THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21595, 13 September 1933, Page 14

THE LEAGUE CODE

LACK OF THREEQUARTERS YOUNG PLAYER'S SUCCESS CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS GAME The success of Auckland over South Auckland at Carlaw Park Inst Saturday proves that the local thirteen is the strongest provincial side in New Zealand. Tho defpat of Auckland by South earlier in the season on a heavy ground was woll avenged. Tho fact that West Coast defeated South Auckland in the match fur tho Northern Union Cup shows that tho code on tho Coast has improved considerably in standard, and that the holders will bo hard to disposo of in tho future. Auckland beat West Coast at Cnrlaw Park a fortnight ago, but the trophy was not at stake. Auckland at present is lacking in strong wing-thrOequnrtcrs. Bright has played some fine games, and ho has the speed and ability to develop into the first flight. In tho last two games ho has shown a tendency to overdo tho kick when he has only a few yards in which'to bent an opponent. Moro determination on theso occasions woulu improve his play considerably. Tho success of L. Schultz at second five-eighth's for Auckland was \cry pleasing, and tlicro is no doubt his place is an inside back. Schultz is tho most promising young player in tho code. Ho is clover on attack and can also defend ably. All enthusiasts will regret that A. E. Cooko received injuries which necessitated his retirement from the representative fiame last Saturday. An injury to his leg early in the game practically put him out of action, as ho could not run to any advantage and was limping badly. In stopping a rush a little later in the gamo Cooko received an injury to his chest. It is to bo hoped lie will bo fit to take the field in the champion of champions coutest next Saturday. Telford Prominent

It. Lawless was unable to play against South Auckland last Saturday owing to receiving an injury to his back the previous week in the match with Hawke's Bay. Leather bar row, who replaced him, played a good game. Another forward who showed up prominently was Telford, tho Richmond representative. Great interest centres in the meeting of Richmond and Devonport in tho champion of champions ' match next Saturday. Devonport won the senior championship, while Richmond was successful in the Roopo Rooster knockout competition. Richmond is a greatly improved combination, and if Cooke is fit to play will bo tho popular choice for the honours. Devonport, however, is a team which rises well to the occasion, and should prove a hard proposition for the ltoopo Rooster winners. 1 i

Tho danger of players hurdling an opponent has been referred to in these columns on two occasions previously this seasott. It was noted that B. Schultz, the Marist wing, when playing in the challenge round against Devonport last Saturday, hurdled the opposing fullback. The custodian touched Sehultz's right foot and the wing fell rather heavily, but fortunately the right way. Schultz, who has attempted to hurdle opponents in jsome other matches this season, cannot be advised too strongly to refrain from the practice. Challenge Bound

Newton occupies an unassailable position in the special challenge, round, having won all five matches. With a lead of three points from Marist and Devonport, Newton has only to play City in the final series nest Saturday. Newton thoroughly deserves its position. The competition has proved a popular innovation, and it has been suggested that a similar round be played next season at the commencement of the club championship. This would enable senior clubs to give juniors and new members a trial.

Officials of the City Club state the team showed good form against a Taranaki team at New Plymouth last Saturday. The game was fast and open, and a good display of the code was witnessed. The City backs threw tho ball about well, and several of the tries scored came from clever passing and running. Turei was the outstanding player. He scored five tries, and gave his best display since playing with City. Davidson also played a fine game, as did Wayne, who impressed tho spectators.

The result of the match between Newton and Ponsonby, which the former won by one point to nil, was discussed at last week's meeting of the Auckland Rugby League. The Ponsonby Club protested against the ruling of the referee, who allowed the game to continue after Newton committed a breach in-goal. Ponsonby claimed that a point should have been awarded against New-> ton. This would have rosultcd in a drawn game. Tho league decided to replay the match should it have any boaring on the result of tho special challenge round. The Australian touring team has evidently gained form early as last Saturday Oldham, a powerful English club, w-as outclassed by 38 points to 6. George Smith, former famous Rugby All Black, is a resident of Oldham. The Australians will play a combined Yorkshire representative team to-day. The Richmond Rovers seventh grade A team, which won the grade championship, finished the season with a spleiulid record. It played 14 matches and won 'them all, and also won tho knock-out championship without suffering a reverse. In all matches the team scored 255 points (09 tries and 24 goals) and bad only 12 points (two tries, one converted, and two goals) scored against it. Richmond won the champiquship with 21 pointß, Devonport being runners-up with 33. In tho knock-out competition the sido scored 22 points against nil.

WRESTLING ITEMS

WALKER-PATTERSON AGAIN Tho Auckland Wrestling Association's next mutch will l>c between George Walker and Jack Patterson at tho Town ffall on Saturday ovoning. Tho pair have met a few times in different centres, Walker being tho winner on each occasion. Patterson makes things merry wbilo his matches last, and it will bo remembered Walker had to knock his opponent out in a recent bout at Timaru when Patterson was attacking the referee. Hal Rumbnrg will return to Auckland within the next fortnight to meet Count Varga in a match at tho Town Hall 011 Monday week. What promises to be tho match ot : the season will take place in Wellington on October 2 between Walker and Rumberg. The Auckland Association has asked for_ a return match between the pair the following week. The dates have been fixed by the Auckland Wrestling Association for the provincial amateur wrestling championships. This year they will bo held in the Y.M.C.A. 'gymnasium on October' 3 and