THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22525, 16 September 1936, Page 20

THE LEAGUE CODE

EOOPE ROOSTER MATCHES

DEFEAT OF RICHMOND TEAM

SURPRISE WIN FOR CITY

A fine display was given by City and Richmond in the Auckland Rugby League's Roope Rooster competition on Saturday. The defeat of Richmond under good ground conditions caused a surprise, although on many occasions this season City lias shown good form. With the exception of occasional weak tackling, City was the better team on the day and would have been unlucky to have been beaten.

Although both sides scored two tries City should have at least added two more in the first half. Soou after the kick-off Johnson gained good ground, but delayed his pass infield and on the wing Brown was waiting unmarked. The try scored by Broadbcad was one of the best seen at Carlaw Park this season. Every Richmond forward handled the ball after a nice opening by Mincbam. The vanguard fanned out perfectly and exploited snappy passing to beat the defence. Broadhead showed a lot of pace in a good dash ior 25 yards. There was also a good deal of merit in City's try scored by Raymond, who showed a lot of determination in beating Beyer. Raymond is one of the most promising forwards in the code and likely to gain representative honours next season. City's victory was very popular with the crowd, for it is some years since the club played such a prominent part in the senior competition. From 1918 until 1923 City was almost invincible, and had an excellent record. Only four defeats were recorded against City in 1921-1922. The club has experienced many lean years since 1924, and has often been placed well down the championship table. This season, however, the club has built up a strong thirteen and but for inconsistent play against some of the teams, City would have played an important part in the senior championship.

BACKS IN FORM WIBERG AND BROWN In the game against Richmond City gave a good exhibition of the code. Many times during the game the backs, particularly Wiberg at fullback, and Brown, executed neat scissors passes, which gained a lot of ground. The rear division excelled in changing direction in some very fine movements. The performance of the backs was all the more meritorious as Richmond won the ball from the majority of scrums. Great credit is due to the City vanguard for resolute tackling and splendid support of the backs. The Richmond backs did not combine so well as usual. W. Tittleton was right off his game and frequently dropped passes. The tactics of Tetley, third row forward, did not improve Powell's play. Tetley repeatedly got in the way of the halfback, with the result that the latter was tackled in possession. One of the features of the game was the splendid play of Wiberg at fullback. He was often seen to advantage in racing up to the three-quarters in short passing movements, while his splendid fieldiiig and accurate linekicking repeatedly saved City. - In tne semi-final, to be played next Saturday, City has been drawn to meet Devonport, while Manukau has the bye.