THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21619, 11 October 1933, Page 16

THE LEAGUE CODE

A SUCCESSFUL SEASON FINANCE OF CLUB TEAMS ST. GEORGE AND NEWTON The Auckland Rugby League has reason to be pleased that tho past season has been one of the most successful in the history of the code. At last week's meeting of the management committee, Mr. G. Grey Campbell said the gate receipts to date had been in excess of those of last season. Clubs had benefited considerably from tho percentage granted, and most of tho senior clubs wero now in a position to assist their players next season. .In the close season it was the intention of the management committee to control carefully tho finances of the League. It was possible if present intentions were carried out to improve the stand accommodation and give players better dressing facilities. The visiting St. George team will play Newton this afternoon, and 011 Saturday will meet Richmond. The game against Richmond should attract a good crowd in view of the match played three weeks ago, when Richmond defeated the visitors. Saturday's game will be commenced early, as the team will leave by the Wanganella for Sydney at five o'clock that day. The victory of England in the first test match against Australia caused a surprise. The touring team has given some excellent displays in England and won thirteen successive matches against club and county teams. Judging on tho report, the tourists seemed to be unlucky not to score in the second half. Sullivan kicked two splendid goals, which gave England victory. It is evident, after seeing matches played against the visiting St. Georgo team, that there is a difference of opinion as to how the ball should be played. St. George was penalised for passing the ball after a player had been tackled. The visitors claim that provided the progress of the ball is not stopped it can be passed to a supporting player. It was noticeable on Saturday that the players passed the ball from the ground when tackled. In Sydney the advantage rule is applied to the play-the-ball rule. In New Zealand, however, referees insist that the ball bo played with the foot of either sido the moment progress is effectively checked. The Australian interpretation certainly tends to speed up the game. Mr. Wetherill was not unduly hard on the visitors in the first game, and at times gave excellent decisions on the rule.

Tho serious head injury received by R. Bright several weeks ago will be regretted by followers of tho code. Tho Auckland representative was in hospital for some time, and is making a good recovery.

G. D. Innes, the former Canterbury and New Zealand Rugby representative who went to England recently, played an impressive game for Wigan against the touring Australian team. Wigan played the Australians a close game and in the second half Innes was prominent for splendid defence. Commenting on his form, an English writer said Innes had fulfilled the requirements of a first-class back and his game against the Kangaroos had pleased the club's directors. It is interesting to note that the Wigan team included Gee, who last season represented Queensland, and J. C. Morley, who toured New Zealand with the English Rugby team in 1932. The attendance was 16,000 and £1270 was taken at tho gate. Australia won by 10 points to 4.