THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22145, 26 June 1935, Page 18

THE LEAGUE CODE

MOUNT ALBERT'S VICTORY AN IMPROVED COMBINATION UNNECESSARY LATE TACKLING The championship of tho Auckland Rugby League has now reached a most interesting stage owing to the defeat of Richmond at the hands of Mount Albert last Saturday. This brings tho two teams level in the lead, and the remaining games in tho second round will bo keenly followed. In spite of the fact that Richmond was a forward short for the greater part of the second spell Mount Albert thoroughly deserved its win. Promoted to tho senior grade only this season Mount Alber.t has shown great improvement in each match, and is a well-balanced combination. It has a fine pack of forwards who play a typo of gamo well suited to the wot conditions last Saturday. The backs, too, showed good combination considering the conditions, and it would have been interesting to have noted tho result on a dry ground. Richmond was splendidly served at fullback by Cooke, who played a great all-round game, and due to his fine work Richmond was saved from a much heavier defeat. Making few mistakes in handling, kicking with fine judgment and tackling soundly, Cooke repeatedly held up likely scoring movements. Several Penalties

It is to. be regretted that somo of the Mount Albert - forwards made Cqoke a victim of the late tackle. The team gave away several penalties through this breach, but the referee would have been fully justified to have issued a general warning and then to have ordered off an offender. The late tackle is very dangerous and cannot be too severely dealt with. Generally the player tackled has relaxed, is not expecting to be knocked down, and he may be badly injured as a result. Mount Albert has a promising wingthreequarter in McNeil, who would score tries with reasonable opportunities. He is an elusive type of player with a strong fend, and several times last Saturday he beat many of the opposition and proved hard to tackle. Hassan, formerly of Marist, showed a return to his best form at halfback lor Mount Albert. His defence was very sound and ho started attacking movements cleverly. On this form he must come into line again for representative honours.

Included in the Mount Albert team are several former Marist players. All are showing good form with the exception of List, who last Saturday was but a shadow of the player of two or three seasons ago. Cranch, the fullback, has improved considerably since he occupied that position for City. He played a very sound all-round game 011 Saturday, a pleasing featuro being thai lie was not afraid to run up and set his backs in motion. Interchange of Referees

During a recent discussion 011 matters relating to the game in New Zealand, Mr. H. R. Miller, secretary to the Australian Board of Control, favoured an interchange of referees between Australia and New Zealand. Mr. Miller said the matches were ably controlled in Sydney and a high standard was maintained by leading referees, it was the practice in Sydney to select the best referee for the principal game. The referees were paid for their services 011 a graduated scale for the particular grade under control. Mr. Miller is keen to bring a leading Sydney referee to New Zealand with the Australian team.

The Newton senior team had a very successful trip to Whangarei last Saturday when the new ground was opened tor League football, and is to be known as Jubilee Park. The park is close to the township and fills a much needed want in the district, where the code is making good progress. Ford, who played for City last Saturday, was a member of the Wairarapa team which won the Ranfurly Shield a tew seasons ago. The ground conditions were against good football, but Ford should improve the City backs on attack.

lho heavy state of No. 2 ground is such that the League should serious]v consider closing the playing area and lor some weeks at least arrange for one senior match at the Domain. Last Saturday the ground in places was inches deep with mud, and there is not likely to bo any improvement this week. Senior players would appreciate a change from what are certainly very trying conditions. N. Campbell, the well-known Marist full-back, has been greatly missed by nis team, followers of the code will be pleased to hear that he is fast regaining his health. Campbell may play again next Saturday week. Devonport found it difficult to field a full team last Saturday, and Adams a loiwaid, played at full-back, where he shaped ably. Devonport will have a difficult task to beat Richmond next Saturday.