THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21529, 28 June 1933, Page 17

THE LEAGUE CODE

CHAMPIONSHIP PROSPECTS DEVONPORT, MARIST AND CITY NORTHLAND DEFEATS KAIKOHE The championship of tho Auckland Rugby League still remains very open after last Saturday's matches. Devonport maintains its advantage of two points from Marist and City, which are equal in second place. Two more series have to be decided before the second round is finalised and then a play-oif may be necessary.

Dei onport has yet to play Richmond and City, and on present form either of the two last-named are capable of lowering the colours of the leaders. Devonport can still lose one of the remaining two matches and then be in the playoff, providing both City and Marist win their two games. Marist should come through, as it has to meet Newton and Richmond, while City at present seems likely to beat Ponsonby and Devonport. Therefore, one defeat to Devonport and two wins to Marist and City will bring tho three teams level at the top of the championship table with 14 points each. Two wins to Devonport will give it the honours, but two losses will put it out of the running if Maoist and City both come through. Then a play-off between Marist and City would be necessary. Close Championship The fortunes of the various teams have been keenly followed each week by good attendances at Carlaw Park. With the prospect of some fine matches before the second round concludes, great interest is being taken in the championship. It is some time since the championship has beon at such an interesting stage near its close. Thero was not a great deal to choose between City and Richmond on Saturday and the result could have been even closer. The City backs played better football and their pace undoubtedly won the day. However, Richmond was not beaten badly in this department. The losers put up a splendid showing, but failed to handle cleanly when in possession.

City was again successful in resorting to five forwards, with McLaughlin as the extra back. McLaughlin's splendid work round the scrum nullified any attempt of Prentice and Abbott to pierce the defence. Prentice, the Richmond captain, played his best game this season.

The Northland Rugby League representatives, who will play Auckland at Carlaw Park on August 12, had an easy victory over the recently-formed Kaikohe team. Northland won by 37 points to 13. The two Hamiltons, who showed good form at Carlaw Park two years ago, were the principal scorers. C. Hamilton scored five tries and kicked four goals, while R. Hamilton scored two tries.

The appearance of schoolboys in seven-a-side tournaments during the intervals in senior matches is proving very popular at Carlaw Park. The boys hrjre a good knowledge of the game and throw the ball about well. The game between Avondale and Richmond last Saturday was greatly appreciated. Progress in Hawke's Bay

Reports from Napier confirm the good progress of the game since it was restarted this season. The Hawke's Bay League commenced the senior grade competition with four teams, and last Saturday eight teams took part. It is said the standard of play is attracting public patronage. A local senior team is keen to visit Napier and arrangements are in progress for a visit early in August. The se\ere injury to R. Smith is unfortunate for Devonport and the fiveeighths is not likely to don the jersey again this season. In the meantime, the club has sought the services of its coach, L. Seager, who showed on Saturday that he is not yet a spent forco. The impressive game played by H. Wayne for City, on Saturday, shows that this young player is likely to make a name in the code. He has a good side-step when racing at top speed, and a clever wriggle of the body which is deceptive to his opponents. Wayne's timing of his passes could be improved with coaching. X. Campbell, the Marist fullback, was a spectator at Carlaw Park on Saturday. He is resting an injured back and may play when required. Campbell must be seriously considered for selection in the next Auckland team. Merritt Joins Wigan The news that W. E. Merritt, the well-known New Zealand representative cricketer, has signed on to play with the Wigan Club, England, comes as a surprise to many in New Zealand. The game should suit Merritt s stvle of plav. Merritt will be the 10th New Zoalander playing in England. The other players are: —Brown, Mason, Hargreaves, Wilson-Hall, Desmond, Falwasser, Walker, Buckingham and Spillane. L. Mason, Auckland, is captain of the Wigan team. Considerable interest attaches to the report tc he submitted this week on the innovation of the referee putting the ball in the scrums. Much can be said in favour of the new practice, but "it has not been quite as successful as anticipated. One thing is certain and that is the best cannot be seen of a good hooker. The present method does nob call for hooking the ball at ill It merely goes in the scrum ana is "usually kicked out the side by the front row forwards. There is no science required if the balj is put in without requires questionable direction. It is < ... whether the best is seen of the halfback whose usefulness is now confined to play from the base of the scrum.

OLDEST SOCCER CLUB NORTH SHORE'S EXISTENCE The North Shore Club, which has been in existence for 39 years will, with the assistance of the Auckland lootball Association, hold a club day at Devon port on Saturday, when all the club's teams, ranging from senior to midget grades, will decide their fixtures on the home ground. 'Jhe matches will commence in the morning and continue throughout the afternoon. Inaugurated in 1894, the ..first noting of the club, at which Mr. C. L. Dacre, late father of the present Gloucester professional cricketer, presided, was held on April 20 of that year in the Masonic Hotel. From that date the North Shore Club progressed and rapidly became a valuable asset to the association. Lean years have been experienced from time to time, but the traditions behind the club, aided by the outstanding enthusiasm of officials and supporters, helped to offset and overcome these periodical lapses. It is considered to be the oldest existent Soccer club jn .Now .Zealand,