THE LEAGUE GAME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18690, 22 April 1924, Page 5

THE LEAGUE GAME.

NOTES AND COMMENTS. As evidence of the popularity of the League code, the first practice. match of the year, played at Carlaw Park on Friday, was witnessed by over 1000 enthusiasts. From 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Newton were on No. 2 ground. A good muster of the red-and-whites turned out, and some good field practice and kicking was indulged in. r At 3 p.m. teams from the Mansfc and City Clubs opposed each other in a practice match. .The most hopeful of those present did not expect such good form as was displayed so early in the season. It demonstrated the keen interest which is being taken by the players this season, due to the great competition there will be for inclusion in the representative teams to oppose the many visiting combinations. Marists won by 22 to 16. Neither side was truly represented in the pack. This applied particularly to City. Some good, crisp passing was indulged in by the backs on each side. 'Die Manst team to take the field this year appears to be a fine combination of youth and experience. Tin's, to a lesser degree, is apparent in each of the clubs. City will feel the lass of W. Davidson, and F. Wilson, but this club has a large number of junior players to choose from, and it would not occasion any surprise to find even these two places creditably filled. The absence of W. Davidson is a double loss, as he was 'such a capable leader, in addition to being the best back player and kick in the team. ' Newton were out again in the Domain on Saturday, and when this side takes the field against City next Saturday they will not be lacking condition. Neither Ponsonby nor Marists are taking any chances with the new teams, Mangere and Ellerslie, and when these teams are picked, they will be representative of the best talent from each club. The new Mangere team has been practising regularly on its own ground at Pukaki. Their mentor, J. Rukatai, realises the task before them in being opposed to Ponsonby for the first game. Condition will not fail this team next Saturday. Athletics, Richmond and Ellerslie were all at practice on Saturday, on their respective grounds. All the junior grades report pood training progress. No junior team will be better served in the matter of condition than Parnell, who are continually at practice on their own ground at Campbell's Point, This team is particularly strong, as they still have in their ranks a number of players who would have gono into their senior team had the club been granted permission to play first grade.