THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22175, 31 July 1935, Page 19

THE LEAGUE CODE

TEAMS LEVEL IN LEAD AUSTRALIAN SIDE'S VISIT ANNUAL INTER-ISLAND GAME The second round in the senior championship of the Auckland Rugby League has been well contested, and, after the final series last Saturday, a play-off between Richmond and Mount Albert is necessary. It is expected that next Saturday week will be the date arranged for the match. Although there was keenness among the spectators at Carlaw Park to see both the leading teams defeated, a big majority of the followers must be pleased that the result is still in doubt. Mount Albert, played easily its best football of the year, and the improved form of the backs in the game against Ponsonby was a surprise to many. Keen followers of form argue that Mount Albert has little chance of beating Richmond, but, after last week's matches, a different view is taken. Ponsonby played good football, and at one stage looked certain to win. Mount Albert opened up the game half-way through the second spell, and, with the forwards giving excellent support, the result was soon placed beyond doubt. The Mount Albert forwards were responsible for a different type of football from that hitherto seen, and the vanguard on numerous occasions took part in passing bouts instead of the orthodox forward game. There was a noticeable thrust among the Mount Albert backs, which in past matches have played just solid individual football. Richmond is sure to meet a very keen Mount Albert team in the playoff. Points in First Spell l'he margin of 13 points in favour of Richmond against City was not a true indication of the game. Richmond scored its 19 points in the first 30 minutes of play, .and from half-time until the final bell City had a little the better of the game. Poor tackling by the City backs gave Richmond a couple of simple tries. The splendid understanding between the Richmond pack and its backs was noticeable in the first half. Tetley was often a connecting link with the five-eighths, until he was penalised for shepherding the halfback. In the early stages of the game these tactics were allowed to pass, and no action taken. The City backs tried to pass too much while on defence, where a judicious short punt would have forced Richmond's backs to run for the ball. However, as both Richmond and Mount Albert won, followers of the game are now looking forward to the play-off. The splendid football of L. Brown and E. Mincham, the rival centre threequarters, was a feature of the big game, and the pair made a favourable impression with the crowd. It is a long time since the code has possessed two such clever players on attack! Brown has had much more experience thah Mincham, but the lastnamed is almost as brilliant. With a few games together in representative matches the pair are likely to provide an obstacle for the visiting Australian team.

Morrissey, the Mount Albert fiveeighths, was in good form with his boot, and four isplendid goals were a feature of the match with Ponsonby. Morrissey has been one of the most consistent goal-kickers seen this season. New Scrum Formation It is now becoming common in Australia to play a scrum of five forwards and eight backs, but a Sydney writer says this formation is not a progressive step. In club matches South Sydney often adopts it. Ipswich played five forwards in the scrum against Brisbane recently. It was not a success, as the eight backs were too crowded, and had much to do with the moderate play witnessed. Advice received in Auckland states that the Australian Board of Control has approved of the * following programme for the tour of the Australian team in New Zealand:—September 5, South Island, at Christchurch; September 11, North Island, at Wellington; September 14. New Zealand, at Wellington; September 18, Auckland Province, at Auckland; September 21, Auckland, at Auckland; September 25, Northland, at Whangarei; September 28, New Zealand, at Auckland; October 2, South Auckland, at Taupiri. The team, which will consist of 18 players, leaves Auckland for Australia by the Mariposa on October 4. West Coast Forwards

On recent form shown in Canterbury and the West Coast, it is considered that the South Island team to play North Island on August 17 at Carlaw Park will be as strong as any previous combination. Speculation is rife regarding the forwards, the majority of whom will come from the West Coast. Calder and .Glynn, last year's representatives, are likely to gain a place, while McNeight and Scott, two ex-South Island Rugby representatives, havo outstanding claims. The best forward' in Christchurch is P. Serra, last year a Canterbury Rugby representative. He is also a fine placekick. The team is to be announced after the West Coast-Canterbury match next Saturday.

The personnel of the two Auckland teams to play Taranaki and South Auckland seems to have given general satisfaction, and the selectors have done their work well. In view of the matches against tho Australians, more than ordinary interest .is being taken in the provincial representative matches to come. The seloction of N. Campbell at fullback, in preference to A. E. Cooke, who. is five-eighths, will come as a surprise to many. Cooke has shown outstanding form and is as brilliant as over in the fullback position. Granted, Campbell is a fine player, but his form since recent sickness has not been impressive. The value of a brilliant fullback of the Cooke calibre must not be passed over too lightly, and the Auckland selectors might have given a trial as five-eighths to either Riley, Bickerton or Prentice. It will be interesting to see if the New Zealand selectors agree with those of Auckland regarding the placing of Cooke,

In opposing Taranaki with the best Auckland team, the Board of Control seems to have taken a risk, as little is known of the form in New Plymouth. The Auckland A team is a strong combination and it will take a team with speed and knowledge of tho game to provide any resistance.

UNIQUE GOLFING FEAT Miss Enid Wilson, the English ladygolfer, recently played in four different countries in one day, ÜBing an aeroplane for transport purposes. She commenced on the Holyhead course, Wales, at 6 a.m., playing nine holes with the club professional. She then Hew to Morecambe, Lancashire, to plav a match, after which she opposed a blacksmith named H. Milliken on the Turnberry course in Scbtland. Finally Miss Wilson flew to Ireland for a match on the Royal Porfcrush links.