LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19902, 23 September 1926, Page 4

LEAGUE FOOTBALL

By Fobwaed. NEW ZEALAND TEAM’S FIXTURES. The fixtures of the New Zealand Rugby League football team in England for the present tour are: — September 25—v. Barrow. September 29 —v. Widnea. October _ 2—v. England (first test), at W ig'an. October ti —v. York. October 9—v. Warrington. October 13 —v. Featherstonne. October 16—v. Hull. October 20—v. Bradford Northern. October 23 —v. Oldham. October 27 —v. Leeds October 30 —v. St. Helens Recreation. November 3 —v. Salford. November 6 —v. Huddersfield. November 10 —v. Bramlyc. November 13 —v. England (second test), at Hull. November 17—v. Wigan Higbficld. November 20—v. Batiey. November 23 —v. Keighley. November 27 —v, Swinton., November 30—v. Lancashire County. December 4—v. Wales, at Pontypridd. December B—v.8 —v. St. Helens. December 11 —v. Wigan. December 14—v. Yorkshire County. Decmeber 18 —v. Hunslet. December 25—v. Pontynridd. December 27 —v. Broughton Rangers. January I—v. Hull Kingston Rovers. January 3—v. Rochdale Hornets. January B—v.8 —v. Cumberland County. January 15—V. England (third test), at Leeds. January 22-—v. Wakefield Trinity, January 29—v. England, at Paris. SATURDAY’S MATCHES. The weather was so bad last week that on Friday the prospects of reasonably good conditions for the matches on Saturday were anything but bright. A surprising change, however, took place, and by Saturday afternoon the weather left little to be desired, except that a powerful wind swept the ground, which was in fine playing order. The medal competition was brouglit to a close, practically completing the interclub matches for the season. Christian

Brothers, who had attained an unassailable position pn the previous Saturday, increased their lead by one point, and finished with a majority of four points over City, the Ellis Cup winners earlier in the season. The Greens put up a great pertormance in the medal competition, winning all their matches, and scoring 130 points, while only 28 points were recorded against them. For some weeks they have been easily the best team in the competition, and it has been a pleasure to see their splendid combination and keenness. The contest betwen City and Athletic was fast and interesting at times, but the display given by both teams was a good deal below the best form they have shown this season. City took the lead early in the proceedings, and at half-time the scores were 10 —2 in their favour. They held the advantage so far as scoring was concerned until the last few minutes, when A. Sullivan, who followed up fast, was able to take advantage of the slackness of the opposition, and score under the posts. By converting the try D. Sullivan equalised the scores, and settled the issue as a draw. . Christian Brothers were in rare form, and scored a very easy win over Pacific, who were beaten in all departments of play. The losers had to fill several vacancies in their team with juniors, and one of their club members took the field on the Christian Brothers aide, the Greens being one man short. Christian Brothers were too heavy, too fast, and too clever for their opponents, and in the second half of tho game did practically what they liked. In the first half Pacific managed to keep the score down to reasonable limits, but as the game advanced the

