THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22495, 12 August 1936, Page 17

THE LEAGUE CODE

FIRST TEST MATCH ENGLAND AND NEW ZEALAND HOME FORWARDS' DISPLAY The splendid showing of the New Zealand forwards in the first Rugby League test match against I'higland was a feature of the game and it will be admitted that the six forwards coinpare very favourably with former New Zealand packs. Jt must have been disappointing to he beaten in almost every scrum for possession of the ball, but the vanguard never let up, and was well to the fore in the last 10 minutes. Except for a little uncertainty in handling the home forwards were superior as u team to the visitors, There was no better forward on the ground than Pickrang, who gave an outstanding display. He repeatedly broke away and led the New Zealand pack in many effective raids, which had much to do with the failure of the English backs as a combination. His splendid tackling was an object lesson to tlio other forwards, all of whom did their work well. The vanguard was very fit and, although the players had only one week together, they held on grimly to an undoubtedly great set. For the second test match, to be decided next Saturday, the selectors have made no alterations to the scrum. It will bo interesting to see if the New Zealand pack can improve a little on its opening game. Owing to tho close scoring the game next Saturday is sure to bo followed with considerable interest.

The excellent defence of both teams made the game rugged and hard and it was small wonder that as a spectacle it was disappointing. The covering defence of the New Zoaland backs left little to be desired. In this connection Tittleton, Powell, Kay and Trevathan did line work. But for one occasion, when he went for an interception Kay was the outstanding New Zealand back. The crowd had several thrills from Kay and on one occasion lie broke clean away with Powell and Brown racing in support. When it looked certain that Kay would pass to one of these players two forwards called for tho ball, which Kay sent back infield, and Calder was promptly downed by several English forwards. Either Brown or Powell could have scored easily.

NUMEROUS PENALTIES TRY DISALLOWED Thero were numerous penalties against England and it was evident the play-the-ball rule puzzled the visitors. It must be conceded, however, that before the ball can be played the player inust lace his opponents' goal and drop the ball in front of the feet. ' There was much discussion over the incident when a try scored by Brogden was disallowed. Many thought that the referee had no power to alter his decision after the try had been awarded, but this view is wrong. The line umpire has full powers to detect foul or obstruction play, and on matters of touch and touch-in-goal play. In this incident, Mr. M. Wcthercll, line umpire, noticed at the commencement of the movement an English forward break from the scrum and obstruct Trevathan, who, by the forward's action, had no chance of tackling Jenkins. The decision of tho lino umpire was promptly made and it was unfortunate that Mr. P. Rogers, the referee, did not see the lino umpire's flag up before the try was scored. Tho selection of S. Wateno as captain of tho New Zealand team was a happy one, and he ably filled the position. Watene was often seen giving encouragement to players, particularly Hemi, who wqs not in form and no doubt hampered by his knee injury. Watene played a tine game among the forwards and made great efforts to save the game.

SIX MATCHES WON GAME AT WHANGAREI Tho English team will play its next match against Northland at Whangarei to-morrow. It has played six matches on its New Zealand tour to date and lias won them all. The visitors have scored 153 points against 45. Details are as follows: — Pts. Pta. Auckland England 22 Auckland .. 16 Wellington England 48 Wellington . . 8 Sth. Island England 17 South Island . . 3 Taranaki England 35 Taranaki . . 1 Sth. Auck. England 21 South Auckland (> N. Zealand England 10 New Zealand .. S