THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22211, 11 September 1935, Page 19

THE LEAGUE CODE

REPRESENTATIVE MATCH BRIGHT GAME AT WELLINGTON AUCKLAND BACKS IMPRESS For quick change of speed and perfect understanding between the Auckland backs and forwards the representative Rugb}' League game between Auckland and Wellington played last Saturday was the brightest display of the code seen here for a decade and a large crowd was given a splendid insight into the attractions of the game, says the Wellington correspondent of the Hkkam>. The match was played at a great pace throughout and this proved the undoing of the local side, which was obviously not trained to the same pitch as the Aucklanders. However, considering the majority of the Wellington players were recent converts from Rugby they made an excellent showing, although Auckland always looked to have something in hand. The most impressive leature of the visitors display was team work. The forwards consistently trailed the backs, dropped passes being instantly snapped up and passing bouts initiated. The Auckland vanguard met a stouter opposition than usual, Wellington fielding a virile sextet, which held a slight advantage in weight and won the majority ot the scrums. There is no doubt that Wellington has a fine side in the making.

A GREAT PLAYER L. BROWN OUTSTANDING Easily the star performer was L. Brown, whose performances in England and Auckland were quite unknown to the majority present. His speed off the mark, his determination and uncanny sense of anticipation stamp him as a great player. It was really he who beat the Wellington team. Ho took the foremost part in most movements and finished off several with irresistible runs. < Next to Brown, S. T. Atkins, who greatly impressed the New Zealand selector, Mr. T. A. McClymont, was the best player on the field. He frequently penetrated the defence with splendid runs and had he been better supported the Wellington side would have added at least two tries. If Atkins applied himself more seriously to training and learned the finer points of the game he would go a long way. He is rather small, but very plucky.

BEST FORWARDS ' HUTT AND HERRING The best Auckland forwards were L. Hutt and Herring, while for Wellington the display given by J. Gunn must, have brought him under the notice of the New Zealand selector. The former Aucklander, Moisley, although » veteran, also played a good game. Ho had a far better knowledge of the requirements of League forward play than his team mates. Great interest naturally centred in tho appearance of Lilburne, but while he played a very good defensive game he did nothing spectacular on attack. Kay, on his display in this game, fully supported all the praise which has been bestowed on him, while Cooke played very correct football without producing any "fireworks." The only disappointing player in the Auckland side was Hassan, who was obviously not himself and had to retire in the second spell. The opposing half, O'Connor, who did not show anything like his best form in Auckland recently, was one of Wellington's star men. He varied his play well, sent out perfect passes and when the opportunity offered burst through alone

ROOPE ROOSTER FINAL SUCCESS OF NEWTON The success of Newton in the Auckland Rugby League's Roope Rooster competition was a pleasing feature of last Saturday's matches, when Richmond, which won the senior championship, was beaten by two points. On several occasions this season, particularly in the first round, Newton showed consistent form, and was narrowly defeated by the leading teams. Lack of finish among the backs cost Newton several games. Against Richmond, however, the rear division, in spite of the absence of E. Brimble and Dempsey, played well as a combination, and had the game well in hand at half-time. Richmond was also considerably weakened by the absence of four players, and under the circumstances did well to get within two points of Newton. In fact, had more use been mado of a goalkickcr, Richmond may easily have won.

AUSTRALIANS' MANAGER PROMINENT REFEREES Mr. H. Sinderland, secretary to the Queensland Rugby League, who has been appointed manager of the Australian team which will visit New Zealand this month, has had considerable experience in the management of touring teams. He was manager of the last Australian team to visit England and has been to New Zealand on several occasions. The decision of the Australian Board of Control to send two prominent referees with the team is a matter to be considered by tho Auckland Referees' Association. It has been stated in Sydney that the Australian referees are prepared to control some of the fixtures here. It will not he a case without precedent as a New Zealand referee controlled a mateh in Australia in 1919. Much good can be derived from the inter-change of referees, especially when they are seen in control of games. MOST RUNS IN TESTS HAMMOND'S PERFORMANCES Walter Hammond, of Gloucestershire, scored the greatest number of runs for England in the five tests against South Africa, and ithout the magnifying aid of a century. His consistency was more marked than that of any other batsman in tho matches on either sido. The successive innings are 28, 27, 27, o«'i, 87 not out, 29, 63 not out, and 65. He made 389 runs at an average of 64.83. Some turbulent press writers were suggesting that the Gloucestershire champion was a back number, and that his place was now in tho pavilion watching tests, in England a cricketer's test lot is more difficult than it is in Australia, comments an Australian writer. There are so many newspaper "specialists" with names in cricket that competition appears to send them ,to the gall-pot, instead of the inkpot, in order to turn out something with spice in it.