THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22417, 13 May 1936, Page 20

THE LEAGUE CODE

STANDARD IMPROVES MANUKAU BEATS RICHMOND AN OUTSTANDING FORWARD There was a general all-round improvement in the form on Saturday of the various teams taking part in the Auckland Rugby League's senior championship. In strong contrast to the previous week, conditions favoured fast football, and a better lino on form could bo gained. The newly-promoted Manukau team created a great surprise by lowering the colours of Richmond, last season's champions. Taking the lead early, Manukau played to such effect that it held the advantage by 12 points to 0 at halftime. While the game was not a highclass exhibition of the code, few matches have been so keenly contested. From the kick-off the keen play of Manukau was most marked, and Richmond had a torrid time.

The Manukau vanguard played splendidly against strong opposition and excelled in the loose. The outstanding forward was Pickering, a solidly-built Maori, whose following up and line tackling were a feature of the game. Pickering handles well and showed excellent control of the ball in dribbling rushes. The inclusion of S. Watene, who was transferred from Cit3 T , gave the vanguard new life, and ho will make a great difference when the forwards learn the finer points under his guidance. Hemi, at fullback, was even more impressive than on the previous week. He repeatedly s&ved Manukau by starting attacking movements from defensive positions, and his kicking was excellent. With a few more games Hemi will be a big attraction at Carlaw Park, for he has undoubted ability. It is likely that Manukau will now be given a game on the No. 1 ground, where the side would prove a great draw. In the first spell Richmond was quite upset by the bustling tactics and tackling of Manukau, but countered these far moro successfully in the second half. However, the losers never settled down to a good combination at any stage. A reliable place-kick would have made all the difference to Richmond, as several penalties were awarded against Manuka u within range.

DEVONPORT'S SUCCESS CREDIT TO THE FORWARDS SUPERIORITY IN PASSING Devonport owed its success against Mount Albert in the principal fixture chiefly to the fine work of its forwards. The pack did not let up at any stage and clearly showed the advantage to be gained by keeping together. In this department Mount Albert, especially 'later in the second spell, left the brunt of the work to individuals, this allowing Devonport to break through frequently. The Devonport pack was also superior in short passing. When a player broke away there was always plenty of support offering. Mount Albert's forwards will need to pay more attention to this phase of the game if the team has hopes for championship honours. With the forwards of both sides raiding in turn about halfway through the second spell, the backs indulged in too much kicking, when a sudden change of tactics would probably have caught the opposition at a disadvantage. A few players did attempt to change the mode of attack, but it was more or less left to the individual and he lacked the necessary support. An outstanding game in the Devonport forwards was played by E. Scott. He showed cleverness on attack and repeatedly saved his team by fearless defence. The Devonport selectors will need to turn their attention to D. Miller, who went on at first five-eighths just prior to the interval when Rhodes retired injured. He showed ability on attack above the average, and once " sold " a beautiful dummy which cut the defence to ribbons and should have resulted in a try. His defence was also very sound and he was responsible for frustrating Mount Albert attacks in the early stages. MARIST IMPRESSES RE-APPEARANCE OF CLARK In spite of the fact that Marist was weakened by the absence of N. Campbell, fullback, and Woods, forward, the team had too much combination for Newton, and ran out comfortable winners. The Marist backs are developing a combination which promises to test the best rearguards in the future. Sound on defence, the rearguard is speeding up on attack, and with a good set of forwards in support, Marist appears likely to take a high place in the championship. Marist has a dangerous scoring wing in Loader, but on Saturday he was not fed to the best advantage. Bakalich, at centre, was inclined to run too far in possession, and thus spoil chances for the wings Haslam is settling down well to the new code, and he should prove a great asset to the team with a few moi'f games. Among the forwards Clark, the former Auckland and New Zealand representative, made a reappearance after two seasons and played a good game.

Deinpsey, the Newton fullback, is playin;/ in his best form at present, while E. Brim hie flashed into the picture many times for clever attack. Neither Wells, a recruit from Rugby, nor Bright, on the wings, had the neceßsary opportunities. FORWARDS WEAKENED PONSONBY OUTPLAYS CITY The absence of Clark ancU Herring from the City pu n k proved a big handicap, and in this department Ponsonby was superior. There, were stages in the game when the City backs executed some nice movements, but some of the players had a tendency to go too far. The Ponsonbv rear division, on the other hand, made the most of the hooker's success in obtaining the ball.

Tli ei •e was a better understanding among the Ponsonby backs, particularly between Kay, Riley and W. Stocklev. Ilalloran was in good form behind the scrum and made sonio nico openings. The Ponsonby backs are likely to develop into a clever attacking force, and may be in a position soon to test the strongest teams.