THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22447, 17 June 1936, Page 21

THE LEAGUE CODE

REPRESENTATIVE MATCH

WELLINGTON AND AUCKLAND STRENGTH OF VISITING TEAM Rugby Leaguo may not be in exactly a flourishing position in Wellington, but the standard is improving, and the side chosen to meet Auckland at Auckland on the King's .Birthday should give a better display than has been the case with Wellington teams in recent seasons, says the Wellington correspondent of the Hkhalu. The sido is as follows: Fullback.—Lilburno. Threequarters. Gladding. Atkins, McNeil. Five-eighths.—Merson, O'Connor. Halfback. —C'oman. Forwards.—Coutts, Moiseley, Sutton, Gunn, Berry, Largo. The team, oven if not thoroughly versed in all the intricacies of the Leaguo game, is, from a playing viewpoint, one with decided possibilities. Lilburne, of course, needs no introduction. He is quite at home at fullback, u position- in which ho first made his name at Kugby Union. Atkins, former Wellington Rugby representative, is the star of the tlireequarter line. He is showing great dash and should play football of the typo which appeals to AucklajulerE. The half and five-eighths form a solid if not outstanding combination. O'Connor is better known as a half, but has shaped quite well as a five-eighths. Coman is a former Wellington Rugby half. The forwards may still experience some difficulty with the play-the-ball rule. They have plenty of ability, however, and as a pack should provide strong opposition for the northern representatives.

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP INTERESTING POSITION With the conclusion of the first round of matches in the senior championship of the Auckland Rugby League the position is most interesting and the ultimate winners are still liard to forecast. The even strength of most of the teams can be judged from the fact that Ponsonby, which is now in the lead, has suffered two defeats in seven matches. Dovonport follo'vs one point behind the leaders, with two defeats and one drawn game. Manukau and Mount Albert are equal i l third position, each having been oeaten three times, and Richmond is one point in arrears of these teams. The most improved team in the championship is Manukau, which, if it fulfils its present promise, should be close to the final honours. Cjty is a team which has settled down better and is likely to upset calculations in the second round. Proving ground conditions are favourable throughout, however, Ponsonby will be very difficult -to dispose of. It is some time since the championship was so open at the end of the first round and the first four teams on the ladder all have prospects of winning the honours.

> DEFEAT OF DEVONPORT

PONSONBY'S FINE VICTORY

Supporters of the Devonport thirteen must have felt confident of the team's success against Ponsonby last Saturday when the latter was 13 points in arrears at half-time. There was a treat in store for the spectators in the second however, the Ponsonby team revealing some splendid team work and outplaying its opponents. The only score registered by Devonport in this spell was a penalty goal. It was evident, even in the first half, that the Ponsonby rearguard would prove dangerous with opportunities. The backs lacked these to a great degree until after the interval. Then the pace was put on and the ball was thrown about in fine style. Accurate handling, speed and the cleverness of some of the backs paved the way for a well-earned win. Although the Ponsonby backs played well great credit is also due to the forwards, who stood up splendidly to a heavier set and outplayed their rivals in the second half. Neither Marist nor Mount Albert played up to form in the curtain-raiser and the standard was disappointing. The latter has been unfortunate in regard to injuries and this has had a detrimental effect on its team play. Mount Albert on Saturday's form was certainly far from the team which started the season so well. Marist is proving an erratic side. After defeating Ponsonby in the fifth series its form has fallen away.

SUCCESS or CITY THREE TRIES TO L. BROWN The success of City after going close to victory on other occasions was one of the features of tlfe final series of matches in the first round. City narrowly defeated Mount Albert the previous * week and won a well-contested game against Richmond on Saturday. City's backs have on occasions earlier in the season shown good form, but it was not maintained to the end. Against Richmond the forwards got a more liberal share of the ball and the backs made the most of their chances.

Splendid combination between Rata and L, Brown went a long way toward City's win. Kata made several beautiful' openings and is undoubtedly a high-class centre tlireequarter on attack. He runs straight and can sidestep when racing at top speed. Brown was in his best form and each of his three tries was full of merit. It is doubtful if any other player in the code could have scored from similar positions. Great speed off the mark and wonderful anticipation stamp Brown as a. fine footballer. Richmond was unlucky to lose G. Mincham. who retired just before halftime with a leg injury. G. Tittleton, who was injured at training, was also missed. However, few will begrudge City its second win and an improvnment in hooking is likely to considerably bonefit the team.

A POPULAR WIN MANTTKAU'S IMPROVEMENT Manukau has won four competition matches and the Rugby League should consider its claims for more matches on tho No. 1 ground. The large crowd of spectators who follow the team on the No. 2 ground is evidence of its popularity. Playing for most of tho game without Hemi and D. Trevhthan, who was suffering from an injury, Manukau did well to defeat Newton, although the margin was small' A vast improvement has been noticed in the standard of Manulran's play, particularly among the forwards. Tn recent grimes the vanguard has dominated play by good passing and splendid support in the loose. The Manukau backs have also improved in passing and compare favourably with teams higher in the championship.