THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23462, 27 September 1939, Page 16

THE LEAGUE CODE

CLUB SEASON CLOSED SUCCESS OF MOUNT ALBERT NEW PLAYERS INTRODUCED A very successful club season for the Auckland Rugby League was brought to a close on Saturday at Carlaw Park, where Mount Albert proved worthy champions by comfortably beating Marist, which had taken the honours the previous week. Mount Albert was successful in the senior championship and also won the champion of champions' fixture. It is' the youngest senior club in the c-odo and lias been responsible for introducing many new players to the game.

Club officials have worked hard to bring championship honours. Mr. S. Prentice, a former New Zealand representative, was associated with the team as its coach, and the selection of tho thirteen players each week was in tho capable hands of Air. T. lladdon. The latter has bad wide experience in forward play both in New Zealand and Australia. Tho fact that the Mount Albert team was seldom changed allowed for much of its excellent combination. Each Saturday throughout the season Mount Albert fielded one of tho finest forward sets seen at Carlaw Park for some years. The scrummage was well balanced, as all the players are evenly built and about list. During the season seven forwards, Cameron, Hansen, Gunning, Herring, Tristram, Shadbolt and Leatherbarrow, gained representative honours. This is a very creditable record. Representative honours among the backs were gained by Hardgrave, Donaldson, Walker, Banham and Mctnnarney.

Many expected Marist to extend Mount Albert fully in tho second game' but the Boope Booster winners showed very disappointing form, particularly tho backs, who had plenty of chances on attack. It was surprising to see the ball kicked so much, and it appeared that the Marist backs had no set plan of attack. It was only in the last 20 minutes that the Marist backs showed an inclination to throw the ball about and three good tries were obtained.

A feature of the game was the excellent play of the Mount Albert forwards. Gunning played his best game this season. He showed a lot of speed and determination in straight bursts in the loose. Both Cameron and Hansen gave the backs splendid support and tries came from their initiative. The game was played in a much better spirit than that shown tho previous week. The Injured Players' Fund should benefit considerably from the match next Saturday between the Maoris and pakehas, to be played at Carlaw Park. Two strong representative teams have been chosen and the game promises to bo very evenly contested. The forwards appear to bo well matched, but the pakehas' rear division is a strong combination. It is interesting to note that just over £4OO has been paid this season to injured players.