THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22726, 12 May 1937, Page 18

THE LEAGUE CODE

REPRESENTATIVE MATCH AUCKLAND AND MAORIS BRIGHT GAME ANTICIPATED Exciting and spectacular football should he witnessed at Carlaw Park this afternoon when teams representing Auckland and the Maoris, will try conclusions. When the teams met last season the Maoris were successful after an even game and the match this afternoon should also be close. The sole selector to the Auckland Rugby League, Mr. H. Brisbane, has chosen a strong team, which should settle down well. Dempsev will fill the fullback position and his form has been good. Kerr, the North Shore custodian, has been playing particularly well. A strong defensive player, he is a little unlucky to miss selection.

It is pleasing to see McCallum, the fast and promising Mount Albert winger, given a chance. With experience in higher football he should develop into a fine player as in club games he has shown ability above the average. The choice of Mincham for the other wing is rather surprising. Undoubtedly good on his day, Mincham has too many lapses. Kay, centre, has shown his best form in the two club matches already decided. Brilliant on attack, Kay is improving 011 defence and he should fill the position capably. On his present form W. Tittleton is one of the best five-eighths in the code and he played a great all-round game for Richmond against North Shore last Saturday. He received a bad knock early in the game, but this did not (iffect his play. The manner in which he straightens up the attack could well be followed by some other fiveeighths. W. Stocklev, who will partner Tittleton', has previously gained representative honours.

The halfback, Powell, is always solid and his play in this direction has been a great asset to Auckland teams in the past. The forwards are a good nil-round set and should perform creditably. The Maoris will also field a strong combination and the type of football they play always appeals to followers ofj the code. With Hemi, Broderiek, Broughton, Mahima, Watene, Brimble, Mitchell and Tawhai the team has the nucleus of a powerful side which should execute brilliant movements.

The teams for to-day are as follows:

Auckland. —Fullback, C. Dempsev (Newton); threequarters, McCallum (Mount Albert), A. Kay (Ponsonbv), E. Mincham (Richmond); five-eighths, W. Stockloy (Ponsonbv), W. Tittleton (Richmond); halfback, R. Powell (Richmond); forwards, Breed (Marist), Satherley (Richmond), Gault (Manukau), Hollows (North Shore), Anderson (Marist), Morgan (Ponsonbv). Reserves. —Backs: Halloran (Ponsonby), G. Tittleton (Richmond); forwards, Gunning (Mount Albert), Telford (Richmond). Maoris.—Backs, Tawhai (City), Broughton, Hemi, Broderiek (Manukau), Rata (City), Bickerton (Richmond), Mahima, Brimble (Manukau), Aro (Marist), Logan (Manukau); forwards, Kawe, Rickit. Watene (Manukau), Mitchell (Richmond), McLeod (Richmond), Proctor (Newton), Mannjx (City). HIGH STANDARD TWO UNDEFEATED TEAMS The standard of play in the second series of the senior championship games last Saturday was surprisingly high and indicates that there will bo some fine contests later. Manukau, last season's champion team, and Ponsonbv are the only undefeated thirteens to date. Richmond, Marist, North Shore and Mount Albert have each suffered a loss, while City and Newton have been beaten in each of the two series. The North Shore forwards can take a good deal of credit for the team's win over Richmond. The vanguard held the opposition in the tight play and was superior in the loose. Its splendid tackling was one of the features of the game. Richmond gave promise of better football and when its team work is more certain the side will be very hard to defeat.

In spite of a fine effort bv Marist against Manukan, last season's championship winners played strongly in the second spell and deserved the victory. During this period Manukau entertained the crowd with some brilliant movements, in which. the all-round play of Hemi was a feature.