superiority of the Greens became very marked, and they finished up with probably the biggest score recorded during the season. Both backs and forwards indulged in numerous brilliant passing bouts, in which they swept over the other side in a very determined manner. NOTES. The City team, which won tho junior competition, put up a very creditable record lor the season. Out ot 15 matches. they won 13 and lost only two—one to Christian Brothers and one to Pacific A. In® y scored 138 points, and had 42 recorded against them. The winners scored 26 competition points, and the runners-up (Christian Brothers), who played 16 matches, had 24 to their credit. A challenge match for the Northern Union Cup will bo played between Auckland and South Auckland on October 9. The Athletic seniors wore fortunate to make a draw against City on Saturday. They started without a full complement, and deserve cerdit for pulling the game out of the fire. ... The final knock-out competition in Auckland will not bo played until the end of October. This is one of tho advantages secured by tho Auckland League through owning Carlaw Park. There wore one or two stops on Saturday for minor injuries in tho junior match City v_ Christian Brothers as tho result of overkoennes by both sides. Deehan 'and Montague, in the forwards, were outstanding for the Greens, and in . the backs Marshall, Lamb, and M’Crobio wore prominent. For City, Hunter and Bushbridge (forwards) and hraser and Rosenbrock (backs) did great work. The only fixture this week is tho match between Christian Brothers and Kaitanguta at Balclutha on Saturday. This game is being put on as an exhibition to snow the country people what the League game is like. If the last displays given by these teams in Dunedin can be taken as a guide, the match should provide a good display, and one full of interesting incidents. The Hornby team, which will arrive in Dunedin on October 1, will slay at tho Excelsior Hotel while they are in the city. The match against City lor the Gore Cup will be played on October 2, and that evening the visitors will bo the guests at a combined smoko concert to bo field by the Dunedin clubs. A match between tho City and Christian Brothers’ junior teams will precede the cup fixture. The Auckland City Schools Committee has written to the local League executive asking for assistance towards a fund to provide cocoa for tho children of tho local schools, it was decided to defer consideration until Charity Day, when tho matter will be again considered. An inquiry from tho Now Zealand League Council elicited the information that the gate receipts at Dewsbury were £960, as against tho assurance from the English League that £6OO would be taken—a very fine financial opening. The result of the junior match between City and Christian Brothers on Saturday was in doubt right up till the last minute, when tho latter wore awarded a penalty. Montague had a shot at goal from well out, and the ball landed just under the crossbar If a goal had been scored tho scores would have been six all. The City players and supporters were {sseatly excited when the whistle was sounded for lime. More than ordinary interest was taken in the City v. Christian Brothers junior match on Saturday. Both teams have been considerably strengthened of late, and many enthusiasts found their way to Chisholm Park. Both of City’s tries wore the result of fast following up by M Gilvary and Bushbridge respectively. Montague potted a good goal for the Greens from midfield, and kicked a penalty. The final scores were o—40 —4 in City’s favour. Supporters of the code were naturally disappointed to learn that the New Zealand team suffered defeat by Halifax last Saturday, especially after winning their first two games. The margin or points in the three matches has been small in each case. It is evident that the New Zealand forwards will have to do better in the way of getting possession of the hall in the scrums if the team is going to put up anything like a creditable record, as the backs cannot hope to do much unless they get reasonable opportunities. The attendances so far have been good, the spectators at tho three matches totalling about 41 000. The 1907-08 New Zealand team was beaten by Leigh by 15 points to 0, and was also beaten by Halifax, who scored 9 points against the tourists’ ,4. The New Zealanders were to play Caetleford yesterday, and they will meet Barrow on Saturday. Ponsonby (this year’s winners) won the senior grade championship in Auckland in 1920, but since then they have on many occasions found City to be the stronger combination. City were victorious in 1921, 1922, and 1923, Marist in 1924, and City again in 1925. The West Coast Centre decided last week to inform the Canterbury Centre that the terms offered in connection with 'lit proposed visit of a Canterbury team to the Coast were not satisfactory and could not be entertained. Tim Hornby Fourth Grade team is due to arrive on the West Coast to-day to play two matches. A match with a.Third Grade u-presentative team has boon arranged for to-day, and the visitors will meet the winners of the Third Grade competition tomorrow.

The Canterbury League has received a challenge lor the Thacker Shield from the champion team oh the West Coast, Eunaiiga, and the match against the best Canterbury team (Hornby) was fixed for Saturday next. As a curtain-raiser the Grafton (Auckland) Third Grade team will play a Canterbury team. The Rugby League in Canterbury finds time to discuss he doings of its sister code. The Rugby Union match against Hawke's Lav was mentioned at a meeting of the Canterbury League last week. The president (Dr Thackex*) said that it would be a wonderful game from the point of view of public interest, and the .League execute should not expect anything from its gate at Monica Park. The match would be exceptional, and there might be League piavers who wished to see it. ‘T am thinking of hiring an aeroplane to sec the game from the air,” continued tiie doctor, ‘‘for 1 don’t want to get caught in the c u-J .”

The dispute on the West Coast in connection with the Kotuku-Grey match was advanced a stage further on the 15th inst. (says the Greymouth correspondent of the Christchurch Press), when a special meeting of the centre wfts held. After lengthy discussion it was decided to accede to the Grey Club’s request to ropen the inquiry, ana a satisfactory arrangement was arrived at, subject to the confirmation of the clubs concerned. The trouble originated with a protest by the Grey Club against ‘the Kotuku Club playing G. Brown, a senior representative Rugby player, in the junior match Grey v. Kotuku. played at Cobden. . No more thrilling finish in Auckland League club football has been witnessed than that seen at Carlaw Park on Saturday week {says the New Zealand Herald), when Ponsonby defeated City in the championship final by 13 points to 8. ihe match was unparalleled in local League history as far as a dramatic ending is concerned. In the last 15 minutes, with the score eight all, City was playing at its best, and appeared to have the full measure of its rivals, whose defence at this stage was wonderful. Full time arrived. but the ball had yet to go out of play. Ponsonby’s forwards then made a herculean effort to drive City back, and they succeeded. The ball was kicked to Austin, the full-back. He appeared to secure it just behind the City goal-line, but he failed to hold it. and in a flash Ward had dived and touched down. The internecine strife which has been a characteristic of the Canterbury Rugby League Centre for several months has culminated in the resignation of Mr W. Healey, vice-chairman of the centre and

