THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22537, 30 September 1936, Page 20

THE LEAGUE CODE

MANUKAU TEAM'S RECORD A SPLENDID COMBINATION FIRST SEASON IN SENIOR GRADE Manukau has made a bright page of history in the records of the Auckland Rugby League by winning the senior championship and the Roope Rooster knock-out competition in the first year of its admittance as a senior team. There was*some opposition to the application of the club for senior grade status, owing to the uncertainty of its personnel. However, after being admitted Manukau gradually strengthened its ranks and developed into a splendid combination. Manukau has not only given the code a great impetus, but it has also gained some outstanding players. Many supporters have expressed the opinion that Manukau was lucky to win the senior championship, but the manner in which it defeated City in the Roope Rooster final on Saturday left no doubt as to the team's ability. The City backs exploited too much unorthodox football and there was no link between the centres, Tawhai and Rata, and the wings, Brown and Mcj Laughlin. City gained a surprisingly large share of the ball against much heavier forwards, but the rear division was not a happy combination. Scissors passing often beat the Manukau defence, but the player in possession did not run straight enough to make the movements effective. All of Manukau's tries resulted from orthodox football and there was always finish to each attack. The first try by Hemi was scored through excellent positional play in one of the finest movements seen at Carl aw Park this season. From a scrum in the Manukau twenty-five Mahima ran smartly to his opponent before passing to Hemi. Watene quickly grasped the position and sprinted from fullback to race between Hemi and Mahima. Watene gained 40 yards before sending Hemi over in a 30 yards dash. PIKE FORWARDS OUTSTANDING PL4YER&

The line play of the Manukau forwards was a feature of the game and it is somg time since such a good all-round set has been .seen at Carlaw Park. The vanguard dominated the game against City and played more like a set of backs. Good handling and strong, straight running by Broderick, Pickrang and Gault gained useful ground. The trio excelled in the loose, particularly Broderick, whose pace proved a thorn in the side of the opposition. On one occasion Broderick ran almost the length of the ground with the ball in one hand. Gault is a much improved forward And proved a hard player to bring down. He has only to look for supports when in possession to become a high-class forward. The City forwards packed solidly against a much heavier set and were successful in gaining possession. In the loose, however. City met a superior pack, although the losers battled on gamely in the final stages.

PHELAN SHIELD FINAL PONSONBY'S GOOD FORM Consistent form by Ponsonby has woe the right for the team to play Marist in the final of the Phelan Shield next Saturday. Against Devonport last Saturday the Ponsonby backs played good football, and some fine movements were witnessed. In spite of good defence by Devonport, the Ponsonby backs excelled in snappy passing, and speed played a large part in two tries. ELay was in fine form at centre and cut in nicely while going fast. Both Jones and McKinney, on the wings, did well, and it is evident the former seems best suited to this position provided he gets plenty of the ball. Marist is an improved team, particularly the backs. The game next Saturday should provide good football and will be played as a curtain-raiser to the match between Manukau and Richmond in the champion of champions fixture.