THE LEAGUE CODE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20895, 10 June 1931, Page 13

THE LEAGUE CODE.

RICHMOND CLUB'S PROTEST.

MARIS! WINS THE REPLAY

DISAPPOINTING EXHIBITION

"When i.lie Richmond Club lodged a protest on tho grounds that overtime was played in the match against Mnrist, the committee of the Auckland Rugby League was faced with a difficult proposition. Marist beat Richmond on the opening day by 11 points to 10, it being alleged that the winning try was scored two minutes after timo was up. The whole matter was discussed in committee, and tho reason for the decision to replay the match is not known. The Richmond Club appealed against tho decision to the New Zealand Council, which upheld the Auckland League. Many followers of tho code hold tho opinion that tho match should have been decided on tho question whether timo was overplayed. Saturday's game was disappointing from a footbii"..- point of view. Tho Marist backs were always dangerous, and it was surprising the score was riot larger. Tho Marist rearguard, however, did not plav up to form as a combination, and much of tho ream's success can bo credited to tho forwards, the pack showing considerable improvement. Richmond had a great opportunity ot winning in tho last ten minutes, when Marist was three players short. It was surprising that two forwards were not taken from tho scrum and played on the blind Side. Three times the ball caine cleanly to Agnew, but the halfback had no support other than from tho wing. Richmond's fault was with the inside backs, who could not cleanly open play for tho threequarters. Both Dunne and Davis are good on attack, but their best football, is being hampered owing to slowscrum work. The forwards were beaten by a better set. Ilassm played a splendid gamo for Marist behind tho scrum. His clean passes to Gregory gave tho five-eighths ample time to work. Hassan stands out on recent displays as tho best halfback in tho code. Brady was perhaps tho best of tho backs. The centre ran straight and strongly and was dangerous in each passing bout. Brisbane was everywhere in the last 15 minutes, but ho occasionally let tho opposing five-eighths through. Gregoiy defended ably and kicked with judgment. Batchelor is an improved player. Ho ran with more determination than previously. Campbell has given better displays at fullback, while List did well with limited opportunities. The Marist forwards played really well, especially Carter and Young. The former stood out prominently in the loose. He was unlucky to be ordered off. "Webberley also worked hard. Dunne and Davis were tho best Richmond backs The former, however, is inclined to kick too much. Prentice did somo (iolid work on defence, but ran across the giouud, giving the threequarters little room. Lee, the Richmond fullback, has not had the best of luck this season. Early ho received minor injuries, and on Saturday 'this promising player had his collarbone broken. Several Richmond forwards spoil good play by rough tactics. Charging a player on the ground after he had been tackled was most noticeable. Lawless played a great game for the losers. He was :n every movement which swept over Marist in the concluding stages. Telford and Lennie also played well. When Campbell was removed on a stretcher it was first thought that the Marist hooker was seriously injured. After an examination at hospital, however, Campbell was allowed to go homo. City has secured the services of another member of tho Wateno family. Ho is said to bo a fine attacking player and may play in tho five-eighths Jino next Saturday.