THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22780, 14 July 1937, Page 20

THE LEAGUE CODE

NORTH SHORE UNLUCKY CLOSE GAME WITH RICHMOND LEAD GAINED IN FINAL STAGE Tho chief feature of tlio Auckland Rugby League's senior championship matches 011 Saturday was tho fmo fight put up by North Shore against Richmond, the leading team. North Shore was tlio only team to defeat Richmond in the first round and it was unlucky in not repeating the performance on Saturday. Tho losers held the lead until two minutes before time, when Powell scored the winning try. A win for North Shore would have made tho competition very interesting, but as Richmond is now four points in the lead tho latter seems assured of championship honours for the season. Nevertheless, Richmond has some hard matches still to play and Manukau at least should extend tho leaders. Ponsonby also has a strengthened side and should put up strong opposition against Richmond. It will bo remembered that Manukau made a great bid for victory over Richmond in the first round and almost succeeded.

IMPROVED PLAYERS HEMI AND MAHIMA The principal attraction between Manukau and Marist last Saturday was rather disappointing, although there were many bright incidents. Hemi, the Manukan fullback, is playing line football at present. Ho has improved greatly on defence, .a department in which he was not over strong last season. On ltis present form he appears likely to bo the New Zealand fullback in the test matches against Australia. Maliima, tho Manukau halfback, is another player who has improved considerably. He makes some brilliant openings, but has developed a tendency to get caught 111 possession through going too far alone. Marist has the talent for a good team, but at present lacks combination. With the exception of Crocker and Haslam, the other members of the rearguard failed to penetrate against Manukau. City and Mount Albert staged an even struggle, in which the former was unlucky. Jloth sides failed to finish oil promising movements. A disappointment after his early season promise was McCallum, the Mount Albert winger, who appears to liave lost much of Ins dash. An outstanding game was played by Mataira, the City and former All Black forward. He has quickly settled down to the new code and should have no difficulty in gaining New Zealand honours this season.

EXCELLENT DEFENCE W. TITTLETON MISSED The excellent defence of tlie North Shore team proved a thorn in the side of Richmond and it is a long time since such splendid covering has been witnessed. Without exception the North Shore players rose to the occasion and effectively checked Richmond attacks. Richmond undoubtedly missed AY. Tittleton at five-eighths, and his place was taken by Webster, a promising junior. It was among the fiveeighths that most of North Shore's effective tackling was done. Roth Zane and Smith proved equal to the task of stopping Bickerton, and on many occasions Smith caught Mincham, centre, in possession. Had North Shore won the ball more often from the scrums it would probably have won.^ Richmond was a little fortunate in being allowed the winning try. From a set scrum it appeared that Powell first infringed by taking the ball before it was clear of the scrum and that a Richmond forward "shepherded" the halfback. The forwards had a strenuous hattle and honours were with North Shore,' although the Richmond vanguard held the upper hand during the Tast 10 minutes. But for one exciting incident, when several forwards came to blows, the game was very clean.

INTERNATIONAL TROPHY OPINION IN AUSTRALIA New Zealand is disappointed with the decision of Australia not to favour the creation of an International Rugby League Board. Unless the laws of the game and "pirating" of nlavers by English clubs are to bo dealt .with, it is difficult to see how a board could be of any real help to_ the game, says an Australian writer. To be carried out fittingly it would entail big travelling expenses. It is understood that England is prepared to pay the cost of a New Zealand delegate to a meeting in the Old Country. But if a board were formed, who would defray the travelling expenses of its members? Unless each cotmtrv was directly represented it would 'hardly function as the voice of the league's interests. When the Kangaroos visit New Zealand the managers should be empowered to discuss with the local authorities a resumption of tours to and from tlie Dominion. It is years since a strong New Zealand team was seen in Australia. Over there they play a spectacular and clever open game. The New Zealand teams have always been popular when they have been of the right quality. In both Rugby codes the New Zealaiiders are always admired for their play in Australia.