THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22459, 1 July 1936, Page 20

THE LEAGUE CODE

PLAYERS FOR TRAINING

MATCH AGAINST ENGLAND

SEVERAL LOOSE FORWARDS

The selector to the Auckland Rugby League, Mr. H. Avery, has sprung a few surprises in the players chosen to go into special training in view of the match between Auckland and England at Carlaw Park on July 25. He has reserved the right to replace any of the players who subsequently lose form.

His task in choosing the forwards was by no means an easy one and some good players have been omitted. Telford, Richmond, on his present form, is unlucky t6 miss the selector's eye while Breed, Marist, and Carter, Ponsonbv, are types likely to improve considerably. It is extremely doubtful whether the Auckland pack will have the necessary weight to give the hooker reasonable prospects of getting the ball in the scrums. Some of the forwards selected do not give of their best in the scrums and tight play. Six of those chosen have already played as breakaways. Every ounce of weight will have to be applied in order to stop the visiting vanguard from breaking through.

There are some surprise omissions among the backs. Riley, although not showing the form of earlier in the season. is undoubtedly a player with great possibilities and it was anticipated that he would at least have been chosen for training. Mincham is another unlucky player on his present form as he has usually done well in higher football on previous occasions. Trevathan has played consistent football throughout the season and his prowess would have been shown to far greater advantage in a better combined back line. Kay played disappointingly for Auckland against the Maoris but it is pleasing to note the selector has chosen him for special training. W. Tittleton and Haslam should be assured of places in the final selection. They are both good on attack while very sound on defence. Powell was the obvious choice for halfback.

The choice of one fullback is rather surprising. In spite of Hemi's ability as a place-kick he has yet to be fully tested on defence and his tackling may be found wanting. Kerr has played some fine games this season and fully earned inclusion in those for training. His excellent defence has been of incalculable value to Devonport during the progress of the senior championship.

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP

MOUNT ALBERT LEADS

The championship of the Auckland Rugby League still remains in an interesting position after two series in the second round. Mount Albert is one point ahead of Richmond, while Ponsonby, Devonport and Marist are equal in third position, two points behind the leaders.

The meeting of Richmond and Mount Albert next Saturday should prove another good attraction. The former has now settled down to splendid team combination and will prove difficult to defeat. Mount Albert is a hard team to score against hut it is not showing at present the necessary ' combination to carry it through to final honours.

NORTHERN UNION OUP.

CANTERBURY AND WEST COAST

The Canterbury lUigby League team to play the West Coast in the Northern Union Cup match next Saturday will . be selected from the following players: SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP | Full-back.—M. Standevin.

Threequarters.—C. H. Davison, E. Hendry, R. Whitley, and R. Chaston. Five-eighths. —L. G. Young, J. Garrett. B. Smith. Half-back. —J. McCarthy. Forwards. —M. H. Smith, R. Ward, R. Price, W. Dunn, E. Grimes, P. Serra, T. Carey, and J. Airey. A threequarter, a five-eighths and two forwards will be omitted on the morning of the match. Standevin, the fullback, and McCarthy, half, have been sure of their positions from almost the start of the season. Whitley is probably the best all-round man in the threequarter line. Of the forwards Grimes and Carey stand out as fast breakaway men. Serra is a former Rugby representative forward who played for Merivale.

TEST IN AUSTRALIA

ENGLISH TEAM'S RECORD

In view of its decisive defeat of England in the first test match on Monday. Australia has a bright chance of regaining tho Rugby League ashes for the first time since 1920. To date the English team has played 10 matches, of which it lias won seven and lost three. It has scored 254 points and had 137 registered against it. Following are the results of the games played:— Against Sydney, at Sydney, won 15—13. Against Southern Division, at Leeton,

won 35—13. Against New South Wales, at Sydney, lost 14—18. Against Western Districts, at Parkes,

won 33 —16. Agaiust Queensland, at Brisbane, won

19 —4. Against Wide Bay, at Maryborough, won 35—8. Against Mackay, at Mackay, won 40 —l7. Against North Queensland, won 30 —3. Against Central Queensland, postponed. Against Newcastle, at Newcastle, lost 16—21. Against Australia, first test, at Sydney, lost 8 —24.

The next match will be played to-day against Ipswich, at Ipswich. The second test will be played at Brisbane next Saturday and the final test at Sydney on July 18.