THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23076, 29 June 1938, Page 23

THE LEAGUE CODE

NEW ZEALAND TEAM TWO MATCHES IN SYDNEY CRITICS GREATLY IMPRESSED [from OUR OWN correspondent] SYDNEY, June 17 The Now Zealand Rugby League team greatly impressed Sydney experts hv its showing in its two matches hero against New South Wales. Sydney's football public at least is eager to see the team in action again. Lacking match practice, tho New Zealariders, who had not played together before, put up a grand showing against a strong New South Wales team-in tho first match, but lost by 2o points to 10. The New Zealanders failed to grasp several opportunities through lack of finish, which might have given them a commanding lead in the first half. In the second half, they lost a stout defender, Kay, and the New Zealand forwards, reduced to five, could not cope with tho New South Wales pack. New Zealand on the Monday was a greatly improved side, and beat New South Wales easily by M 7 points to 18. The first match had shown tho New Zealand selectors weaknesses in the forwards. These were eliminated, and good understanding among tli9 members of tho team was evident. Tho New Zealanders engaged in brilliant passing rushes which New South Wales could not stop. Even though it lost two men in the second half, New South Wales could not have beaten New Zealand on tho day.

RECORD TO DATE REMAINING MATCHES The New Zealand team to date has played Six matches, won three and lost three. Results are as follows: New South Wales.—Lost, 12—25. New South Wales.—Won, 37—18. Country Centre. —Won, 23—2. Queensland. —Lost, 11—31. Toowoomba.—Won, 12 —11. Queensland. —Lost, 12 —21. iMew Zealand has scored 107 points and has 108 registered against it. The remaining matches on the tour are as follows: — To-day.—Country Centre, Newcastle. Saturday.—Newcastle, at Newcastle. July 6. —Metropolis (New South Wales), at Sydney.

CHAMPIONSHIP CHANGE MOT-XT ALBERT IN LEAD The defeat of two of the leading teams in the Auckland Rugby League's senior championship last Saturday has made a slight change in the positions, but the competition remains in a very interesting stage. Mount Albert is at present leading with 14 points, two points ahead of Marist and Richmond, which, however, have played one match Jess than the leaders. Manukau also has 12 points, but has played 10 matches. Ponsonby and Newton, each 10 matches, follow with 10 points. The success of Ponsonby over Richmond proved very popular with the ■spectators and there is no doubt that on the day the better team won. Pon sonby is an improving side and on this form should still play a prominent part in the ultimate decision of championship honours.

SPLENDID DISPLAY OVERWHELMING VICTORY A splendid display of fast, open football was a feature of North Shore's overwhelming victory against Manuka u, which fielded almost the same team as that which defeated Newton the previous week. North Shore has given some indifferent displays this season and few expected Manukau to have much difficulty in retaining _ its position at the top of the championship table. It took North Shore some time to settle down and the side was handicapped when J. Zane retired with an injury and R. Smith received a nasty knock. However, in the second half North Shore started attacking movements from almost every angle and tries came from good passing and excellent backing up. Behind the Nortli Shore scrum I£. Scott took full advantage of frequent possession of the ball. The pivot of the backs was V. Scott, at centre, who made several fine openings and sent good passes to the wing, Hammill, who scored three tries. The appearance of L. Seagar, the veteran, who replaced Zane, was followed with interest It is some years since Seagar played active football and his willingness _ to assist his old club Avas a sporting action. North Shore will meet Mount Albert next Saturday and if it maintains this form it will occasion no surprise to see still a further alteration in the positions in the championship table. Mount Albert plaved more solid than brilliant football against Newton last Saturday. The backs have yet to develop the team work essential if Mount Albert is to remain in a winning position.