THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23338, 5 May 1939, Page 14

THE LEAGUE CODE

SENIOE CHAMPIONSHIP MOUNT ALBERT V. MANUKAU FAST GAME ANTICIPATED A splendid attraction should be provided for supporters of the code at Carlaw Park to-morrow, when Mount Albert will meet Manukau in the principal attraction on the Auckland Rugby League's programme. Mount Albert is the only unbeaten team to date, while Manukau has suffered one defeat. The result will therefore have considerable bearing on the championship honours and under fine conditions a fine exhibition of the code is anticipated. Mount Albert has developed into a solid allround combination, and will bo difficult to defeat. A weakness in the inside back positions has been overcome by the inclusion of |{. fianhant, player-coach, and B. Donaldson,, a former Rugby player, in the five-eighths' line. In these positions Manukau will be faced with very solid defence and clever attack and it will be interesting to watch the duel between the two lines. The Mount Albert forwards arc a strong set and the team is likely to have an advantage in hooking which may win it the final honours. Manukau gave promise last Saturday in its match against North Shore of some thrilling football under dry conditions. It has sonic tine forwards, while the backs can be brilliant on occasions. A win for Manukau would make the championship very interesting. The curtain-raiser will he between City and Ponsonby and a keen contest ihould result. City may have an advantage in the forwards, hut if the Ponsonby bacss are in form the team should do well under favourable conditions. An even match is likely between North Shore and Marist on_ the !No. 9 ground and in the curtain-raiser Newton may gain its first points at the expense of Papakura. Lower grade competitions will be continued to-morrow. NEW ZEALAND TRIAL MATCH AT CREYMOUTH Following letters from the West Coast and Canterbury Rugby Leagues, it was decided at a meeting of the New Zealand Rugby League last night to inform the Canterbury League that the match at Grey mouth on June *_i-1 was for the purpose of a trial game and. the Northern Union Cup would not be involved. , , A letter was received from a newly-formed club at Stratford seeking information on the laws of the game and asking for the services of a coach. It was decided to refer the letter to the Taranaki League. The transfer of W. A. Cameron from Sydney to New Zealand was approved. Cameron has been registered with the Mount Albert Club. F. Pickrang was also transferred from the Ponsonby Club to the North Auckland League. , ... A motion of condolence was passed witti the relatives of Dr. H. T. J._ Thacker. a former vice-president of the New Zealand League, who died at Christchurch on Wednesday.