RUGBY FOOTBALL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22777, 10 July 1937, Page 23

RUGBY FOOTBALL

JUBILEE TROPHY GAMES ATTRACTIONS : FOR TO-DAY MANUKAU TO MEET GRAMMAR The first series of matches for the Jubilee Trophy will ho staged to-day by the Auckland Rugby Union. The principal attraction, at JOilon Park ivill bo the meeting of Manukau and Grammar. Tho match should provo a hardfought and interesting struggle. Manukau may have art advantage in tho forwards, hut this should be offset f>y the speed of the Grammar backs. Tho Eden and Suburbs senior second division teams will provide the curtainraiser. Technical will havo to show its best form in order to hold Grafton in the game on No. 2 ground, whilo an even contest should result at tho Show Grounds, where Marisfc will play Training College. University will play Otahuhu at Sturges Park, while North Shore will meet College Rifles at Devonport.

ASSOCIATION GAME SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP LEADING TEAMS TO MEET The Auckland Football Association's first division championship will bo continued to-day. Tho leader of the championship, Thistle, will play Ponsonby in tho principal game at Blandford Park. Ponsonby is only two points behind Thistle and it will do its utmost to drop the leaders. Both teams play fast and open football, so that a fine exhibition of the code should ho witnessed. Tho curtain-raiser will bo between Comrades and Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys, two fast and attractive teams. North Slioro and Abels will meet at- Devonport, and this gamo should decido which team is to be relegated.

THE LEAGUE CODE SENIOR COMPETITION MANUKAU AND MARIST The senior championship of the Auckland Rugby League will be continued to-day, when the second series of matches in the second round will be decided. A fino game should result between Marist and Manukau, which will take part in tho principal attraction. Tho gamo should provid6 a splendid forward struggle. City and Mount Albert will meet in tho curtain-raiser and the latter appears to havo jthe better prospects. Richmond, the leading team, will play North Shore in tho main game on No. 2 ground, whilo tho curtain-raiser will bo between Ponsonby and Newton.

GEORGE NEPIA'S PLANS CANTERBURY OFFER ACCEPTED [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] CHRISTCHURCH, Friday Tho famous All Black and Rugby League fullback, George Nepia, has accepted an offer' from the Canterbury Rugby Leaguo to play in matches in Christchurch during August. Since his return from England, after playing Rugby League for Streatham-Mitcham and Halifax Nepia has been working on his farm on tho East Coast, and has not played any football. Negotiations were oppned toward the eud of last month, and to-day a letter was received from Nepia saying ho would agree to tho terms offered. Tho New Zealand Rugby Leaguo* has cabled the English authorities for Nepia's clearance, so that ho can play in Christchurch, and also turn out with tho Maori 13 to meet the Australian tourists in their match at Auckland on August 11.