THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22852, 6 October 1937, Page 22

THE LEAGUE CODE

A SUCCESSFUL YEAR VISIT BY AUSTRALIAN SIDE WORK OF ADMINISTRATORS 111 spite of many wet Saturdays, tlid season which ended at Carlaw Park on Saturday was one of the best experienced by the Auckland Rugby League, and, although official figures are not yet known, it is expected that the gate receipts will compare favourably with those of last year, which constituted a record. The visit of the Australian team, which was controlled by the New Zealand League, deducted two Saturdays from club receipts, and caused a financial loss to the Auckland League. The New Zealand and Maori teams which defeated Australia were comprised largely of Auckland players, and their form was the subject of favourable comment by the visitors.

Representative matches showed a distinct improvement in the play of the forwards, and undoubtedly a good set can be selected next year. It is questionable, however, if the best New Zealand forward team was chosen against the Australians. Much of the success of club football in Auckland was due to the efficient control of the management committee under the guidance of the chairman, Mr. G. Grey Campbell, the secretary, Mr. 1. Culpan, and the treasurer, Mr. J. Knouling. The latter official, who has been associated with the code for three seasons only, has been largely responsible for the prudent administration of funds. v CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP RICHMOND TEAM'S SUCCESS So far as the club games are concerned, the standard was particularly good, and many exciting matches were witnessed. Richmond was the winner, with Mount Albert and Marist runnersup. The fact that Richmond was beaten three times reveals the strength of the other club teams Interest in the championship was maintained until the final match, in which Richmond showed brilliant form. Other clubs in the competition could well emulate the example set by Richmond players in regard to training. It is the intention of the Richmond Club to build a training shed during the summer, and this will be a vain-" able acquisition. Four Richmond players, N. Biekerton, W. Tiftleton, H. Tetley and E. McLeod, gained New Zealand representative honours, while McLeod and G. Mitchell were in the Maori team which defeated the Kangaroos.'/ .. CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS MARIST'S GOOD PERFORMANCES Marist was the most consistent team in the competition, winning both the Roope Rooster and champion of champions competition!!. The club's policy of promoting several juniors had effective results. There was not deal of spectacular play from the team, but solid football won many games. In the second round Marist remained undefeated and concluded the season by winning its tenth consecutive competition match. Ably led by R. Haslam, the backs proved a sound all-round combination. Players likely to improve next season are Midgley, wing. Donovan and McLaren, five-eighths, and Crocker, halfback. Marist forwards were perhaps the lightest in the competition, and this often proved a handicap. Their keen play, however, was a feature of thf* team's displays. With its splendid set of forwards, much was expected of Mount Albert, but combination among the backs was lacking. The club was as far as injuries were concerned, several players being put out of action. The greatest loss was L. Schultsc. ,captain. who broke a leg. Although Mount Albert's inside backs were not a happy combination,- the club possesses in Stewart and'McCallum two of the host wing threequarter in the code, the latter gaining Auckland representative honours. The best was not seen of either player,' OAving to lack of opportunities.

The vanguard which was seldom altered, played very solid football. Herring, Shad bolt and Gunning were the outstanding trio and produced League fool ball equal to the best seen in Auckland. PONSONBY INCONSISTENT PROMISING NORTH SHORE TEAM Inconsistent football was largely responsible for the failure of Ponsonby to play a more prominent part in the championships. The backs included some of the best tried players in the code, yet as a combination they disappointed. Weak passing also cost Ponsonby several games. Stockley, Riley, Halloran and Kay gained representative honours. Little fault could be found with Ponsonby forwards. Morgan was a strong candidate for New Zealand honours, Although lacking ill physique, Black, the hooker, had a very successful season. North Shore mot with a fair measure of success, and should perform well next season. A majority of the backs are young players with a good knowledge of the game. Good form was shown by J. Smith, centre-threequarter, and V. Scott, who replaced Kerr at fullback. City will need to build up a permanent team before any measure of success can be expected. Frequent changes did not allow for good combination, while lack of training was evident. Hutchinson, halfback, and Rata, centre, were the most prominent backs. However, the forwards made amends the weakness of the backs. The acquisition of H Mataira, the former All Black, and the good play of Donald. McCarthy and Raymond made the pack a strong combination. A lot of credit is due to Newton for turning 6ut each week against considerable odds. It was not until the end of the season that the team won a game. There are a number of promising young players in the team, which, with expedience, should achieve greater success next season.: "