LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21992, 29 June 1933, Page 4

LEAGUE FOOTBALL

By Forward. There were many spectacular incidents in the game between Christian Brothers and Pacific on the Oval last Saturday, and the spectators witnessed one of the best Rugby League games played this season. Christian Brothers' victory was due to the more definite method which characterised their movements. Both sides gave a fine exhibition of open League. Christian Brothers now have a substantial lead in points for the Ellis ('hip, and it appears that the team will carry off that championship this season. Although there have been frequent changes in the team, the Greens have shown better form than the other teams, although the great improvement shown by City has brought about a more even showing between the two teams than was the case in the earlier games. At present Christian Brothers are leading by five points from City, and by seven points from Pacific. In Saturday's match the Christian Brothers and Pacific backs were happy combinations. The team work on both sides was excellent, and a fairly high Standard was shown in consequence. The forwards of both teams are good sets, and they materially assisted the rearguard divisions. Pacific gave easily it, best display this season, the backs and forwards playing clever football. While City proved too strong for Athletic, the latter team sprang a surprise by its play in the opening stages at Chisholm Park. The advice given the players on the subject of tackling ami following up by Mr B. Crawford before the team went on the field evidently bore fruit, as the men settled down to play the game as it should lie played. Few faults could be found with the taeKling by the Athletic men, and their combination was by far the best seen since the- season commenced. Up to the previous Saturday Athletic, on its play, was little better than a Second Grade side, but after Saturday's display and providing the team holds together, it should be higher up the ladder before the competition is concluded. Under the tuition of B, Craw* ford, who has consented to put the players through their paces two evenings each- week, - there ■-is_ every reason to believe that Athletic will soon improve. The . side possesses some very keen players and among these may be, mentioned; Monro, Gray, Anderson, and Tobirt. Milnro is one of the most hard-working forwards to be found in any of the teams, and is a valuable man on the Athletic side. Gray also is a worker. He is always up witn the play, and his speedy runs and individual efforts oh Saturday were a treat to watch. The Athletic pack was ■weakened by the absence of Duncan, one of the side's mainstays. The absence of Gardiner from the wing also made a difference to the team. A feature of the match was the splendid play of Townsend, who was one of the City team's stalwarts for several years"'. He is as keen as ever, and has turned out for Athletic during the past two or three Saturdays. A few weeks ago the Otago League wrote to the Auckland League asking that an Auckland representative, team be sent to Dunedin this season. It wasj pointed out jthat the visit, of such a team would prove \beueficial to the code here. Owing to the number of representative matches to be played at Car law Park, however, the Auckland League found that it would not be possible to send an Auckland team on tour this season. There is still every prospect, however, of a representative' team from Canterbury making the trip to Dunedin to play against an Otago team. The Otago League officials are now negotiating with the Canterbury League.' The question 'of an Otago team being sent as far as Canterbury and perhaps the West Coast, will be given fulL consideration by the local executive later in the season.

Although it was feared that the annual North v. South Island fixture would not bo played this year, officials of the New Zealand Rugby League hope now to arrange the game. The question of expense is to be considered, particularly in assembling a South Island thirteen. The fact that Taranaki and Hawke's Bay; are likely to be represented w;ill necessitate extra expense. The Auckland Rugby League is, however, to be consulted in connection with the matter, and meanwhile Mr A. M'Clymont lias been appointed selector for the North Island team.