THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22205, 4 September 1935, Page 17

THE LEAGUE CODE

ROOPE ROOSTER MATCHES SUPERIORITY OF RICHMOND MOUNT ALBERT BACKS FAIL In the semi-linal of the Auckland Rugby League's Roope Rooster knockout competition, Richmond proved a superior team to Mount Albert, which showed consistent form in the championship series and gained a replay against Richmond. In tho match last Saturday Richmond was superior in all departments, particularly in the forwards, T.ho frequently broke up the attack. Tho Mount Albert backs did not play with the same confidence as that shown in previous games, and the sot was overshadowed by Richmond. The Mount Albert five-eighths often hfid opportunities in tho second half but the pair lacked initiative on attack and were prone to run across the ground. The team could have been rearranged. to advantage by moving Morrissey, who was in good form at fullback, to his accustomed place at fiveeighths. Tho Mount Albert forwards, however, had a day off and failed to show trie form. Tho Richmond forwards played with plenty of dash and their fast following up was a feature of the game. The pack gave tho backs excellent support and covered up well. Much can be said for the Richmond defence, as Mount Albert failed to score. In the final of the Roope Rooster., to be played next Saturday, Richmond will be without the servicers of four good players, but Newton will need to show its best form to win the trophy. NEWTON'S SUCCESS FAILURE OF CITY Many enthusiasts expected City to play a prominent part in the final, but Newton proved too good for the team on Saturday The City forwards were lifeless and failed 'badly to show their form of a fow weeks ago. The backs, usually daring on attack, played orthodox football, whereas the Newton rear division showed good judgment in opening up tho game. Newton has not played consistent football this season, but judging on its form against City it shou.d hare a good chance of winning the Roope Rooster. AUCKLAND TEAM'S TOUR BEST SIDE NOT CHOSEN The Auckland League is to be commended for sending a representative team on tour, and no doubt much good will be derived from its visit to southern leagues. However, it will not be in the best interest of the code if the Auckland team is defeated, as a much stronger combination could have been sent on tour. The Auckland team is likely to meet with strong opposition from Canterbury and the West Coast, where the game has made marked progress; this season. It is pleasing to see several young players, notably HaU, Dempsey, Kay and Riley, have a chance to make good. Auckland is lacking in high-clams five-eighths and the two last named may improve with the experience gained on the tour, which will open at Wellington next Saturday. It will be interesting to sea how players from tho Rugby Union code fare against Auckland. AUSTRALIAN TEAM INTEREST IN THE TOUR Pending minor details in connection with the itinerary of the Australian team's tour, followers of the code are looking forward to the visit with great interest. The terms of the tour, a fiftyfifty basis, are very pleasing to tho New 2!ealand Rugby League, which has. been concerned for some time regarding the financial: proposals put forward by the Australian Board of Control. The Australian selectors have chosen a strong combination, blended with the best football talent from New South Wales and Queensland. The standard of play in Sydney particularly is very high and both the backs and forwards of the touring team are stated to be fully qualified to represent Australia. New Zealand, however, is well prepared for the occasion and the visitors are certain to meet with formidable opposition. The recent .North and South Island match revealed a fine New Zealand team if carefully selected. The strength undoubtedly will be among the forwards, in which department the code in the Dominion has greatly improved. The southern torwards for .selection, Serra, McNeight, Calder and Ward represent the best class, and it will be a difficult task to choose the best six in the Dominion. A majority of tho backs will no doubt come from 'Auckland, where the code has experienced a very successful season. Much depends on the progress of the game whether New Zealand is successful in the test matches. Frequent tours can be expected for league players in New Zealand it* the home side makes a good showing against the Australian side.