THE LEAGUE CODE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20605, 2 July 1930, Page 16

THE LEAGUE CODE.

INTERESTING COMPETITION. YOUNG PLAYER SHOWS PROMISE NEW ZEALAND TEAM'S TOUR. The championship of tho Auckland Rugbv League is at a very interesting stage at tha conclusion of the first round, and tho three leading teams aro within ono point of each other, while Devonport, which at one stago hold tho lead, is two points away in fourth place. But for a loss on a protest by Kingsland, Marist would bo ahead of City, the present leaders, by one point.

It was only to be expected that the absenoo of tho best players with the New Zealand team would 'considerably weaken the clubs affected. Devonport's splendid fonn, however, was most impressive, and the t«;am is likely to causo several surprises as tho second round advances. Tho younger members of each team gavo most promising displays, which augur well for tho future of' tho code.

All credit is due to the Devonport forwards for tliuir fine display, and as a combination they gavo easily tho . best exhibition this season. Tho manner in which they supported the backs was a feature of the game.

The absence of Seagar gave the Devonport selectors an opportunity of playing Smith, a much-discussed third grade three quarter. Smith opened tho game in a rather sensational manner by scoring a fino individual try. His resource was later demonstrated when he cleverly beat the defence to enable L. O'Leary to score Smith is undoubtedly a promis ; ng centre, who with caieful coaching will improve the Devonpor; attack. Few players in the code havn shown moro improvement than L. O'Loary, who scored 14 of Devonport's joints. He combined nicely with Smith. A Spectacular Try. Batcheloi's try was perhaps the most spectacular senn at Carlaw Park this season. This player has only to perfect his swerve to take his place among wingthreequartcrs of the highest class. After an absence of three seasons, N. Bass made his reappearance for City against Richirond. The ex-New Zealand representative gave a fino display, and had a lot to do with City's win. Bass still retains most of his former pace, and round the scram he is just as clever as he was in his earlier career, when ho made a big impression with English players. City may lose the services of Davidson for some weeks. Davidson is just beginning to show his best form. Against Marist he received a badly-torn ear and the wound was again opened on Saturday. The injury is such that the doctor has suggested a retirement for tho remainder of t'io season. It is stated, however, that an ear-cap may prevent further trouble. The action of the Richmond team in replacing a player after half-time caused considerable discussion at the Domain on Saturday. According to the rules no player can be replaced after half-time. Tho Auckland Rugby League made a provision some years ago that provided the opposing captain was notified, an injured player taken off just before half-tinio could be replaced after the interval. The time was allowed only because the substitute may have to change. Itinerary Unknown.

Although thn Now Zealand League team has arrived in Sydney it is still without a definite itinerary. This is 110 new action of the New South Wales League, which usually .likes to find out the quality of a New Zealand team. The action, however, is far from satisfactory and this procedure shoild be stopped by the Dominion authorities. From past experience the desire to send the team back to New Zealand a financial success has not been earn"ad out. No touring team should be expected to plav matqhes anywhore in the State without being given something definite. In 1919 a really good New Zealand 'earn was given no opportunity to rest, as country fixtures were practically arrrnged overnight. The tour opens on'Satuiday next, when New Zealand will piay New South Wales at Sydney. The New S)uth Wales team to play New Zealand appears to be a good combination. Several promising young players have been given their first chance in inter-State football. The Kangaroos, McMillan, Shortland, Kadwell and Busch are chosen among ;he backs. Kingston, Root and Brogan are forwards who toured England last season. Weissell, who captained Now South Wales against Queensland in recent matches, was not available for selection.