THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22411, 6 May 1936, Page 21

THE LEAGUE CODE

CHAMPIGNSHir MATCHES GOOD FORM DISPLAYED MOUNT ALBERT'S CLOSE WIN Tho opening series of matches in the senior championship of the Auckland Rugby League on Saturday was marred by extremely bad weather conditions. A wind of gale force and heavy rain and hail showors made both the ground and the ball very greasy. Under the circumstances, it was difficult to judge the strength of tho various sides, but several players showed lino form considering the conditions. There was little to choose between Mount Albert and Newton in tho principal fixture, the former gaining victory by a single point. Mount Albertdeserved its win, although but for a bad mistake by a forward Newton would have taken the honours. The forwards were fairly evenly matched, but Mount Albert held the advantage in the latter stages iiotli teams should play a most prominent part as the championship is advanced. Easily the outstanding player on the ground was L. Schultz, "\\*ho showed great promise while playing for Marist three seasons ago and gained representative honours. has had ft season of experience in England and his play all round has improved as a result. Against Newton he started many dangerous attacks which would probably have proved successful under drier conditions.

PROMINENT HALFBACK ACCURATE SCRUM PASSES Mount Albert appears to have a halfback above the .average in Watkins, who did a good deal of clever work from the scrum. His passing was swift and accurate, while he changed his tactics to advantage. His play gave Schultz the opportunity to show the latter's cleverness on attack. The winners fielded a set of forwards who are likely to hold unv opposition during the season. " l)empsey, the Newton fullback, has put on weight during the summer, but he has lost none of his form. He played a fine all-round game. A player who made an impression was Sissons, tho Newton centre. His capabilities on a dry ground, however, have yet to bo tested. W. Brimble was at the top of his form at halfback and if he maintains this standard should go close to representative honours. Newton also has a solid pack of forwards, but their combined work was not as good as that of the Mount Albert vanguard. L. Hutt, formerly of Ponsonbv, who took his place in the Newton pack, was never very promine.it.

LAST YEAR'S CHAMPIONS REARGUARD IN FORM Last season's champion team, Richmond, gave a good display and should again be hard to defeat. The backs handled well under the conditions, especially in the first half, when they had several opportunities. The former South Auckland and New Zealand representative. W. Tittleton, played a good game and will prove a decided acquisition to the team. His brother, G. Tittleton, did not impress at fullback, but showed to advantage when shifted to the wing position, his strong running making him hard to bring down. Both Mincham and Powell wore up to form, while Wilkie, who scored three tries, is a determined runner and shows clever anticipation. Tetley led the forwards in good style and wau well supported by C. Satherley. ' The Ponsonby forwards stood up better to the opposition in the second half after being outplayed in the first spell. The losers showed that they will provide some thrilling football under better conditions.

DEFEAT OF MANUKAU MAORI REPRESENTATIVES Although Manukau was soundly beaten by Pevonport it is yet too early to judge the strength of the former. Manukau was admitted as a senior team at the last minute, but is expected to field a stronger combination for future matches. The of Hemi and Kawe, both last year's New Zealand Maori representatives, cfeated considerable interest. Hemi made a good impression and he is sure to be seen to advantage once he learns the finer points of the game. Kawe played with dash and was the best forward on the ground. Two prominent wingthreeqiiarters, Broughton and Davies, did well on occasions. Davies took part in an All Black trial match at Men Park last season. Lack of training and a knowledge of the rules. of the game were noticed with a majority or the Manukau players. Good coaching, however and expected additions to the team may see Manukau cause a surprise later in the season.

INJURY TO N. CAMPBELL HASLAM IMPRESSES Although the gamo between Marist and City was closely contested, the former suffered a great loss when A. Campbell was taken oft the field with an injured ankle. Until his retirement, Campbell repeatedly saved Marist by excellent fielding and sound defence. Jt is to be hoped that his injuries are not serious. 11. Haslam who was playHi" his first game was the most impressive of the inside backs Haslam had several struggles with L. Brown and showed that he is a powerful plaver, and was inclined to kick the ball too much. Loader, who was the star back last season, again showed excellent attacking ability. He would have been more dangerous on a dry backs did really well without the ball, and it is evident a hooker must be found before the rearguard can show its real strength. Brown did great work on defence and was a thoin in the side of the opposition, iiotli Tawhai and Rata were good at ftveeichths, and with more opportunities and experience should develop into a fine attacking combination. Clarke was easily the best forward on tho ground and followed up well.