THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23948, 24 April 1941, Page 14

THE LEAGUE CODE

SENIOE CHAMPIONSHIP NINE TEAMS AS HITHERTO FURTHER PRELIMINARY GAMES Prospects of a successful season were emphasised at a round table conference between representatives of the City, Newton and Papakura Clubs which met the Auckland ltugby League Board of Control last evening. The chairman, Mr. CI. Grey Campbell, said the idea of the conference was to seek an improvement in the standard of play by these clubs. Applications had been received from Huntly and Otahuhu for affiliation as senior teams and it was necessary to ascertain the strengths of all clubs beforo any final decision was made in regard to the senior competition. Messrs. J. Rutledge (Newton) and G. Hunt (City) expressed surprise at the action of the management committee in challenging their respective clubs' ability to place strong teams in the field. Judging by the form shown at Carlaw Park last Saturday, the speakers claimed serious consideration for inclusion m the competition. Mr. Rutledge said the solution to any apparent difficulty was the open transfer of players from some of the stronger senior clubs. His suggestion of a "lease-and-lend" rule for players during the war period caused amusement. _ Mr. A. Lewis (Papakura) said his club was not very successful last season, but there was ] every indication that a strong team would lake' the field this year. Mr. Campbell said he was pleased to hear the encouraging reports. The future, however, could not be forecasted, as there may be even greater demands on manpower and teams mav be sadly depleted in a short time. it was eventually decided to make no alteration in the senior competition, which will comprise nine clubs. The applications ol Huntly and Otahuhu were declined in the meantime, and it was agreed to commence the championship on Saturday week. Lengthy discussion followed deferred applications from the BUerslie Club for lifemembership on behalf of Messrs. G. C hapman and J. Mclnnariiey. Several delegates suggested that life-membership should be made a very high honour. Mr. Campbell said there were manv qualifications fulfilled by the applicants, who 110 doubt had done fine work in the interests of the code. It was eventually decided to appoint a sub-committee, consisting of Messrs. Campbell, 1.. Culpnn, Iv J. I helari and \V C). Carlaw, to offer suggestions governing the classification of life-members. Meantime both applications were further ''"i'/was resolved that senior clubs with teams in the senior B competition be allowed to draw 011 senior B players, provided the players concerned do not participate in three consecutive games, or five.nt intervals, in tho second round of the competition. The regrading rule will apply in cases where players do not comnlv with the resolution. It was reported that the Richmond senior team was unable to obtain a supply of tho club-coloured jerseys, and permission was granted for the team to wear white jerseys and pants and maroon stockings, in place of the usual maroon and blue. . It was decided in the preliminary games to allow replacement of players until tho commencement of the second spell. , The second round of preliminary matches will bo played on Saturday and the draw is as follows:— Ponsonby v. North Shore. Carlaw Park No. 1. •> P.m.. Sergeant K. M. Melver; City v. Mount Albert, Carlaw Park No. 1 1.15 p.m.. Mr. K. Pope; Manukau v. Newton. Carlaw Park No 2, M p.m., Mr. J. Donovan; Marist v. Papakura. Carlaw Park No. 2, 1.1«"> P-m- lr - 0 Shanness.v. Linesmen: Carlaw Park No. t- Messrs. J. Short. S. Fisher; No 2, Messrs. R. Otto H. Payne. Reserve referees: Messrs. J. late, b. Dixon.