THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23384, 28 June 1939, Page 20

THE LEAGUE CODE

SENIOR COMPETITION AN INTERESTING STAGE NORTH SHORE NOW LEADING The success of North Shore against Richmond has given the senior grade championship of the Auckland Rugby League added interest, and the issue has been made very open. It is evident from the form seen of late that the remaining matches in the competition ivill he keenly fought. As in previous matches, a high standard of play was maintained. Richmond was a little unlucky to lose. Any of the luck in the game was with North Shore, and many enthusiasts contend that the winning try by 10. Scott should not have been allowed. Scott certainly knocked the ball on at least six feet, hut the fact that he regained possession before it hit the ground, made the try a fair one. The game will long be remembered as a thrilling fight, with Richmond making great efforts to get its backs going, only to find North Shore alert and smart on cover defence. The North Shore forwards can be credited with a high-class all-round display, although the Richmond set was equally as good in the loose. North Shore now leads the competition by one point from Mount Albert, with Manukau and Newton equal in third place three points behind Mount Albert. Manukau and Newton have yet to plav the two leading teams, so there is still a possibility of a marked change in the positions of the teams. Manukau showed excellent form against Papakura at Onehunga, in spite of the absence through injuries of Xcpia. A feature was the brilliant forward plav of H. M. Milliken, of Papakura, and J. Brodrick and P. Ririnui, Manukau. Milliken gave an outstanding display, running fast and using his weight in passing bouts. Now that Milliken has struck form his prospects of selection in the North Island team are bright. The winning try was scored bv Rimini. and it was a preat effort, lie crashed past four Papakura players in a great run for the goal line. Brodrick has fully recovered from his shoulder injury.

PROMISING FORWARDS TARANAKI PLAYERS The representative trial game between Taranaki and Northland played at Carlaw I'ark on Saturday did not assist the New Zealand selectors a great deal in their quest for likely talent outside the metropolitan area. The game was interesting enough from a playing viewpoint, but as a trial it was disappointing. JJotli teams entered into the spirit of the match with keenness. particularly the Taranaki forwards. which were too strong in the serums and a greater attacking force in the loose. Weak handling hv the majority of the backs was very noticeable. and little constructive play was witnessed. This weakness was a distinct handicap to any back with chances of a further trial. The standard of play was not as high as that revealed by backs in Auckland, where the game is taken more seriously and better opportunities are afforded players of learning the liner points of League football.

H. Milliken

J. Brodrick

Several forwards in the Taranaki team, however s created a • favourable impression, notably L. Clarke. R. liicklaitd and .\. Mitchell, the hooker. Clarke was prominent with liis bustling tactics and showed excellent ball control. llickland stood out in the loose and showed a general knowledge ol forward plav. Mitchell gave bis team plenty of the ball and favourably impressed with bis clean hooking. Lewis. Leatherbv and Yeates were also good and would do better in a inure experienced pack. There was evidence that the standard of play could be improved oonsidornblv, «uid visits by Auokl;iud clubs to New Plvmouth, Stratford and Wliangarei should have the desired cifcct. . . . A representative trial of more than usual interest will be played at Wellington on Saturday, when South Auckland will try conclusions with Wellington. Good reports have been reeeivod regarding tho standard in \\ oilington, where the game has made rapid progress this season. The presence ol several recruits from Australia lias greatly improved the standard ol back plav. ' and a. number ol well-known representative forwards is included in the team to oppose South Auckland. Good Form lias been shown by .1. Cooper, an Australian, who plays at ccntre-th reoquartor for the Central Club. Cooper has size to recommend him, also a line turn of speed. 11. Ldie is a wing-threequarter who is mentioned as likelv to gain a place in the New Zealand team. The forwards include .1. Coot OS, a .Vow Zealand representative. and F. 0. Leahy and C. Berry, both former Wellington Ivugby representatives. A high opinion has been formed of l\ Stanaway, a backrow forward, whose speed and clever anticipation have been a feature of club matches. Stanaway played ill Auckland last season for City as a eentre-thrcoqunrter. He is attached to the police force. The strength of South Auckland is well known in Auckland as a result of the side's splendid wins against four local teams, including the Maori representatives. There is every reason to expect some of these players to make the North Island team, which is to be selected in Auckland next Monday.