THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22798, 4 August 1937, Page 18

THE LEAGUE CODE

BEST MATCH OF SEASON MANUKAU RATHER UNLUCKY TEAM WORK BY RICHMOND The largo crowd which attended Carlaw Park last Saturday was treated to tho best game of the season and many thought that Manukau was a little unlucky not to take the honours from Richmond. It took Manukau a long time to settle down, but once the forwards got a hold on tho game, tho set worried the Richmond defence, which was very sound, right until the final bell.

In tho first half, Richmond undoubtedly had a lot tho better of tho play, and at one stage it looked as though Manukau would be easily beaten. The manner in which tho Richmond backs attacked and supported the forwards in possession was indeed high-class team work. Movements were started from all positions, each player Used his speed and there was an absence of selfish play. Several Manukau forwards,, Broderick in particular, hung on too long, and twice in the first half missed scoring opportunities. Manukau settled down early in the second half and fully extended Richmond, which had a lead of eight points. Brilliant team play was a feature of tho football and there were many very exciting exchanges, while Manukau gradually overhauled the 'Richmond total. Tho try which equalised the scores was a very clever move by Mahima, the Manukau halfback, who smartly raced round the blind side and took a difficult in-pass from Gault, when the latter had broken from a set scrum.

A BRILLIANT BACK

R. CHASE OUTSTANDING The absence of a reliable goal-kicker was serious for Manukau, which missed no fewer than five shots at goal from easy positions. From the stand it appeared as though Watene took the last kick at goal too confidently. He only moved back about a yard, instead of putting more power behind the ball, which hit tlio cross-bar. The outstanding player was R. Chase, who played a clever attacking gamo at five-eighths. Many, times Chase cut in brilliantly, and threw perfect passes to his supports.- His splendid all-round play must have impressed the New Zealand selectors, as lie is included.in the fifteen players to train for the first test on Saturday against the Australians. • 1

NEW ZEALAND TEAM THE SELECTION REVIEWED The personnel of tho New Zealand team to play Australia appears to have given general satisfaction, although the injury to Henii considerably upset the plans* of the selectors. On his excellent form of late, Hem! was assured of the fullback position, and Watene would probably have been the third row forward. His good knowledge of this position lias frequently been proved in club football. Whether Watene lacks the speed necessary for a fullback remains to be seen, but his presence in the scrum would have strengthened the forwards. Seven forwards have been chosen, and one is to be omitted. Pickrang may be the player left out, seeing he has only taken part in six games this season, and has not yet shown the highclass form of last season in the tests \vith the Englishmen. The front row will include Cootes, Glynn and Gault, and the trio shrink! provide strong opposition for the Australians. It is expected that Mataira and Brodrick, two ex-New Zealand Maori representatives, will comprise the second row. Brodrick will need to improve his style of passing, which is similar to a throw, making the ball difhcult to hold. Many would have preferred Morgan (Ponsonby) in preference to Tetley as the third row forward. Morgan played a fine game in the trial match, and has been consistently the outstanding forward in club football. He has plenty of speed, and is one of -the best handlers in the code. Tetley is slow in comparison, and has not been seen at his best this season.

Of the four threequarters chosen, Davison (Christchurch) and Kay seem assured of the positions of wing and centre respectively. It is difficult to see Riley, who has only played a few club matches, considered before R. Chase. Riley has. played most of his football as a five-eighths, and during the last few weeks he has not shown anything outstanding as a wing for Ponsonby. Chase has had considerable experience and should make a good wing. Halloran has played good club football this season at five-eighths, and is » the halfback chosen. The claims of Mahima must have been recognised. The Manukau player has more initiative than most halfbacks, and can penetrate by tricky running. It will be interesting to see hqw Mahima plays in tho mid-week game for tho Maoris against Australia.