THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23012, 13 April 1938, Page 25

THE LEAGUE CODE

NEWTON'S SURPRISE DEFEAT OF MANUKAU TEAM GOOD PLAY BY FORWARDS Newton caused one of the greatest surprises at Carlaw Park for many years by defeating Manukau in the opening games on Saturday of the Auckland Hug by League's senior championship. Manukau .was considered by in a H 3' to lie tlie .strongest team in the competition. No excuse could be offered for the defeat, as Newton was the better team on the day, and at no stage of the game was its victory in doubt. The win was all the more meritorious as Newton was said to be badly placed for a team some weeks ago. The success must have been pleasing to the club's officers. The manner in which tho Newton forwards stood up to their heavier opponents was surprising, and during the last 10 minutes they outplayed tho Manukau sot. Nathan played an outstanding game among the Newton forwards, and he was in every scoring movement. His try was a very fine solo effort. McNeight, the former South island Rugby forward, also played a splendid game pnd did a lot of good tackling. The Newton backs were served in brilliant style by W. Brimble, whose halfback play equalled the best seen at Carlaw Park for some years. His speed from the scrum cut gaps in the defence, and he rarely failed to beat his vis-a-vis from any position in the field. Manukau was unfortunate to lose R. Chase in his first game this season. Chase will be remembered for a brilliant game for the Maoris against Australia last season. It is to be hoped his iniured shoulder will soon mend as Manukau can ill afford to lose his services.

OPINION or COACH TOO MUCH KICKING R. Banham, the Sydney coach, created a good impression in his first game with North Shore, and it will be interesting to see if his coaching can work improvement. Banham has some good material among the backs, most of whom are young players of promise. Both the Smith brothers were associated in some nice play with the coach, and their play will be more effective once movements have been discussed with Banham. Excellent tackling was a feature of Banham's play. The coach expressed the opinion that from his early observations players at Carl aw Park indulged in too much kicking. This was more noticeable in the curtain-raiser, he said. Haslam, the Marist centre threequarter, played one of the finest games seen for a long time, and his tAvo tries were full of merit. Haslam does not appear to have much pace, but he moved faster than any hack on seeing an opening. His powerful dashes take a lot of stopping and a continuance of this form wdl plaee Haslam in line for selection in the New Zealand team.

BACKS COMBINE WELL WALKER IN FORM The Ponsonby backs showed good combination against Mount Albert, and the loss of Kay soon after the start was unfortunate. The Mount Albert inside backs do not appear to have improved from last season, when they raced across the field too much. This was again apparent on Saturday, in ispite of the excellent service from the scrum by Walker, who played a'fine game. Each team scored four tries. Riley plays a fine game at fiveeighths, and his try was the result of a brilliant solo run which lie changed direction twice. The Mount Albert forwards played an impressive name and should the grounds be wet the set will make their presence felt. Ponsonbv's forwards saw the game out fairly well, although high tackling gave away an easy try. Ponsonby lacked a reliable place-kick who would have won the game.

PAPAKURA'S DISPLAY RICHMOND PRESSED Prtpakur.i has already proved its worth as a senior team and the game against Richmond might easily have been closer. In fact, Papakura had decidedly the better of the first half, and was unlucky not to increase its score. A feature of the game, was the splendid play of the Papakura forwards, all of whom gave a display i:n keeping with the best senior standard. It was only in the finer points of the game that Papakura was inferior to Richmond. The Papakura forwards dribbled well and several of the Richmond backs did not relish going down to the rushes. Richmond should be one of the hardest teams to beat, particularly when the forwards get into form. In the final stages of the game, McLcod, Tetlev and Devine were seen at their best, the trio often racing into passing movements by the backs. The Richmond selectors are giving three young players every chance to make good and the policy will be a wise one in the end. Both Graham and Mills, promoted juniors, did really well, especially ttie former at centre threequarter. Furnell, at full-back, continues to improve as he gains experience.