THE LEAGUE CODE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20255, 15 May 1929, Page 18

THE LEAGUE CODE.

WELL-CONTESTED MATCHES. SUCCESS OF CITY THIRTEEN. KINGSLAND'S IMPROVED FORM. The third series of matches in tho Auckland Rugby Leaguo's senior competition was particularly well contested, and each of the matches was decided only after much exciting play. Tho splendid win by City over Richmond was a feature of the day's play. Richmond started off well this season, and its early form was so impressive as to expect tho team to win tho championship from Devonport. City had two comparatively easy teams to meet in tho opening matches, but against Richmond a win was not expected. However, City roso to tho occasion in good style and actually outplayed a strong thirteen. The gamo was remarkable for its even, naturo and twico the scores were equal. Halfway through the second spell Hamilton kicked two splendid goals and Richmond looked likely to win. Then City's backs, which were often dangerous, attacked with perfect combination, and in a few minutes had Richmond defending. From a scrum Reynolds, with fine judgment, raced over to score the winning try. City well deserved its victory and now heads tho championship table with Devonport. Ponsonby, Richmond and Newton have each had a loss. A Promising Half. City possesses an ideal halfback in Reynolds, a promoted junior, whose football has been favourably commented upon. Against Richmond Reynolds gave a finished display. Ho exploits the short punt to perfection and several times he saved City with daring short kicks in his own twenty-five. Ilall gavo an exhibition of his goalkicking ability by sending one over from 40yds. out from the side-line. With a few moro games Hall will considerably strengthen City's rear division. Kingsland showed, considerable improvement in its gamo against Newton, which was lucky to beat tho section B champions of last year. Kingsland's backs more than held their own against speedy opposition and at times outplayed Newton. Angelo and Longvillo were associated in some clever play. The former gives promise of developing into a clever attacking player. J. McFarlane, who had the misfortune to break his leg while playing junior grade for Richmond, was a few seasons ago a successful senior player. Ho is also a prominent suburban senior cricketer. ,J. Hamilton, the ex-Northland representative player who was injured against Ellerslie, came on late in the first half to assist Richmond on Saturday. He had not quite recovered, but nevertheless played well. Hamilton kicked two splendid goals. Ellerslie Backs Weak. But for a poor display in the first half by the Ellerslie backs, Devonport would have had a much harder struggle to win on Saturdav. The champions took advantage of Ellerslie's weak handling and two tries were quickly added. Beattie and Seagar proved fine players on attack and the pair paved tho way for both Devonport's tries. Within one minute of tho start in the second half L. Scott outpaced the opposition and Devonport had scored 16 points before Ellerslie had opened its account. The Ellerslie forwards had played splendid lootball in the first half and the backs made amends for failures in the second. There were only four points between the teams at tho end. 01 iff, for Ellerslie, was an outstanding player. lie got down to forward rushes in "great style and was elusive in the loose. With better support from the fiveeighths Ellerslie might have won. Delgrosso was in good form at goalkicking and registered eight of Ponsonby s points against Marist. The Fonsonby captain is a reliable goal-kicker. Mclntyre, who recently returned to Auckland from Sydney, is expected to don tho jersey again. It has been reported he will play behind Ponsonby's scrum and not with Newton, his former club. Newton was strengthened on Saturday by the inclusion of K. Peckham and Letton, who were successful last season with Ponsonby. Peckham gavo promise of developing into a useful five-eighths, and given an opportunity in this position he should bo tho means of making play for Newton's fast wings. I.etton is a solid back, being particularly sound in defence. Return of L. Brown. The cable news that L. Brown is returning to Auckland for a holiday does not necessarily mean that the ex-City threequartcr will play here. The Wigan Club is not likely to grant permission for Brown to play. Further, the New Zealand League would in all probability question Brown's position so far as the transfer rule operates. Brown intends to remain in Auckland about six weeks. Ponsonby fared well in the scrums on Saturday. Tho excellent hooking of Stevens gave his backs the ball repeatedly. and this feature of his play was undoubtedly a factor in Ponsonby's success. On the two previous Saturdays Stevens distinguished himself, and provided he maintains his form and that the backs rnako full use of the opportunities, Ponsonby must in future games be a! team to be reckoned with. At present the side has a very efficient combination among tho inside'backs, but the wingers in the last game were not always effective. Throughout the match Skelton was prominent among the forwards. The vast amount of work he performed ho did well, being continually up with tho play, and, when the chance offered, sending the backs away. The few occasions on which the Marist backs handled the ball they displayed some clever movements. Brisbane, at centre, was a constant source of worryto the Ponsonby rearguard and some ol his old form was apparent in his tricky manoeuvres. Easily outclassed in scrum work the slightly heavier Marist forwards nevertheless played well in the loose, several times breaking through the opposing rearguard with successful dribbling and passing rushes. Matches in England. Club matches in England have drawn record crowds in tho third round of the English Rugby League championship, which was decided at Wembley on Saturday week last. The following attendances and gate receipts are interesting. Warrington v. Dewsbury. 21.000: receipts, £l3Ol St. Helens v. Wigan. 27,000; receipts, £1652. Halifax v. St. Helens Recs 17,180: receipts, £1022. Castleford v. Wigan Highfield, 11,700; receipts, £6OO. Tho Lcaguo code continues to attract large crowds in Sydney and club matches both in the city and suburbs arc being followed with great interest. The Rate receipts at (lie South Sydney-Globe match were £779 and the attendance 14,548. The Australians Carr and Harris, who recently returned from England, where they played under contract for Huddersfield, have been granted permission to play for South Sydney. Tho returned players, is has been alleged, broke their contract at Homo and returned to Sydney much dissatisfied with conditions in England. It has been stated on reliable authority that Huddersfield intends to forco tho pair to return, or, as an alternative, sue the players for a breach of contract. It will be therefore interesting to see what attitude tho English League will adopt, seeing tho New South Wales League has permitted Carr and Harris to rejoin South Sydney.