LEAGUE FOOTBALL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19403, 11 August 1926, Page 16

LEAGUE FOOTBALL

VISIT OP OTAGO TEAM. FORM AGAINST AUCKLAND. IMPRESSIVE FORWARD PLAY. The first appearance of an Otago League team in Auckland on Saturday demonstrated that, although the Southern League has been established for only two seasons, its youth has not prevented the code from making good progress. With the big profit obtained from an art union the Otago League purchased a property of its own, which, when completed, should he one of the finest sports grounds in the Dominion. The success of any team depends a lot on the manner in which the players are catered for and in this respect Otago has set an example for most other Leagues. The Otago team which failed on Saturday to win the Northern Union Challenge Cup from Auckland was not fully representative for Hickey was an absentee. Without him the team's strength was undoubtedly impaired. Although beaten, Otago was far from being disgraced and in the play of their forwards, at least, there was sufficient merit to provide Auckland with an object lesson. The method of attack adopted by the visiting vanguard was that generally employed by southern packs —so different to the opert work seen locally—and the heavy ground made it more effective, the Otago forwards were superior totheir opponents and their only obstacle to victory was Auckland's better back division. Fitzgerald Outstanding. Fitzgerald was the best forward on the ground and his play was much admired. The Otago man tackled in great style and was clever with the ball at his feet. He was considered to have strong claims fcjr selection in the Now Zealand team, but he was unable to take part in the trial games. Cameron and T. O'Connor were two great workers, their fast following up and deadly tackling being very impressive. Rodgers is another young player who promises to develop into a good forward. Otago were unfortunate in losing Vorrath, who had to retire with an injured nose. The conditions 'did not suit him, but Iho defended well. The visiting backs seldom got the ball from the serum, and consequently they had to look for it in the loose. On aittack, Hansen was (outstanding, showing a good turn of speed, and. the ability to' run the wings into scoring positions. Eckoff, the captain, played a sound game. He tackled well and showed good judgment in placing his Brillianco of Wether all. Auckland owe a great deal to the brilliant play of Wetherall, who was always on hand when danger threatened.' Wetherall showed uncanny judgment in following the dashing'Otago forwards, who must have been dismayed when the Auckland five-eighths dashed in time and again to hold up their attack. Peckham, too, played a masterly game. Prentice and List handled the greasy ball in- fine style. Mansill is improving in his knowledge of the fullback position. A good feature of his play is the manner in which he races to. his backs to open up the attack. The wings, Littlewood and Wade, who did not get much to do, used their speed to advantage. Auckland's forwards were not suited to . the conditions, and, in consequence, were not often conspicuous in open play. Good hooking played an important part in the'match, and this was where Auckland's main advantage lay, for Townsend secured by far the greater share of the ball. O'Brien and Scott were the pick of the forwards, and were ably supported by Payne. Schools as Recruiting Field, For some time the Auckland Rugby League has been discussing the possibilities of establishing the code m local schools. At most of the functions held in connection with the departure of the New Zealand team this topic was touched upon and it is evident that the matter will be. taken up seriously early next season. League is played in the. schools on the West Coast and in Christchurch, and the local authorities are hopeful that Auckland schools will follow this precedent. A number of the sixth grade teams are composed mostly of schoolboys. The success of the code in Auckland in the higher grades is apparent and further progress would be made if the schools were available as a recruiting ground. Opposi-' tion from schoolmasters was aroused when the question was raised about two years ago, but it is understood no boy is compelled to play any particular coda. In all probability the matter will be considered by the New Zealand Council and the Auckland League in the near future.