THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23342, 10 May 1939, Page 20

THE LEAGUE CODE

MOUNT ALBERT'S WIN

MANUKAU SIDE DISAPPOINTS SOME OUTSTANDING PLAYERS By its win against Manukau, Mount Albert lias enhanced its prospects for senior championship honours and should maintain its advantage at least in the first round. Mount Albert has gone close to success in other seasons and a win for the side would ho very popular with followers of the code. The loss of players for the New Zealand team will weaken some of the clubs so that the final honours may yet be sternly contested.

The exhibition given by Manukau when faced with solid all round opposition last Saturday was disappointing. Its defence wilted on several occasions whilo support for an attacking player was also lacking. Mount Albert has developed into a good all round side and will be difficult to defeat. The marked improvement in its back plav must be very heartening to the forwards. The leaders in the championship have always fielded a fine vanguard and the pack this season is playing well as a combination and with great dash. G. Ncpia, the Manukau fullback, still docs some clever work on the field, the benefit of the experience gained during his long career being often shown during the progress of a match. His defence on Saturday against Mount Albert, however, was found wanting. By allowing a player to come inside him and on another occasion taking the "dummy" Nepia cost his team two converted tries. T. Chase was again the best back for Manukau. The slowness with which he received the ball in passing bouts and the strong defence he was opposed by held him in check for the most part but he was very dangerous with the slightest chance. Hemi does some brilliant work at times at centre and would probably show to greater advantage in a more experienced rearguard.

PROMINENT FORWARDS BRODIUCK AND RIRINUI There are two Manukau forwards who should have strong claims for inclusion in the New Zealand team. They are Brodriek and Ririnui. The former is playing in fine form at present and his build and speed suggest that he could fill the wing-thrcequarter position with distinction. Ririnui is of splendid physique and is a great worker in the tight as well as being able to do his share in the loose. Weighty forwards like Ririnui are the type needed to stand up to a hard overseas tour. The former Rugby player, B. Donaldson, was very prominent in the .Mount Albert rearguard in the match against Manukau. He was clever on attack, sound on defence and had good anticipation. The outstanding players in the match between City and Ponsonbv were Mataira. the City forward, and Simpson. the Ponsonhv five-eighths. .Mataira was always near the ball while the sidestepping ability of Simpson and his general all round promise in other departments made him very prominent. ROUGH PLAY

CONTROL BOARD'S WARNING

The game between Newton and Papakura was marred to an extent by rough play and the referee appeared to treat the incidents too lightly. Some weeks ago the Auckland Rugby League issued a warning to players tliat future cases of rough play would be seriously viewed. It is only natural that the Referees' Association should assist in the matter. Firm control from the start and prompt but deliberate decisions usually have the effect of suppressing any displays of temper. Deliberate "spotting" of prominent players should not be tolerated. In this respect H. Milliken, who was ordered off, must be considered unlucky, as he was badly obstructed on several occasions. Players are entitled to protection from both the referee and the two linesmen. A linesman has as much authority as the referee when it comes to a question of reporting incidents of rough play. He, too. should he prompt in any action ho takes dealing with such incidents.

GAME IN WELLINGTON NEW RECRUITS GAINED Reports from Wellington indicate that the code is making good progress from a playing point of view, although the management appears to be faced with a difficult task in making it attractive in order to increase public patronage. There has been an influx of players, particularly forwards, and several have shown good enough form to claim a trial in the representative matches, which will be commenced 011 Saturday, July 1 The latest recruit to the code is P. Leahy, former captain of the Tvlarist Rugby Union Club, and Wellington representative forward. Another forward to impress is O'llalloran, who weighs lost, and is fast and a good handler. .J. ('notes, the New Zealand representative, who played well in Australia last season, is idso showing good form, and has a good chance of gaining the trip to England.