THE LEAGUE CODE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20238, 24 April 1929, Page 18

THE LEAGUE CODE.

INTERESTING TRIAL GAMES.

TEAMS IN THE SENIOR GRADE.

COMBINED CLUBS' INCLUSION.

Some interesting practice matches were played at Carlaw Park last Saturday, and there is reason to expect a good season for tho Auckland Rugby League. The inclusion of the Kingsland-Athletic team in the senior grade has caused much com ment, but the two clubs are confident of placing a strong thirteen in the field. It will bo admitted however, that with fewer teams taking part in sonior grade foptball tho standard of play is higher and competition more keen. Whether eight senior teams will improve tho competition is at present a matter for speculation.

Thero was plenty of enthusiasm displayed on Saturday and the strength of the clubs appears well balanced. The game between Ellerslie and Devopporfc provided probably the most interesting play. Ellerslie's form against the champions ■was undoubtedly impressive, and with training and coaching Ellerlsie is likely to . develop into a good team. Devonport was not up to its full strength as many now players were given an opportunity of getting into the first thirteen.

Oliffe, halfback for Ellcrslio, gave a splendid display, and on one occasion beat several defenders with a brilliant run. His work from the base of Iho scrum was very good and he ran the fiveeighths into scoring positions. Littlewood, who several years ago represented Auckland, played well on the wing and revealed the pace that gained him a reputation for scoring tries. Te Puni, a five-eighths from Petone, got few chances, but ho is said to bo an experienced player likely to do well at the game. Hobbs, a forward from Hawko's Bay, was prominent in the loose, as was Quirke, a Wellington forward. R. Crewther was one of last year's team who displayed good form and should make a success if played on the wing. , A Promising Forward.

The appearance of Macarthney, a prominent Rugby Union forward attracted considerable attention and he shaped well for Devonport. Macarthney showel a lot of pace in the open, while several times he was noticed assisting the backs. " He has only to master the play-the-ball rule to bo a successful League forward. Ruby and Rule were prominent in leading the champions in the loose, and the pair have more pace than most forwards. A. Scott played five-eighths to assist the younger players in the rear division. He was given plenty of opportunities but kicked too often. Beattie and L. Scott were in splendid form. The champions only need to secure the services of a good hooker to enablo the backs to shino on attack. Cleaver and Seagar were absent last Saturday, but both are expected to play against Ponsonby on the opening day.

it is definitely staled that S. Prentice, the brilliant five-eighths, will play for Richmond again. Few players in the code have suffered more injuries than Prentice. The New Zealand representative has recovered from a recent operation and his early appearance will greatly strengthen Richmond. L. McDonald, a wing threequartor from the Waikato, gave an impressive displav. He handled well and tackled resolutely. After a lengthy absence R. Hyland has decided to play again. He was prominent on attack against Newton. Hyland was badly injured several seasons ago when showing great promise. Taylor was an absentee on Saturday and it is understood he will not be playing for Richmond. His defection will be a serious loss to the code, as Taylor showed excellent form last season, and must be considered unlucky in missing a place in the representivo team. Hardgrave Brilliant. A feature of Newton's game was the brilliant form shown by Hardgrave who revealed all the speed that gained him several trios for Auckland against England last season. His first try was a brilliant effort, a side-step leaving Laing standing. With a good centre Newton's wings, Hardgrave and Little, are likely to be prolific scorers in club matches. Francis, a Rugby Union junior, played well among the forwards. He has a lot of pace and although small may do well in the pack, Rhodes and Hall wero seemingly out of condition, but within a few weeks will bo at their best. Hall was one of the most improved players in Auckland last season.

An interesting position has evidently arisen over the return to Auckland of J. Clarke, who' was recently transferred by the Auckland Rugby Leaguo to Christchurch. Clarke was a member of the Newton Club last season and on Saturday turned out for Marist, which club was under the impression he was a free member. The Newton Club in the meantime has asked for the cancellation of Clarke's transfer in which case he must play for Newton. It is understood Marist will seek Clarke's registration. Oity and Marist.

After a dull game Marist beat City on time by a converted try. The Roope Rooster winners, however, triod out several new players. Purely, at five-eighths, gave a fine display apd was easily the best back on the ground. He cut in cleverly and ran straight when City's insidlo backs were beaten. Purdy should have no difficulty in finding a place in the Marist rear division. Hassan was, perhaps, the best of the other backs and should make an ideal partner for Purdy. Campbell, a recruit to the code, gave a sound display at fullback. He fielded splendidly and kicked with good judgment. Duane displayed a fine turn of speed for a forward. Ho surprised the crowd by running a close second in the league footballers' championship. Duano has only to improve his handling to be an acquisition to the Marist scrum. The absence of a hooker is going to be a disadvantage to City's backs. Against Marist Weavers, a junior, failed to get the ball, although his opponent, Campbell, was penalised on numerous occasions for blocking the opening in the pack, thereby making it almost impossible for any inexperienced hooker to bo successful. Pascoe hooked well for City last season, but ho may not play this year. Perry and Evorson shaped well at fivoeighths. although the former kicked too much. Hadley and McLaughlin were the best of City's forwards. The 'announcement that M. Wetherill has retired from the gamo was made at the last meeting of the City Club and his loss will be a serious one to the team. Wetherill has had a splendid career, not only with his club, but with the New Zealand representatives whom ho captained in last season's test matches. CRICKET SELECTORS. POSITION IN AUSTRALIA. The Australian Cricket Board of Control, will meet in Sydney on May 3, when important matters relating to tours abroad will be discussed. It is expected that the. number of selectors to choose the teani for England will bo determined on, also whether one or two will bo sent with the team in the managerial position.