THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21579, 25 August 1933, Page 9

THE LEAGUE CODE

TOURING TEAM BEATEN NARROW WIN FOR NORTHLAND MARGIN OF ONE POINT [by telegraph—OWN correspondent} WHANGAREI, Thursday The West Coast Rugby League team suffered the first defeat of, its tour at Kensington Park this afternoon, when it was beaten by Northland by 15 points to 14 after a fast and exciting exhibition. There was an attendance of about 500 and the weather was fine and the ground in good order. During tho first spell Northland completely dominated the play and tho visitors were not. at all impressive, frequently mishandling the ball. The score at tho interval .was in favour o£ tho home side by 10 points to 2.. In the second spell play was completely reversed and with one exception Northland was on defence all tho time and was lucky to win. 'Four'tries were 'scored by West Coast, of .which, thjeo _ were, within a few yards of the postß, but none was converted. The teams were evenly matched, the visiting forwards perhaps having a slight advantage in weight. The ■ tackling oh both sides was of a very high order. The West Co;ist forwards gained the ball from the majority of the 6crums and in the second spell used correct tactics in kicking, taking advantage of the troublesome suii. The exhibition of the Northland team was pleasing and was a considerable improvement on the form shown when it r.layed Auckland recently. For the visitors the best backs . were Masters, Devonport. Martin and Williams. The outstanding forwards were Caldor, Newton and Glynn. For Northland Cross and Meyer were the best bucks, Baker and Parkes also playing well. Of the forwards Dunn and Bowyer were the pick. 'The teams were:— West Coast.—L. Martin, J, Devonport. P. Hart, A. Williams. J. Masters, _E. O'Brien, T. O'Connor, J. Beban, G. Newton, W. Cljnn, .T. ('aider, G. Dutton, J. Robertson. Northland.—D. Parktß, G, Taylor, C. Hamilton, H, Baker, E. Meyer, T. Cross, 11. Cunningham, E. O'Callaghan, C-. O'Callaghan, T. Pitman, H. Bowyer, W. Payne, N. Dunn.

At the commencement Meyer made a great run and a certain try was. missed through Cunningham mishandling. From a blindside movement a fino try was scored by Dunn. C. Hamilton converted. Soon after the visitors were awarded a penalty and Calder kicked a goal from a 'liandy position. Northland was again quickly on tack and from a ponalty Hamilton kicked a goal. O'Brion nearly got over following a short punt by Meyer. A good opportunity was afforded Baker, who scored a good try in the corner. Hamilton just missed the kick. Newton made a great effort to score for tho visitors and after a fine run down the lino was forced out near the corner. Half-time came with the Bcore: —Northland, 10; Wegt Coast, 2. ... On resuming West Coast commenced high kicking, which proved very effective, owing to a bright sun. Devonport made a atroug . run and just fniled to score. A fino movement between Meyer and Cross enabled Cunningham to score a try between the posts. Hamilton converted. From this stage West Coast had a distinot advantage and North did not again look likely to score. From a. scrufn near the line O'Brien dived over ■ near tho posts. Calder failed with the kick. Shortly after N cwton gained a similar try and Masters missed the kick in front of the Devonport made a great run to score wide out. Ho failed with the kick. Excitement was now running high and Newton scored a try near the posts after a fino eolo effort. Ho failed with the kick. With only a few minutes to go West Coast kept play within a few yards of the Nortnlnncl lino and appeared certain to gam a victory as the Northern players were obviously tired. Over-eagerness by tho visitors lost several chances and the game ended with Northland hard pressed. The final score was:—Northland, 15; West Coast, 11. Mr. E. Taylor, of Hikurangi, was m'-ree. A curtain-raiser between the senior Hikurungi and Wliangarei Thursday teams resulted iu a draw, 5 points each. ST. GEORGE'S CLUB VISIT . r INTERPRETATION OF RULES The visit of tho St. George's Rugby League I (earn (Sydney) to Auckland early next ; month was discussed at last evening's meeting of the New Zealand Rugby League. I The terms as conveyed in a letter from the i Sydney club were not considered satisfa.c- ---■ tory. The chairoifln, Mr. C. A. Snedden.-sajd i he desired the visit to be definitely arranged and a letter had been drafted in reply, it I was hoped satisfactory arrangements would | be made. , ... Tho St. George Club asked Jor a game at Hamilton in preference, to Whangaiei. The claim for a mat'jh at Hamilton was supported by Mr. E. Stallwortuy. . . • The New Zealand Referees Association drew attention to the laxity which has been allowed in interpretations of scium rules. Tho association suggested that referees had shown weakness in_ this nectiori and in futui© it. would, ipsist t«at a clear tunnel be fprtned in order to enablo tho halfback to pla:e tho ball m cleanly. It was mentioned by several delegates that this would eliminate. illegal hooking. The rules committee was instructed # to cooperate with tho Keferees* Association.'