THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23434, 25 August 1939, Page 7

THE LEAGUE CODE

ROOPE ROOSTER EVENT KNOCK-OUT COMPETITION MOUNT ALBERT AND NEWTON The popular Roope Rooster competition of the Auckland Rugby Leagucwill be commenced at Carlaw Park tomorrow, when four senior matches will be played. The competition has for v many years provided surprises, and there is every reason to expect that the leading teams, Mount Albert and North Shore, will encounter strong opposition. In the principal game. Mount Albert, which won the senior championship, will, be opposed by Newton. The latter has shown good form lately, and it will occasion no surprise to see Mount Albert beaten in the first series. The principal match will be commenced at three o'clock and, in the event of a draw, extra time will be played. Marist, the present holder of the trophy, will meet Ponsonby in tho curtain-raiser. Both teams have shown improved form, and a good game is anticipated. On No. 2 ground City will play Richmond, and in tho early game North Shore will meet Papakura. MAORI MATCH DRAWN BAY OF PLENTY AND AUCKLAND The first Maori challenge match for the ' Waitangi Shield was played at Carlaw Park yesterday,. when tho challengers, the Bay of Plenty representatires, played a drawn game with ■ Auckland, holders of the trophy. The visitors put up a good showing and with a little luck would have proved the winners. In the first half Auckland scored a try, but throughout the second half the visitors had much the better of the play. Among the backs Tarahai, at fullback, played a splendid game and only needs experience to develop into a fine player. McGarvey. the wing threequarter, was the best player on the ground. He made several nice runs, which with better support would have resulted in tries. Hohua, at halfback, also played a sterling game. Ropere was the best of the forwards, and he received good support from Matuku and Tapscll. Mabima, at halfback, was easily tho best Auckland back. Nepia and Donaldson also played well. Among the forwards Proctor, Tristram and Hapeta played good games. Early in the game the visitors were awarded a penalty and Biddle missed an easy kick. Donaldson and Nepia were associated in »• clever passing bout, which, completely-beat the opposition. However, the visitors showed good combination and Kupae and McGarvey, with Gregory giving good support, went close to scoring. McGarvey a : minute- later made a good effort, but Nepia saved. Auckland made several determined efforts to score, but good tackling by Biddlo and; Hohua frustrated each attempt. Good play by Mahima got Auckland Out of a difficult position.' Donalrson made a nice opening and Kendall. scored a good try which Donaldson, failed to* convert. Half-time came with the scores:—Auckland; 3; Bay of Plenty, 0. The visitors started, off smartly and McGarvey received -from Gregory and - raced to Auckland's twenty-five, where Nepia made , a spectacular save. The handling of both teams was weak at this stage and scoring chances were lost. However, tho visitors' backs attacked strongly and after Gregory had made a nice run Wilson beat the defence and raced past Nepia to score a good try. Walker, the Auckland wing, made a fine run from halfway. but, was tackled by Kupae a yard from the visitors' line. Just on time Donaldson missed a penalty goal and the game ended: — Auckland, 3; Bay of Plenty;-3. Mr. A. Lennie was referee. .SCHOOL GAMES The following correction in Rugby League school junior fixtures for to-morrow is notified officially:—Junior grade: Outer Domain noon, Mr. J. Gedye; Newmarket v. St. Patrick's, Domain No. 5, noon, Mr. H. Marshall.