THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22543, 7 October 1936, Page 20

THE LEAGUE CODE

SUCCESSFUL SEASON CHAMPIONSHIP TO MAN Utf All FIRST YEAR IN SENIOR GRADE The season just closed lias been one of the most successful yet enjoyed by the Auckland Rugby League. It is some years since the senior championship was so evenly contested right through and at the conclusion only one point separated the winners, Manukau, and Richmond, runners-up. The even strength of the majority of the teams can be judged from the fact that Manukau suffered four defeats and played one drawn game. It was a most praiseworthy performance on the part of Manukau to annex the championship in its first season in the senior grade. When application was made on behalf of Manukau for senior status there was opposition in some quarters -owing to its strength being somewhat an unknown quantity. However, by including several prominent Maori representatives and other outstanding players Manukau soon proved its claims. Gradually improving, Manukau delighted spectators later in the season with some fine exI hibitions. The team always had a large following and its success was very popular. There is no doubt that Manukau has given the code a decided impetus and the Auckland Ilugby League has cause for pleasure that it saw fit | to admit the team to senior ranks. Besides winning the championship ' Manukau was successful in annexing the Roope Rooster knock-out competition, but failed last Saturday in the champion of champions contest against Richmond. During the championship series Manukau was defeated by Devonport, Ponsonby and Mount Albert in the first round. It played a drawn game | with Devonport in the second round and was beaten by Richmond. CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS SOME ERRATIC FORM In many quarters Richmond was considered unlucky in not winning the championship. Its form did not reach the high standard of that of other sea- ' sons except on a few occasions, when i the team played brilliant football. The side was unfortunate in the second to last series to meet Devonport on a heavy ground and it suffered defeat by five points to three. The first occasion on which Richmond met Manukau it went down by eight points to 14, but reversed the position in the second round, winning by 27 to 11. The teams did not meet in the Roope Rooster competition, but Richmond took the honours in the three games when it defeated Manukau last Saturday in tlte champion of champions match by 30 points to nine. Devonport, third in the championship, three points behind the leaders, was always a force to be reckoned with. It had a strong set of forwards, | but the rearguard was never up to its I usual strength. Mount Albert, fourth, started very promisingly but was later unlucky in regard to injuries, which completely disorganised the side. Ponsonby, fifth, again showed promise of developing into a strong side. Its young back team gave some fine displays, while the forwards are beginning to obtain the necessary strength. Ponsonby's win in the Phelan Shield competition was well doierved. Marist, City and Newton, which finished in the order named, were erratic. Each played well on occasions but sadly lacked combination at other times. City showed great improvement during the Roope Rooster series and fought its way to the final with Manukau. I The final positions of the teams in 1 the senior championship were as fol- ! lows: Pta. Ch. P. W. L. D. F. A. Pfs. Manukau ..3-1 0 4 1 223 101 1!) Richmond .14 8 4 2 100 130 IS Devonport .14 0 4 4IS I 150 in Mt, Albert . 13 7 5 1 152 1-1!) 15 Ponsonby ..13 7 0 lit I 186 14 Marist . . 14 0 7 1 145 Ifil 13 City ..13 4 8 1 168 210 l) Nowton ..13 2 11 PROMINENT PLAYERS KEENNESS OF SCHOOLBOYS During the season the code gained some prominent Rugby players who with the experience gained should be of greater assistance to their clubs next season. There were several promising 'juniors who when given their chance in senior ranks usually performed with credit. One of the most pleasing features of the season, however, from the officials' point of'view was the keenness and enthusiasm shown by the schoolboys in their various grades. Several teams gave good exhibitions and the various seven-a-side games during the intervals in senior matches were greatly enjoyed. The neatness in attire of the schoolboys' teams was a tribute to the Auckland Rugby League.

ENGLISH TEAM'S VISIT HOME BACKS DISAPPOINT After winning the " ashes " in Australia the English Rugby League team toured New Zealand and played eight matches, winning them all. Two tests were played at Auckland, EnglaiuVwinning by 10 points to eight and 23 to 11 respectively. The tour served to show that the New Zealand forwards were a form idable set, but the backs disappointed. However, the experience gained by the younger players should prove to advantage in the future. Considering that the New Zealand players were only assembled a few days before the first test they did well. The annual inter-Island match played at Auckland resulted in a win for the North by 21 points to 16.