THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23330, 26 April 1939, Page 22

THE LEAGUE CODE

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP TWO UNBEATEN .THIRTEENS NORTH SHORE AND MT. ALBERT Witb three series of matches decided in the senior championship of the Auckland Pugby league, North Shore and Mount Albert share the honours in the lead. Both sides have played two games and been successful in each. City and Ponsonby are equal with the leaders, but these teams have played one match morc2 and have each suffered a defeat. Richmond, Marist and Manukau, two games each, follow, each having been beaten once. Newton and Papakura are at the bottom of the ladder, having been beaten in all three matches played. The following table shows the positions of the teams in the senior championship to date:—

' SURPRISES EXPECTED PROMISING FORWARDS The championship promises to be very keenly fought, and there are sure to be some surprises before the conclusion of the first round. North Shore appears a well-balanced side, and with its young and vigorous pack, supported by good defensive backs who show ability on attack, the team will be a hard proposition for any thirteen. As yet, however, the forwards are a little inexperienced, but are certain to improve as the championship progresses. The side has a very fine fullback in J. Smith, who played a great all-round game against Richmond last Saturday. Mount Albert always fields a strong set of forwards, and the inclusion of R. Banham, the plaver-coach, in the five-eighths line, should remedy a weakness which has been apparent during the past few seasons. Mount Albert is expected to be well in the running when it comes to the final honours. The City team is playing quite well at present. The inclusion of Mataira has strengthened the pack, while in Greer, formerly of Canterbury, the side has a very sound fullback and a good place-kick. Ponsonby, qs usual, has a fleet set of backs who" will be dangerous on dry grounds. Although the forwards are on the light side they have two good and experienced players in Morgan and Petersen.

# When at full strength Richmond will be the hardest side in the championship to defeat. Too much notice should not he taken of its loss to North Shore last Saturday as the team was considerably weakened through leading players suffering from influenza. Marist and Manukau are teams likely to cause upsets, and when they settle down properly will be a match for any side in the competition. Newton, although beaten in the three matches to date, shows promise of developing well, but Papakura has not yet shown form to enthuse over.

MANUKAU'S FORM FORWARDS EXCEL Manukau displayed good form against Papakura, and with coaching will develop into a powerful combination. The brilliant play of the forwards was a feature, Brodrick and Ririnui showing outstanding form. The last-named is one o£ the most improved forwards in the code. Gault also played a sterling game, following up fast and tackling well. The presence of G. Nepia in the team made a great difference, especially as he showed good form. Manukau has missed the brilliance of R. Chase, who is expected back in Auckland next. Saturday. There was little between City and Marist. Both teams were compelled to play backs in the forwards, and Haslam and Hapi for Marist and City respectively were outstanding. Erickson. the Marist forward, who scored a great solo try against Eastern Suburbs, is quickly learning the finer points of the code' and on Saturday was one of the best forwards on the ground. He scored the only try in the game.

Points Ch. P. W. L. D. For Ag. Fts. 2Corth Shore 2 2 — — 33 8 4 Mount Albert 2 2 — — 35 IS) 4 City 8 2 1 — 42 25 4 Ponsonby 3 o 1 — 47 51 4 Richmond . 2 1 1 — 15 21 2 . Marist •. 2 1 1 — 10 a a Manukau . 2 1 J — 42 2'J 2 Newton 3 — 3 — 120 31 — Fupukura . 3 •— 3 — 17 OS «—■