THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24076, 22 September 1941, Page 5

THE LEAGUE CODE

THRILLING ENCOUNTER MAORIS DEFEAT PAKEHAS ROOPE ROOSTER COMPETITION In a thrilling Rugby League game in which some brilliant team work was witnessed, the Maoris narrowly defeated the Pakehas at Carlaw Park on Saturday. The score, '2l points to 17, was a good indication of the game. A feature of the play was the speedy and brilliant rear division, attack, which pulled the game out of the fire a minute before the final whistle. Many exciting incidents were witnessed and the crowd rushed to the sideline in the last exciting 10 minutes. Two Roope Rooster matches were aliso played. In the curtain-raiser Marist defeated Mount Albert, anfl on No. '2 ground Otahuhu made a successful debut ,as a senior team by beating Papakura. During the afternoon selections were played by the Papakura Military Band, under the direction of Captain G. Buckley, V.D. The attendance was 0000, and the injured players' fund "ivul benefit considerably. . The results were as follows:—Maoris, 21, Pakchas, 17. Roope Rooster: Marist, 10, Mount Albert, 0; Otahuhu, 25, Papakura, 5. Maoris v. Pakehas. —On a very firm ground, splendid football with clever back movements brought success to the Maori team against the Pakehas. The latter, however, put up a better performance than expected, and actually led the Maoris with two minutes to go. Whatever chance the Pakehas naa of winning the game was lost by incessant kicking by the backs. Williams, at halfback, kicked repeatedly when a pass to racing inside, backs would have pierced the defence. Scott, at fullback, also made the mistake of kicking. Both teams played in a fine spirit. Riley's first try for the Pakehas was a brilliant solo effort in which he showed great speed in running 40 yards. The Maoris gainfcd the advantage from a nice opening by Chase, at halfback, and two forwards. Watene and Mitchell, Taced in support. The ball finally travelled to Gregory and, the wing floored a fine try. The Pakehas missed a succession of penalty kicks, and a "liable place-kicker would have easily decided the issue. The Pakehas in the second spell settled down to play improved football, in a powerful offensive Mcintosh snapped hp a pass from Clarke and passed to Brigge, who sent Jackson over at the corner. Play was rushed up and down the field at a fast pace. Gregory cleverly evaded the defence, passed iufield to Solomon, arid Hemi made a fine dash before, sending back to Gregory, whose trv derided the issue. The victory was well deserved, although the Pakehas were by no means outclassed. Outstanding among the Maori players was Gregory, who. gave a high-class display on Ihe wing. His ability to sidestep at top speed made him a dangerous scoring back. Butler, on the Other wing, also played well. Chase gave excellent service behind the scrum. Solomon, Murray and particularly Hemi were a dangerous trio on attack. Martin played a sound game at fullback. Te Tai was a great worker among the Maori forwards, and Watene, H. Mataira and ' Mitchell also played splendid games. Among the Pakehas, Riley, on the wing, was seen to good advantage. Tittleton tackled soundly at centre-threequarter, and R. Clarke, at five-eighths, also did good work on attack. The tackling of the inside backs, however, was weak. Petersen, Davis and Jackson were the pick of the forwards. Tries for the Maoris were scored by Gregory C 3), Bntler and Mitchell, Hemi converting three. Riley (3) Petersen and Jackson scored tries for the'Pakehas. one of which was converted by Scotl. Mr. J. Hawkes was referee. Otahuhu v. Papakura. —Otahuhu, winner of the senior B grade championship, made a successful entry into the Roope Rooster competition by easily defeating Papakura in a fast open' game. Otahuhu's backs promise to test some of the best senior teams. While the side's forwards are a little light, the set pin ved fast, open football. Amon£ the forwards, Mattson was always prominent, and was well supported by X. Johnson and Martin At fullback Allan's fielding and placements were a feature of the game.. Block ley, Mullins and Hulrne were also prominent, tor Otahuhu, tries were scored by Blockley (2), Martin, McManus and Mullins. Allan and Mullins converted two tries each, the former also kicking a penalty goal. Branford scored a trv for Papakura. and Butler kicked a penalty goal. Mr. J. O'Shannessey was referee. Mount Albert v. Marist.-—Marist had much the better of the first half against Mount, Albert and scored 10 points before halftime. Mount Albert improved in the second half and went very close to winning. Witn more finish to their play the Mount Albert bnck= could have won. Outstanding among the Marist backs was Costello, at five-eighths. McWilliams also played well, ana Glover, at fullback was a tower of strength to his team Smith, on the wing, did good work on attack. The, Marist forwards were superior in the loose, and Barchard, Anderson, Breed and Simpson played solidly. Lonergan and Hetherington were the best of the Mount Albert backs, and Tristram and Leatherbarrow were prominent among the forwards. Two tries for Marist were scored by Costello, Anderson converting both. For Mount Albert C. List and Carter scored tries. Mr. E. tope was referee. Wellington.—A Press Association message states that in a League football match on Saturday Rakaia (Canterbury) beat Petone bv 31 points to 10. and in a knock-out competition Miramar (champion) beat Petone North by 11 points to nil. MATCHES IN LOWER GRADES Fourth Grade. —Knock-out final: City, 7, Richmond, 6. , , „ . . „ , Schoolboys.—lntermediate: R.V., 8, Mount Albert, 0. OLD BOYS' PLAYERS The team to represent the New Zeaalnd Rugby League Old Boys' Association against South' Auckland next Saturday will be selected from the following:—C. Diiftv. B t Schu.tze, S llarsrraves, S. Prentice. T. Hanlon, B. Powell. J. Satherly, D. Herring, S. Clarke, J McLeod, G. Campbell. H. Ruby. W. McLaughlin. C. Dunn. W. Telford, H. Brisbane. A. W. Segar. E. McNeil and J. Purdy.