THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22471, 15 July 1936, Page 20

THE LEAGUE CODE

DISAPPOINTING TRIALS PROBLEM FOR SELECTORS STRONG SOUTHERN FORWARDS With big games ahead trial matches often prove disappointing and the inter-Island Rugby League contest and A and B trial at Carlaw Park last Saturday did not come up to expectations. To some extent it was not surprising that combination was lacking, as many of the players had not played together previously. The New Zealand selectors have a very difficult problem to select a team which can hold the English side, but if the right typo of forward is chosen the home players may do better than expected. Among the southern players some good forwards were fielded and their sound tackling, a department in which there will need to bo no flaws against the tourists, was one of the features of the game. A splendid all-round game was played by McKneight, who was always in the fray, whether in the tight or loose. He gave good support to the backs and handled well, while he set an example in the right way to tackle. J. Beban, the back row forward and captain of the team, also played a great game. ( He led the forwards in fine style and started many movements which deserved a better fate. He was a continual source of worry to the North backs with his smothering tackles. Glynn was another forward who played a good all-round game. Speedy and a good handler, he was always well to the fore. Calder, although not displaying form quite up to his old standard, was still one of the best forwards in the match. He did a lot of hard work in the rucks and should again go close to New Zealand honours. None of the South Island backs imEressed as likely to gain New Zealand onours. McCarthy was sound at halfback and the best back for the visitors. Garrett did not fulfil the reputation which preceded him here, although there is no doubt that he is a young player of promise.

NORTH 'VANGUARD PICKRANG OUTSTANDING The outstanding forward for the North Island was Pickrang. He was with the play all the time, tackled splendidly, and proved a great asset to the side in going down and checking the strong rushes of the opposing pack. Coutts, while not shining to the same extent as in the Auckland-Wellington game, played well, while Tetley was responsible for a great deal of clever work in the second half. Players who enhanced their chances for inclusion in the New Zealand side are:—North Island: Backs, Brown, Haslam, Tittleton, Bright and Coman. The last-named, however, has a serious rival for the halfback position in Powell, of Auckland. Forwards, Pickrang, Coutts, Tetley. South Island: Forwards. McKneight, Beban. Glvnn and Calder.

PREVIOUS MATCHES NORTH'S GOOD. RECORD Eleven matches have now been played between North and South Island teams. North has been successful except on two occasions. It has lost one game, while the other was drawn. North has scored 305 points and South 184. Details are as follows: —1925, North won, 27—9; 1926, North won, 31—22; 1927, North won, 13—8; 1928, North won, 44—8; 1929, South won, 22—13; 1930, draw, 22-all; 1931, North won, 52—23; 1932, North won, 27 —18; 1933, no match; 1934, North won, 36—18; 1935, North won, 19 —18; 1936, North won, 21—16.

ENGLISH TEAM WEIGHTS OF PLAYERS The English team at present in Australia will play the final test match at Sydney next Saturday. The "ashes" will depend on the result, as each team has won a test. The tourists will commence their New Zealand tour with a match against Auckland at Carlaw Park next Saturday week. The team is composed of 26 players, whoSe ages, weights and heights are as "follows: — FULLBACKS Age Weight Height J. Brough (Leeds) .. 32 13.0 5.10% W. Belsbaw (Liverpool) .. 22 11.8 6.7% THREEQUARTERS J. Morley (Wigan) . . 26 12.0 5.8 B. Hudson (Salford) .. 30 13.7 5.11% S. Smith (Leeds) .. 26 10.10 5.8 A. Edwards (Salford) .. 20 11.0 5.9 . CENTRES F. Harris (Leeds) .. 26 11.13 5.11 A. Atkinson (Castleford) 28 14.4 0.0 A. Risman (Salford) . . 25 12.7 5.10 G. Davies (Wigan) .. 26 11.9 5.9% FIVE-EIGHTHS E. Jenkins (Salford) .. 25 11.6 5.6 S. Brogden (Leeds) . . 20 10.10 5.8% HALFBACKS W. Watkins (Salford) .. 25 11.0 5.5 T. McCue (Widnes) .. 22 11.6 5.6 FORWARDS H. Field (York) .. 27 1-1.0 5.7 T. Armit (Swinton) .. 29 13.0 5.11 N. Silcock (Widnes) .. 22 15.8 5.11% A. Wood (Liverpool) .. 24 14.3 5.9% J. Miller (Warrington) .. 28 14.0 5.9% H. .Tones (Keighley) .. 28 14.4 6.1 L. A Troup (Barrow) .. 27 14.0 6.10% J. Arkwright (W'rington) 27 14.0 6.3 W. Hodgson (Swinton) .. 27 14.6 6.1% A. H. Ex ley (Wakefield) .24 13.5 6.0 H. Beverley (Hunslot) .. 27 14.2 6.2 11. Elleringlon (Hull) .. 23 13.0 5.9