THE LEAGUE CODE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20889, 3 June 1931, Page 13

THE LEAGUE CODE.

SPIKES IN PLAYERS' BOOTS. VALUE OF A GOOD LEADER. FAULTS AMONG FORWARDS. I'or the first time this season Rugby League matches were played on slippery grounds and as a result several players found difficulty in maintaining a foothold. The grounds, however, were not altogether to blame, most of the trouble being attributable to short spikes in playeis* boots. Frequently last Saturday passing rushes broke down owing to a support slipping at a critical moment. It is impossible to play the game unless players make it their duty to prepare their boots according to the conditions. The value of a good leader to a team was dearly shown in the. match between Devonport and Richmond. A. Scott, who led Devonport, showed v.hat a heady playe:' he is, especially during the latter half of the second spell. His kicking to g; [is when the rearguard failed to penetrate had Richmond in troublo and resulted in one try being scored. .Scott also was handy to' support a player in difficulties.

It is not often in a League match that two ullbacks have as much work to do as tint carried out by both Simons and Lee nn Saturday. Simons was clearly superior on the day and if he maintains his form must be well in the running for representative honours. Lee made two bad mistakes which were inexcusable for a senior fullback.

Til 3 Devonport team will be faced with a difficult proposition next Saturday agairst Ponsonby. The latter is an improving combination and as it possesses a solid forward line which is likely to hold the honours the Devonport rearguard may bo kept in check. The Ponsonby back;> only need to strike a better combination to make, matters 1 very interesting. Provided the weather is fine and the ground in reasonably good order the gamo promises to provide one of the best contests of the season.

Ruby, the Devonport forward who emerged from retirement this season, was well in the picture in the loose against Richmond, and also stopped some of the opposing vanguard's rushes in good style. He, however, has too great a tendency to play offsTde, and cost his team several penalties. Most League enthusiasts are at a loss to i understand what is wrong with the Manst team, which on paper looks the strongest in the competition. The trouble lies in the forwards, who have the necessary qualifications, weight and pace. However, there are some members of the vanguard who stand off and play a waiting game, thus throwing a lot of unnecessary work -vl the other members of the set. The backs, too, are penalised as a result.

The l status of reserve grade players required to /ill vacancies in senior teams was a matter keenly discussed at last week's meeting of the Auckland League. No rules governing regrading have been drawn up, and at present a reserve grade player may play several games for the seniors and then go back to tho reserves when required. This was objected to on the grounds that leading teams could build up their teams in final or semifinal games. The reserve grade was intended to find material for the best teams. It has been, suggested that no 'regrading is tc) be given after the conclusion of the first round.