THE LEAGUE CODE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20865, 6 May 1931, Page 15

THE LEAGUE CODE.

PLAYERS NEED TRAINING.

THREEQUARTER AS FORWARD. ASSOCIATION FOR PLAYERS. It was very evident from Saturday's matches that the majority of the members of tho Rugby League senior teams were not fit enough to last a strenuous pace, but another week of training should make a great difference, especially to the lighter players. Several of the heavier forwards need a good deal more training beforo they can hope to see a fast match right through. J Two members of the United Suburbs senior cricket eleven were opposed to each other in the match between Devonport and City. A. Scott captained Devonport and capably led the forwards. Kerr, at fullback for City, was rather erratic, mishandling being his chief fault. At other times he handled well and placed his kicks to good advantage.

When the City inside backs settle down properly the team will be a much more dangerous proposition. In the opening game they proved a fast set and were quick to take advantage of mistakes by their opponents.

It seems that Devonport is to be well served this season in the Inst line of defence by Simons, who showed promise in that position when he first entered the senior grade three seasons ago. Simons made few mistakes on Saturday, handling the ball well, while his powerful kicking was of great advantage to his side.

L. Scott, who delighted spectators a couple of seasons ago by his dashing displays on the wing, and also gained a place in the New Zealand team, played in the Devonporfc forwards on Saturday. He showed np at times and powerful running on one occasion by which he beat several defenders would have resulted in a try but for a beautiful low tackle by Davidson.

L. Saxon, who has played for Devon--port in the seniors for the past few seasons, was among the reserve grade 011 Saturday. H. Hunt, the Ponsonby and Auckland representative wicketkeeper, also played in this grade. Touring Team. There is a possibility that a Sydney University team will visit New Ze'aland during the season. Nothing definite has yet been arranged. Such a tour would be of benefit to the code, especially as it seems likely that many promising young players are coming to the forefront this season. A tour by a visiting team would give these players their opportunity. The withdrawal of the Marist Club from the League code in Christchurch leaves the game there with four senior teams. This is half the number which competed a few seasons previously. Some interesting matches should be the order next Saturday. Pride of place at Carlaw Park is almost certain to be given to Ponsonby, last year's champions, who had a bye last Saturday, and Marist, which had such a close call against Richmond. City and Richmond should provide another good match, while Devonport ought to take the honours from Newton. Ellerslie has the bye on Saturday. S. Watene, the City fullback, was unable to play on Saturday owing to influenza. The New Zealand representative will be fit for next Saturday.

It is interesting to note that Lou Brown has been a member of the winning team in the English Rugby League championship for two consecutive seasons. In 1930 Brown played for Wigan and on Saturday, at Wembley Stadium, in London, his club, Halifax, defeated York in the cup final. Calling of Time. The winning try scored by Marist against Richmond on Saturday a few minutes after time has created considerable discussion. Two seasons ago the Auckland Rugby League experienced a similar case and definite instructions were then laid down. Should time ho up the timekeeper has been instructed to ring the bell when the ball is out of play or deemed to be " dead." The latter clause, according to rules of the game, applies when a breach has been made. The ball must not necessarily be out.of bounds before time can be called.

In the Richmond-Marist game, two scrums were formed prior to the movement which resulted in the winning try. It is to be hoped that the management committee will once more clear the position in order to prevent misunderstanding in the future. The newlv-constituted management committee appears to be functioning well and there seems little doubt that it will eventually place the game in a more sound position. On Saturday the opening was quite successful and the attendance satisfactory. Club officials, however, consider they should be an intermediate body of club representatives with a view to better relationship between the game and players. During the week-end two prominent clubs discussed the question of a players' association. The objects of this body would be to watch club interests and make suggestions for the benefit of the code. Properly organised such a body would be an asset to the present constitution. It is likely a meeting to discuss the question will be convened in the near future.

Following closely on the reinstatement of F. Delgrosso, C. Dufty appealed against (he penalty placed on him by the New Zealand Rugby League. The well-known representative fullback had the support of the Ellcrslie Club and his appeal was successful. Dufty, who played on Saturday for Ellcrslie, was suspended during the pleasure of the council for not playing for the New Zealand touring loam against Auckland last season. Delgrosso will lead the Ponsonby team next Saturday against Marist.

YACIIT RACING

ANNUAL PRIZE NIGHT

The Northcote and Birkenhead Regatta Committee will hold its annual distribution of prizes and dance in the Palais Theatre, Northcote, to-morrow evening. The art union for the model yacht will be drawn at the dance.

The Victoria Cruising Club will hold its annual prize night in tho Manchester Unity Hall on Wednesday, July 15. The function will take the form of a social and dance.

A number of and launches have already been hauled up for the winter. Among the boats that have recently been placed on the hard at Devonport are Wajone, Kotiri, Ilex, Maebe, Moa and Phyllis. The yachts Waitangi, Thelma, and Ariki have taken up their winter quarters at Lowe and Son's slipway in Freeman's Bay. Tho Takapuna Boating Club's race for Class Z on Saturday resulted in a win for Trevic, with Delphi ne second and Oi third.