RUGBY FOOTBALL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23993, 17 June 1941, Page 4

RUGBY FOOTBALL

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP INTERESTING COMPETITION EVENNESS OF THE TEAMS The defeat* suffered by Papakura Army and Marist last Saturday have had Ihe effect of making the Auckland Rushy Union's senior championship very open and three teams, Ann.v, Marist and Takapuna, may .be regarded as being equal in the lead. Army has ten points and the other two eifrht each, hut the latter have each had a bye, whereas Army has not. Otahuhu is fourth with six points, and then follow Suburbs. Technical, Training College and Grammar, all with four points. University is last, having failed to win one of its six matches. The main attraction at Eden Park next Saturday will he the meeting of Army and Marist, and this promises to he one of the best games of the season. The Army team is likely to be rearranged. It has so far played under the difficulty of not having had the same fifteen for two consecutive fixtures, owing to the departure and transfer of players. The curtain-raiser should also be a bright spectacle, as the Takapuna and Training College teams will be in opposition. Grammar will play University on No. 2 ground at 3.15 p.m., while Suburbs and Technical will meet in jthe early game on No. 3 ground. Otahuhu lias a bye. LEAGUE PREMIERSHIP Richmond still leads the Auckland Rugby League championship, but its defeat by Newton on Saturday has greatly improved North Shore's position. The latter is in second place with eight points, but it has played one game fewer than the leaders, and thus has a chance of drawing level beforo, the end 'of the first round. : . Manukau, which also has had its b.vo, is in third place, equal with City, both having six points, while Marist and Newton follow with five each.