delegate from the Referees’ Association. Mr Healey is also resigning his position as secretary of the .Referees’ Association. “I’m resigning because of the unconstitutional methods adopted by the Canterbury Centre,” said Mr Healey to a Star reporter. “I’m getting right out of it, although Tm still of opinion that Teague is the best game. However, I could not tolerate any longer the unconstitutional way that the business of the centre has been conducted.” Mr Healey has been connected with the League sode in New Zealand since 1909, when he first played the game in Auckland, and has been an Auckland and a Canterbury representative player. Before going to Christchurch he was a member of the Auckland Centre as delegate from the Newton Rangers’ Club. Since ceasing to be a player Mr Healey has been one of the most prominent re-

ferecs in Canterbury. EXCHANGE OF PLAYERS. At a meeting of the New South Wales Rugby League recently a communication was received from the English Rugby League on the question of the two years residential qualification, as operating between the parent body and the Australasian League. For a number of years an agreement was in operation between England and New Zealand on this matter, while a minute was in force covering both the New South Wales and Queensland Leagues from any of either League’s players playing with English clubs without the required two years’ qualification. On July 12, 1923. after prolonged negotiation between the various Leagues, an agreement was ratified by the English League, whwieh provides that “no player who has played football in New Zealand or Australia shall in future be registered to ta :e part in League football in England, under the Rugby League code, until he has a residential qualification in this country of two years.” This was reciprocal between the ome authorities and the Australasian Leagues. The agreement covered footballers ot either code, and was deemed advisable in the interest of all parties to the agreem The English League now points out that at a meeting of clubs held at Leeds this vear an endeavour was to be made to alter the agreement and make it only applicable to Rugby League players. the council, in a circular letter, pointed out the “colonials’” viewpoint on the matter, and stated that if any alteration were made it might act detrimentally to certain English clubs, while local players might be attracted to Australasia to act as coaches and players in the Antipodes, if the agreement went by the board. ine English League was fortified by the knowledge that in June of this year a cablegram was forwarded by the Board of Uontrol, asking that there be no “tinkering with the two years’ residential qualmca- “ it wah decided to refer the whole matter to the Australian Rugby League Board of Control, which is to meet late this month. THE NEW ZEALAND TEAM. A rousing reception awaited the New Zealand Rugby Eeague team when the party reached the first port ot call 111 Canada (says the Vancouver correspondent of the’Auckland Star) and there were many enthusiasts of the handling code present when the Caiiadiaii-Australasian liner Aorangi arrived at Victoria, British Columbia. Of particular interest was the announcement by Mr G. H. Bonder, the financial manager, that on the return trip from England the New Zealand team would engage in a series of games in Canada at Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg. Calgary, and Vancouver. Canada had its only opportunity to witness the calibre of the team on this occasion when they later disembarked at Vancouver and gave an exhibition practice game. They had a most cordial ieceptiou by the British Columbians, and later left for Eastern Canada, to sail 101 England on the steamer xMiuuedoso. Canadians were greatly interested in the introduction by the All Blacks oi a lle "I brand of Rugby football, the severa changes made in the style of play, claimed to make the game faster and more spectacular, arousing the keenest attention ot devotees of Rugby in Western Canada, as well as in Ontario and Quebec provinces. That the little halt-back, WiJsoii-tiall, should grow to a height of Oft, and that Gardiner was educated at Cambridge University, will be news to Aucklanders. Ihe information is supplied in the following article in the v ancouver Province. the writer says;— . , , . "The New Zealand League team wfio arrived at Vancouver ou their way to England, held a work-out at Brockton Uval, and gave evidence of being a splendid lot of athletes. Contrary to the general impression they are not a professional side, but as they will be competing against professional teams in the Old Country they will he debarred from playing against Sanadian Rugby teams. In New Zea and these players are nut paid, but they play the Northern Union style ot Rugby— that i« 13 men instead of the regulation to as played under Rugby Union, and their style ot play is much faster and more open than ordinary Rugby. . . "There are three Maoris in the team— L. Mason, Wilsou-Hall, and C. Gardiner —and each one is a magnificent specimen of youthiul manhood, standing six teet high and weighing over 2001 b. In addition, there are several others of like dimensions and weight, notably Devine and Peterson. All of tho players are possessed of great speed. Gardiner is a graduate of Cambridge University, and was a lieutenant in the Anzac forces in the World \\ar, and is ono if two Now Zealanders who hold the Serbian war cross. “F. Henry, another member of the side, ia an Englishman, who only migrated to the Southern Island two years ago, and is therefore quickly getting a trip hack Home. Ho was selected to make the trip to New Zealand with the English Northern Rugby Union team under the captaincy of Jonathan Parkin in 1923, but for seme reason did not travel. “Two members of the side, George (Redl ■;iri'ol| and L. Peterson, torrnerl.v played tho Rugby Union code, but have turned over. Carroll was a member of tho 1922-

