THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23100, 27 July 1938, Page 22

THE LEAGUE CODE

I OPKN T CHAMPIONSHIP TWO TEAMS IN THE LEAD DRAW FOR REMAINING GAMES It is some time since the final honours in the senior championship of the Auckland Rugby League have been so open at this stage of the season. Several teams are still in the running and the remaining matches are likely to provide some surprise results when the clubs hav-* settled down again with the New Zealand players in their ranks. Some of the members of the recent touring team in Australia were unable to turn out last Saturday, but all are expected to play again shortly. Although it was unfortunate that the weather and ground conditions were so bail lasl Saturday, it is doubtful whether any of the results would have been reversed under better conditions. The winning margins, except possibly in the game between Mount Albert and Richmond, would probably have been la rger.

Mount Albert and Marist remain at the top ol the championship ladder, but the latter lias played one game less than its opponents. Then follow Manukau. Newton, Richmond and Ponsonby, all four points behind the leaders. Ponsonby. however, has plaved one more match than the other teams. I here should be some thrilling and keen struggles in the remaining matches in the second round of the championship. The draw is as follows: Next Saturday.—North Shore v. Papakura. Marist v. City, Manukau v. Richmond. Ponsonby v. Newton. Mount Albert, a bye. August, 6.-—North Shore v. C'itv, M: irist v. Richmond. Manukau v. Mount Albert, Papakura v. Newton, Ponsonby, a bvo.

August 1.'?.-—North Shore v. Newton. Marist v. Ponsonby, Manukau v. Papakura. Mount Albert v. City, Richmond, a bye. August 20.—Marist v. Newton. Manukau v. Ponsonby, Mount Albert v. Papakura. Richmond v. City, North Shore a live.

In the first round Richmond defeated North Shore by 20 points to If), bur the latter lodged a protest, which was upheld hv tlio Auckland Rugby League. Tim controlling body decided that tho match should bp replayed at the end of the Reason if necessary. At the present time it appears that there will be no necessity to replay the game.

FORM OF RICHMOND MOUNT ALBFRT FORWARDS During tho past few seasons Richmond has always been well to the fore in the championship, but this season its all-round form Ins not been so impressive. This is mainly due to faults in the rearguard, which has seldom settled down to its usual combination and understanding. The team this season, too, has been hampered more than usual by wet conditions. Richmond, however, has tried some junior players who have shown decided promise and the senior team is likely to be soon moulded again into a very strong combination which will reveal a standard something approaching that of its predecessors. The present, position of the Mount Albert ic.im is due in a large measure to a line pack of forwards Wet or line the pack plays good all-round football and is still improving. The Mount Albert rearguard has shown better combination in recent matches, but there is still room for improvement. Undoubtedly this should come about under the coaching of S. Prentice, the former Richmond, Auckland and New Zealand representative. Mention ol Prentice recalls that lun former internationals. W. .1. Davidson and S. Campbell, are iu charge of the Ponsonbv team, which has provided some very bright football recent I v.

IMPROVED FULLBACK ALL POINTS TO ANDKR.SON j The Mount Albert fullback. Mac | Lachlan. continue- to show improvement and he played ,i great all-round game under the exceptional conditions against Richmond last Saturday. McNeil. who toured with the New Zealand team, was out with his old clul and was prominent on attack at centre. The intern il ioual fullback .1. Hemi was iu splendid all-round form for Mariukau and gave an excellent display. IViiMMihv had a weakened team again*! North Slior * and did well to gain a win. Missing from Ihe Pousoiihy ranks were sucli line players as Kav. Riley. Petersen and Pickrang. I lie New Zealau I forward and Maris< captain. J. Anderson, played an outstanding game Cor | M 's club against Papa kura lasi Saturday. He scored Ihe eight points I<>r his side, two tries, one ol which lie converted.

NEWTON ON TOUR (.•HItISTCTintCH MATCH The Newton senior team, which played a combined ('iiiiterl)iirv side at (.'hrisfehurch last Saturday, ' gave a fine exhibition oi' the code'to please a Hood attendance ol' spectators. The manager, .Mr. .1. Veich, said the name was very well contested and a draw was a good indication of the run of the play. Newton at one stage of the game was eight points in arrears, but, ablv led by Leu, the coach and captain, the visitors put tip a solid light. A Icainre ol the game was a brilliant try by Dempsoy, who tiolded the ball in Ins own 2> and alter beating se\ era I Canterbury players, raced "i 0 yards to score. Behind the scrum, AY. Hnnible, the New Zealand representative. [dayed an excellent game. hut found the referee's interpretations of the scrum rule difficult to follow Hanbain, the Australian player-coach, was very closely marked. Almost, a wing forward game was played by the Canterbury hack row forward in his •H'ort to stop Banliam. On the wing ior Newton, McKenzie gave a great inhibition of solid tackling and was the best defensive back on the ground. Ihe Newt on lot wards were strongly ' tested, although none compared with I Vathan, who played a great game. I