THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21879, 15 August 1934, Page 17

THE LEAGUE CODE

NORTHLAND'S GOOD FORM LESSON IN SCRUM FORMATION HALL PLAYS FINE GAME The surprisingly good form shown by Northland against Auckland in the second Rugby League representative match was pleasing to a large crowd at Carlaw Park on Saturday. Northland first made its appearanco in Auckland six years ago, and since that time has had a fair measure of success in big football. Although the Auckland team was v not fully representative, it was nevertheless a well-balanced thirteen, comprising six players who have on different occasions represented New Zealand. The visitors tired badly in the concluding stages, and it was not until tho last 15 minutes that Auckland was definitely superior. The Northland forwards played splendid football, and in scrum formation gave Auckland a lesson. The visitors won tho ball from the scrums by every man putting his weight into the pack. Tho vanguard also tackled well. Better combination by the Auckland backs was the deciding factor. Possession of the ball from the set scrums did much to assist Northland. Wells was superior to Quirke, the local centre-row forward. Progress in North

At a complimentary dinner to the Northland team, Mr. G. Grey Campbell, chairman of tho Auckland Rugby League, stated' that after seeing Saturday's game, there was no doubt the code in the northern territory had made good progress. In undertaking an extensive tour of the North Island, Northland was certain to gain experience to assist its players in future matches. It has been suggested that the Northland team should meet Auckland in a return game two weeks hence. The match would prove a good attraction at headquarters. It is many years since followers of the game were treated to such a splendid game as Meyer played. His unorthodox methods on attack frequently caught the Auckland five-eighths unawares, and Meyer made several clever openings. In good company, Meyer would reveal high football ability. He was formerly a prominent Auckland Rugby Union player.

Auckland's Best Forward T. Hall was easily the best Auckland forward and on his form it is difficult to understand why he was left out of the first Auckland team selected. The Auckland backs owe much to Hall's splendid support when Northland looked iv winning side. R. Cunningham, the Northland halfback, was superior to Axeman on the day's play. The former did a lot of useful work on attack, and varied his play to advantage. Cunningham, however, is not a better player than Powell, of Richmond, who should be the North Island halfback. The success of several young players in the Auckland team was a feature of the game, and if given further opportunities'they should gain valuable experience. Riley, at five-eighths, was perhaps the more impressive of the 'young backs. He played with confidence a lid was, with the exception of Meyer, the most penetrating back on the ground. His quickness off the mark is a feature of Riley's play. Dempsey did not play his usual game in the first half, but later made amends. He was inclined to wait for the bounce in the early stages. Both Kay and Brimble justified the confidence of the selectors, although the former has played better football. Kay, however, should give his wings more opportunities instead of using his strength to break through. Brimble had a busy day watching*Meyer. The South Island Rugby League selector this year is Mr. A. C. Hall, of the West Coast. Mr. Hall, who is a sound judge and an enthusiastic supporter, has been connected with the League code for many years. He is quick to sum up a player and has done good work in the selection of many West Coast teams. Already he has seen the Canterbury team in action and he was impressed with the play, so Christchurch players can rely on having a fair representation in the South Islaud side.