THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21801, 16 May 1934, Page 16

THE LEAGUE CODE

RICHMOND TEAM'S TACTICS RULING ON OFFSIDE PLAY DROP-OUT FOLLOWING FORCE It was a great day for tho Auckland Hugby League last Saturday, when tho now grandstand was officially opened at Car law Park by tho Governor-Gen-eral, Lord Blodisloe. Weather conditions eoidd not have boon bettor, and a record crowd for a club match was in attendance. The crowd was estimated at 17,000. Tho chief match, between Richmond and Ponsonby, although providing some good football, was not as open as oxpected. Profiting from earlier matches played by Ponsonby this season, Richmond sooraod determined to mako the play close except when in a apod attacking position. By also gaining possession from tho scrums, Richmond could mako tho game to suit itself. There were many times when tho ."Richmond backs kicked unnecessarily. It was rather a pity before such a large attendance that the clever young Ponsonby backs could not gain a fair share of tho ball from the scrums. They wero practically starved throughout, and stood tip splendidly to a gruelling day on defence. Ponsonby made a bad mistake in kicking so much to Cooke, the Richmond fullback. He always got the better of the exchanges by powerful kicking and clover placements. Tetley, the former Ponsonby Rugby five-eighths, played on the wing for Richmond and showed promising form. Like Cooke, ho would be of better service to tho side as an insido back. Only Unbeaten Team Richmond is now tho only unbeaten team in the championship, and on its form in tho throo matches played should be hard to beat. The team is very solid all round, possessing a fmo pack and a sound rearguard. Its meeting with City next Saturday will create considerable interest. City also lias a good pack and gained the ball from the scrums against Marist last Saturday, City, however, plays erratic football at times, and will need to be at the top of its form to have prospects of success.

S. Watene, who was injured in tho first match of the season, played again for City at fullback on Saturday, and ■was in good form. R. Purdy, fiveeighths last year, also played his first senior game, and shaped well at wingtlireequarter. All followers of the code will wish A, Laing, the Devonport fullback, a speedy recovery from his injury last Saturday. Laing, playing against Newton, was carried off with concussion and is at present in tho Auckland Hospital, his condition being satisfactory. Referees would do well to keep a firmer grip on offside play. Several times this season the five-yards rule has not been observed, and players have also escaped notice when following up a kick well offside. Drop Out After Force The drop kick off from the goal line after a force down was keenly discussed at last week's meeting of the New Zealand League. It was contended that the English interpretation was wanted. In England, however, no provision is made for breaches committed in goal. It simply applies to a force down. The ruling in Australia is more favoured by the Auckland Referees' Association Provision is made for the ball to be dropped out from between the goal posts after the defending side has purposely made the ball dead. In England it is kicked off from tho 25yds. line. The rule will eomo into force in Auckland at the commencement of the second round.