LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19349, 9 June 1926, Page 18

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

THE NEW ZEALAND TEAM.

FIRST TRIAL GAME PLAYED.

AUCKLAND SHOULD PREPARE

The first trial match to assist in the selection of the New Zealand League team to tour England was played at Dunedin on Saturday, when Otago met Canterbury iThe result, a draw, shows that the two teams were evenly matched, and the selectors' task will be no easy one. The next game will be played between Otago and West Coast on Saturday. The New Zealand selectors, Messrs. R. Stirling, A. McClymont and C. B. Hardingham, .viewed Saturday's game, and will be present at all the games played in the South Island.

The Personal of the first Auckland team to take part in the arranged trial games should be made known on June 26. To assist those selected thd Auckland League should at once make arrangements to have the team assembled and properly trained and coached, as soon as the selection is announced. A serious effort should be made to enable the selected thirteen to train, both day and night, as there is a growing feeling that a big' majority of the senior grade players are not nearly fit enough. The opposition from the South will be very strong. During the next few weeks the "possibilities" should be brought together and put through a course of tactics. Judging by the form shown during the season the nucleus of a very strong attacking side can be brought together, and it is to be hoped that the selection committee will give this matter urgent and serious attention. Many Injured Players. The list of injured players still continues to increase and some of the clubs are finding it a difficult matter to place strong teams in ths field. L. Brown, the brilliant City wing, is the latest to" be laid aside, having sustained an injury to his foot when playing against Grafton. The nature of the injury is a torn ligament, and it will be two weeks before he can play again. His brother, E. Brown, was also hurt in the same match and his injured shoulder will keop him out of action for some time.

A. Scott, the Devonport forward, sustained a broken nose some weeks ago, but he expects to play next Saturday. Dixon, Webb, and, Cleaver, • all of Devonport, who have been standing down during the past three weeks, returned to assist their club last Saturday. Ponsonby are most unfortunate at this stage of the competition in losing the services of their captain, F, Delgrosso, who received a severe knock on Saturday. He sustained a severe cut over the eye and four stitches had to be inserted. His injury will keep him out of action for a couple of Saturdays. Both C. Dufty (Grafton) and G. Gardiner (Ponsonby) are nursing injured knees. The broken 'collarbone that put* Brisbane out of the game has now mended .and he may be found assisting Marist on Saturday. M. WetheralPs absence from the City team on Saturday; last was due to his having to sit for a master plumber's examination. The popular City captain has been devoting a lot of time to his studies supporters of the'Cbde will wish him success. Richmond, who drew the bye last Saturday, were not idle during the week-end and the team visited Ferndale, where some interesting work , was indulged in. Their coach, J. Parkes, is well satisfied with the progress shown and the colts are sanguine of winning the majority of games ,in the second round. Points Prom Club Games, With Marist, Ponsonby and City equal at the top of the: (list, the ■ championship looks very open. City, however, have played : one more game than either of the other teams;-: The form of Newton and Richmond will be eagerly watched, as both teams are at any time likely to upset calculations. Newton, particularly, are showing improved form. C. Gregory played a great game for Marist on Saturday. His display as fullback was the most brilliant seen this season at Cai'law Park. He was the life and soul of the team. Both in defence and attack he was an outstanding figure. Gregory's fielding was faultless and the manner in which he opened up the attacking movements was an object lesson to other fullbacks. By his display Gregory has claims second to none when the Auckland team is being selected for the trial games. J. Kirwan played easily his best game this season and showed himself to be back to his best form. Kirwan scored two verv fine tries and his first was the gem of "the match. The Marist captain revealed some brilliant form and showed rare initiative. Singe was a power of strength to his side, his dashing play being much admired. In the loose Singe showed that he could handle the ball with the ability of a threequarter and he did not shirk his work in the scrums; .■■■-. Moisley and Noble are improving with every game and with more experience will make crack League forwards. Peckham was again Ponsonby's best back. What he lacks in_ size he makes up for in gameness and is probably the best half in Auckland. Newton's Improvement.

: The -bright passing and crisp handling of the Newton team proved too good for Grafton, whose team was weakened by the absence of Dufty and Heard. The winners, however, showed better form than in the opening matches and have the nucleus of a promising thirteen. A. Mansill followed ,up his brilliant game of the previous week by giving another attractive display. Mansill possesses pace which he uses to good advantage, and his goal-kicking is a decided asset to Newton.

Clarke was again the best forward on the ground. His speed and clever handling enabled him to take part in most of the attacking movements. The claims of .the Newton forwards for a place in the trial games cannot be overlooked. For Grafton. Jones played an impressive game and he was the best of the backs. With Wetherall and L. and E. Brown missing from the City side, Devonport supporters gave their team a good, chance of beating City. Their optimism was justified, for Devonport won their first game this season. It has been entirely bad luck that has kept Devonport from occupying a more prominent place in the competition. Never a Saturday went by without several of their players being injured. City Disappointing. Perry, at fullback, was the best man in Devonport's rear division, and he gave a finished display. Webb, who has been standing down owing to injuries, reappeared and played a useful game. L. Scott scored two tries and used his pace to good advantage. Devonport's front had all the best of the forward play and beat City in every department: Dixon was the most conspicuous and headed many dangerous attacks. City's form was distinctly disappointing. The backs were rarely seen in their usual dashing play. G. Wade, on the wing, played well when opportunities came his way. Davidson was without the ball all day and the pivot of the attack was held up. Lewis was perhaps the best of City's inside backs. Four different players were tried in these positions.. Among th 9 forwards .Thomas was easily ,the best and gave an excellent display. On his recent form he has a chance for a place in the representative team, for solid front-row forwards with experience are wanted.