THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21625, 18 October 1933, Page 19

THE LEAGUE CODE

ST. GEORGE TEAM'S VISIT INTERCHANGE OF TOURS AUCKLAND SEASON REVIEWED The A in-kin ml Rugby League season Tvas officially closed on Saturday, when the visiting St. George team played a return match with the Richmond Club, it was unfortunate, especially for the visitors, that rain fell before the match. A good "gate would have completed n successful and enjoyable visit to Auckland. Richmond was the better side on the day, but St. George was always da ngerotis once its backs handled the ball. The greasy ground cost St. George at least one. try, on the occasion when Martin slipped after beating Cooke, A review of the matches played by the visitors gives <1 good idea of the standard of play in Auckland, as compared with Sydney club football. The visitors were impressed with the fine play of the local forwards. Mr. R. Johnson, the coach, and a player of considerable international experience, said the back play of Auckland football had improved since 1P25. During the last few days officials of the New Zealand and Auckland Leagues discussed matters of administration with Mr. J. H. Mostyn, manager of the St. George team, who is also a member of the New South Wales Rugby League board of control. The question of visits from Australian teams to New Zealand was keenly discussed. It has been definitely stated that an annual competition is to be decided in Auckland. Mr. Mostyn carries back to Sydney an invitation to the winning club in next season's New South Wales competition to visit these parts. The Auckland Rugby league is also interested, and the possibility of a club team from here being invited to play return matches in Sydney was discussed, and a report is to be submitted to the authorities in Australia. Interchange of Referees An interchange of referees between Australia and New Zealand is likely to eventuate as the result of the conference. The visitors stressed the point of uniformity of rules after the visit of the St. George Club. Shepherding and the play-the-ball rule are very differently interpreted, in Australia, according to Mr. Johnson, who also said a similar trouble happened a few years ago with Queensland. Visits were interchanged and now both States ruled similarly. Mr. Johnson suggested that two referees be sent over to Sydney in time for the opening matches next season. The Auckland League has reason to be pleased with a most successful club season from a playing point of view. The close matches in the first round attracted' good gates, which continued until last Saturday. The standard of plav was generally high, particularly in the special challenge round which resulted ih fast, open games. The League carried out with credit its policy of looking after the players' interests This was rewarded in turn by good club matches each Saturday. ' Surprises Sprung The senior championship was won by Devonport, but surprises were repeatedly sprung on the leading teams, and this added much to the interest in the competition. Devonport not only won the- championship, but also the champion of champions, defeating Richmond in a well-contested game. The champions fielded a fit team each Saturday, and this stood them in good stead. Many «'HI not agree that Devonport is the "best team in the code, but its record takes a lot of beating, anil it is results that count. The result of the championship, which carries the I'ox Memorial Shield, was not decided until the final match, when Devonport defeated City. A win for the latter would have meant a play-off. The winners had a vanguard easily the best in the coinpetition, although the backs were a little inferior in all round play-, i . l J® champions are likely, however, to buila up a strong team round the main Richmond, which won the Roope Rooster competition, did not take a prominent part in the .championship, although its form at the latter end or the season was yerv good. Richmond has some promising young players in its ranks, and a good season is expected next year. The club s policy of promoting juniors is likely to be successful. ' . _ Inconsistent Form Marist was runner-up in the championship, one point behind Devonport It is a strange coincidence that UJ defeated Marist in both rounds of the championship, anil this no do ' ! ° st Marist the honours. Its form, howler was not consistent. The backs at times plaved brilliant football, easily the best seen this season. The rear division well balanced and the team', erratic form is hard to undw»tand.. On to displnv against St. George, should have won the championship. Citv made a splendid impression early in tfe St round, hut like Man*Jto form was not consistent and a real > good chance- of winning shin was lost half way through trie second round. City played delightful football on occasions, but t^ rc s^JJ P c a lack of understanding in matenes which appeared caw. The ab«nce f a first-class hooker was much againstCitv's chances. The backs need strengthen inc: round the scrum. two goon fi?e Szhtl,, .ill make City a P»»crfu combination next season « third, three points behind Dewrt. Newton was easily the ma t P . team in the competition. Its unbeaten record in the special cha enco round of six games was very creditable, .xew ton put'up a splendid game' S • George being defeated by a un™ margin after leading four minutes bcforonsonbv did not have a successful JZ, although it create a ' surprise next E °The Auckland representatives had a good season, being beaten onc<. n Six matches played. South . llf i thirteen the team to defeat the local •> The Auckland representatives benefit by special coaching a week before cae game.