THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22193, 21 August 1935, Page 17

THE LEAGUE CODE

INTER-ISLAND MATCH SPLENDID FORWARD PLAY MATCHES AGAINST AUSTRALIANS The particularly high standard of forward play set by the South Island team in the match against the North last Saturday shows the code has made good progress in the South. The match will go down as the best inter-island exhibition in many respects yet witnessed. It was to be regretted that the ground conditions were very heavy, but it is doubtful if a more interesting or exciting game could have been played on a dry ground. The Auckland standard of football is well known, but a majority of the crowd were surprised at the good form of some of the South Island players. In scrum formation and ball control the visitors gave the North Island pack an object lesson. They hunted as a pack and harassed the North backs with deadly tackling. The South Island forwards revived pleasant memories of the clever dribbling by forwards a few years ago. They played the only football possible on a wet day, and dominated a great deal of the game. These tactics were more noticeable in the second half, when for a time North looked a beaten team. It was only the better combination of the North Island backs that saved the day. From a point of view of a trial match it was a great success. Outstanding Forward P. Serra, who scored two tries, was perhaps the most impressive of the forwards, all of whom set a high standard. Serra has only played League for one season, having previously represented Canterbury at »Rugby Union. On his present form Serra has strong claims for selection in the New Zealand team. The appearflnce of \V. McKneight in the South Island team created a lot of interest, as he took part in the recent All Black trials. McKneight was conspicuous in the loose and played a dashing all-round game. Fast following up and good tackling was a feature of his play. J. Calder has lost none of his form and still retains his speed. He has had a lot of experience as a front-row forward. and he was of greqt assistance to Ward in securing the ball. Playing of Ball The different methods used by the teams in playing the ball was noticeable. It was observed that when a South Island player wan tackled in possession he faced the goal posts, in accordance with the rules, and placed the ball immediately in front. The visitors commented after the game on the fact that the home players turned sideways, and really passed the ball off the foot. J. Anderson, a West Coast forward, was outstanding in the first half, but seemed to tiro in the heavy ground. Anderson is playing League football for the first time, having played Association football in Scotland. L. Brown was given only limited opportunities on the wing, but nevertheless played a sterling game. He used his pace to good advantage in covering up the defence. His try was a fine effort. The best was not seen of J. Amos, who was hampered by the bad ground. However, he did a lot of useful work on defence, and was the best South back.

AUSTRALIAN TOUR

DOMINION PLAYERS Owing to the shipping dispute the New Zealand League has not yet received definite information from the Australian Board of Control regarding the details of the proposed tour by the Australians. In the meantime, however, the selection of the New Zealand team is being proceeded with and the personnel is expected after being submitted to the New Zealand League officials. The North and South Island match has given the selectors a good opportunity anrl it is expected that a fine set of forwards will be chosen. Serra, Calder, McKneight, Ward and Glynn all have claims and look likely to form the nucleus of the scrum. Of the Auckland players, Satherley, Hutt and Tetley must be considered. Hutt was beaten for possession by Ward, but the former can play well in any position in the scrum. Satherley was easily the best North forward. The position of third row forward, however, is one to which the selectors should give considerable thought. In the matches against the Australians the last man down in the scrum should be a player of experience in back play and really the extra back in the side. Speed from the scrum and a good handler are essential, 'letley has given some fine displays this season and is easily the best back row forward in the game in Auckland. His experience as a. fiveeighths makes him capable of filling the back-row position in any representative team.

PROGRESS OF CODE

CHAMPION CLUB TEAMS Discussing matters at a conference during the week-end, Mr. R. A. Drury, vice-chairman of the Canterbury Rugby League, said the game in Christcburch had made excellent progress this season and the standard of play was high. Lack of a suitable ground for revenue was a serious drawback. When the Australian team visited New Zealand the Canterbury League intended to place the question of a purchase of a ground before the representatives of the Australian Board of Control. Mr. Drury expressed the desire to arrange a match with Addington, the champion Christcburch club team, against Richmond, to be played either in Auckland or Christcburch. It is interesting to note that five Addington players represented the South Island.