THE LEAGUE CODE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21221, 29 June 1932, Page 16

THE LEAGUE CODE.

TEAMS EVENLY MATCHED.

DEVONPORT'S NEXT TWO GAMES

GOOD COAL KICKING WITNESSED

Judging from the form shown of late there is little to choose between the sixteams in the Auckland Rugby League's senior grade competition. Even the lowest

clubs in the championship table have put up splendid games against Devonport and Marist. On Saturday last close scoring

was a feature of the series. Tho thrill

ing display given by Newton against Devonport was thoroughly enjoyed by the spectators. Had Newton succeeded in lowering Devonport's colours, the championship would have been much more interesting. Devonport is now in an almost unassailable position* Thero is a possibility, of course, that the leaders may be defeated in their next two matches. Devonport plays Marist next Saturday and City tho following week. The result of the com-

petition, therefore, snoufd claim much interest from followers of the code before the representative programme opens on July 23.

Some very fine goal kicking was witnessed at Carlaw Park on Saturday and it is apparent that this important branch of football is steadily improving. Both Delgrosso and Clarke kicked goals from difficult angles, while Watene kicked two particularly good goals from the sideline for City. A reliable goal-kicker should be kept in view by the selectors when choosing the representative teams. / Haasan's Injuries.

Few players in the code have been so unfortunate with regard to injuries as Hassan. Tho Marist half this season has been hurt in almost every game. Against Ponsonby on Saturday Hassan hurt his shoulder and later retired with a sprained ankle.

There was an interesting duel between Stevens, Ponsonby, and Campbell, Marist, the rival hookers in the principal match at Carlaw Park on Saturday. The honours were with Stevens, who received excellent support from his forwards. Stevens should be given a chance in the Auckland representative team.

While he may not gain representative honours this season, no fullback in Auckland has a better idea of the positional play than Dempsey, of Newton. He runs more with the ball than either Delgrosso or Campbell, both of whom kick too much. It was a treat to see Dempsey start passing bouts against Devonport on Saturday. Lack of physique may be against Dempsey, but he has strong claims for consideration, particularly in the Possibles and Probables trial match.

Hall was again missing from the Newton pack and it is evident his injury was- more serious than at first thought. It is to be hoped Hall will bo available for the matches against England. Offside Rulings.

Different interpretations of the offside rule have been s<jen at Carlaw Park this season. It is evident the law dealing with the offence is not thoroughly understood. Both players and referees are at fault in this matter. On Saturday, Delgrossd and Campbell interchanged kicks on several occasions, while players of both teams stood on and watched, some inside the five yards' area, others further away.

Senior players do not seem to understand that the player in possession must run five yards before anyone can be placed onside. Three prominent players were penalised for charging opponents in possession when standing still. Most of the trouble, however, is caused through tho referee too finely drawing the five yards' area. The advantage rule should be applied where there is any doubt in the matter of distance. The question of poaching players has again been tho subject of keen criticism in Australia. Strong indignation was voiced by members of the New South Wales League and a charge has been made against a visitor with the English team. It is stated he is acting on behalf of an English club and already two prominent Australian players have been approached. It is to be hoped that England will not repudiate her agreement while in New Zealand that no players be engaged by English clubs for a period of two years after the tour. F. Butters, the brilliant back row forward with the English team, had the misfortune to fracture a bone in his ankle at Orange. Butters may recover in time to play in New Zealand.