■ 23 All Blacks team, and Petersen, who be--1 longs to the Christchurch Marist Club, was . also on the New Zealand representative teams in 1919-20-21-22 and 1923.” GREAT DAY AT HONOLULU. In tiie course if a letter published in the New Zealand Herald, Mr J. R. O’Shaughnossy, official correspondent with the New Zealand team, states: From Suva to Honolulu was a clear run of seven days which quickly passed in organised games on deck, in which Neil Ho 11 at carried off most of the prizes for the men. One night out from Honolulu a fancy dress ball was held, and here again tiie League players upheld the honour of New Zealand by the originality of their costumes. Gardiner, Brown, and Dufty, attired as a Maori family, made the ‘hit” of the evening. Their effort evoked one continuous roar of laughter from the passengers. As the ship pushed on to her berth at the docks at Honolulu, Mr Bustard, representing the Honolulu Chamber of Commerce, and Mr Cunninghame, president of the British War Veterans’ Association, came on board. The previous day, from those gentlemen and from Mr Watson, the Mayor of Honolulu, we had received wireless messages of welcome, expressing their desire to act as our hosts and to entertain the team during our day’s stay

in Honolulu. Mr Bustard was armed with a huge pile of beautifully smelling flowers, arranged as garlands and named “Lise” or “Leeso,” with which it is the beautiful custom to present those arriving from oveVsoas at Honolulu. The boys wore quickly bedecked in these garlands, and we were wished “Aloha,” or welcome, in a few well-chosen words Our managers suitably n plied. Then the Aorangi berthed in the presence of a large crowd of people, and, as we filed down the gangway, each man wearing the garland, two bands, the American Garrison Band and a native band, struck up a lively march.

As we passed out from the landing stage to the street wo were met by several residents, who took in hand a group each, at d we wore taken away in cars on a round of sightseeing to various places of interest. Honolulu has a population of roughly 100,000 people, and there are over 20,000 motor cars, or one to every five people. Throughout our stay in Honolulu we were astounded at the wealth and luxuriance ol the vegetation. Honolulu gives one the idea of spaciousness and freedom, together with a fine lay out and surroundings. No town in New Zealand can approach Honolulu in beauty. The team assembled at tho Punahou College for white boys, and here thanks to tho true American courtesy of the president of the college, Mr Hauck, wo were given the free run of his beautifully situated grounds for a practice game, and the use of the fine open-air swimming pool afterwards. A large gathering of friends watched the training keenly. At noon we wore again the guests of the British War Veterans’ Association at luncheon. Mrs Fnllard-Leo, chaperone to Miss Mariechen Wehselau, during tho latter’s swimming tour of Australia and N«w Zealand last year, was hostess. She proved a true friend to the team, doing all in her power to make our stay a memorable one. She wished to reciprocate the hospitality accorded by Mr and Mrs Mair in Queensland.

The president of the British War Veterans’ Association warmly welcomed the New Zealanders. Alter luncheon we went for a run to the world’s largest and most wonderful aquarium, Waikiki Beach. Here Wo saw wonderful fish of 100 varieties and of an infinite variety of colourings and markings. Giant octopuses and turtles, minute crabs, anil wonderful goldfish, all the wonders of the deep were there. We were the guests of the Outrigger Club. In Hawaiian outrigger canoes the boys put out to sea with a native in the stern, who acted as pilot. The canoes are propelled by hand paddles. On reaching a certain distance, the canoe is put about and headed for the shore. As a large wave conics along behind, out go the paddles. Tho craft shoots forward, the wave lifts us up, and we are off. Spray drenches us. We hang on and go flying shorowards. at fully 50 miles per hour, perched on tho crest of a huge wave. “Out paddles” comes tho command from the native, and we paddle for dear life and, in an instant, the canoe turns about, on tho point ot grounding on the beach, and once more we head for the open sea to repeat the thrilling performance. Dully, Sanders, Herring, Brown, and Cole, dispensing with the services of the native pilot, ventured out by themselves, and the result was fun, fast and furious. On the crest of a wave their canoe capsized, and the crew were hastily tipped into the surf. Dufty and Sanders, like Hollywood film artists, swam for the paddles and rescued them, and then returned to bale out while tho others swam about. All then scrambled aboard and the fun commenced again. All thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Canoe races were held, and Gardiner’s crow, comprising Gardiner, Webb, Dolgrosso, Carroll, and Brisbane, claim the laurels, but there is much opposition. We also tried surf-boarding with varying success. At afternoon tea at the bench pavilion, tho Mayor of Honolulu presided over the gathering, which included Miss Wehselau, the world-famous swimmer. Mr Watson, in a fine speech, welcomed us as New Zealanders to Honolulu. We then went direct to the docks and boarded the Aorangi. Thousands lined the wharves ami again farewell garlands were showered on the departing team. Curio sellers did a roaring trade. >