given a solid tryout at Portland. Kensington will enjoy a bye. In the junior grade, Hikurangi and Kensington are to try conclusions at Hikurangi, while Rangiora and Portland will appear at One Tree Point. Play in the fourth grade will open the following Saturday, May 6.

Improved sanitary arrangements will tie in force at the park this year, while the pavilion is being lengthened and provided with a floor to give improved dressing accommodaton for players. A showed is also being fitted. In addition, definite steps will be taken to regrade and topdress No. 2 ground this season.

Other grounds throughout the district arc also in the best of order.

Northland’s Big Chance.

Big feature of New Zealand League this year is the forthcoming tour of Great Britain and France, for which the Kiwis will leave at the end of July. % 111 this connection, Northland’s big chance comes at Carlaw Park, Auckland, on June 24, when a trial game will be played between Northland and Taranaki Teams for this match will be the guests of the New Zealand League Council,, and, in addition, Northland has been offered most attractive financial terms for the fixture. Following this game Will come the North v. South and Possibles v. Probables trial games. This is a chance for Northlanders to make the grade for New Zealand honours, and for this reason play this season should be of a particularly high standard. Player-Coach Scheme. Negotiations are in train for the Northland League to secure the: services of two player-coaches from Auckland, and there is every prospect of these negotiations being successful.

One of the men under consideration has played in Britain, and represented New Zealand, while the other has represented Auckland and is in the top flight.