LEAGUE IN FULL BLAST

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 119, 10 August 1927, Page 11

LEAGUE IN FULL BLAST

CHAMPIONSHIP BATTLE INTENSIFIED PROMINENT RUGBYITE CHANGES CODE THE closeness of the battle for League premiership honours for 1927 overshadows nearly every other interest in League Rugby circles in Auckland, but the fans have been furnished witht a fruitful topic of conversation by the change-over of a prominent senior Rugby player to the 13aside code, while it is rumoured that one or two more are contemplating the same step.

By

G. K. P.

The stunt of casually bidding a fond farewell to their Union Rugby clubs and wandering off to help the League code make a name for itself appears to be the latest infectious disease contracted by numerous followers and players of Rugby. The latest we hear is where a player named Stokes, who made sporting history in a mild form by his inclusion in the Auckland B Rugby representatives last year, turned out last Saturday for 'the Shore senior League team in their match against Richmond. He is reported to have played quite a good game.

Another Going? It is rumoured that next Saturday will see another ex-Auckland rep. Rugby man giving Shore a hand, while it is on tap and well-brewed that in the near future League fans will be having the pleasure of witnessing several prominent Rugby players joining up with the various League Clubs. • * m Cuts Both Ways All this stuff about players changing over to the League code is certainly handing the Rugby game in Auckland a blow in the solar plexus region, but at the same time the League fans must not get it into their heads that the stream is only flowing in the one direction, for the Rugby people also have their turn at admitting a few of the other code into their ranks. If tilings continue at this rate, that is providing Rugby can come up to scratch, it seems that before long Rugby will be League and League will be Rugby. A Versatile Player “Chilla” Grey, who is well known among the League fans as being an actual world-beater at speculating, has had the somewhat distinguished honour thrust upon him of having played in every position on the field, from the front row in the scrum to full-back. Last Saturday he turned out for Ponsonby in the back-row, and in this position it appeared that his

honours allowed him a roving commission. Back to Form

“Tucker” Herring, the All Black Leaguer, has been off colour ever since he returned from England with New Zealand reps. However, he came to light last Saturday and played a rattling good game for Athletic. * *

One Way of Looking At It "I suppose it is just as well we got whacked,” said a member of the Tykes team after the game last Saturday, “’cause the fans of the Park will have to get someone else to hoot at now.” * * * Davis, the well-known Richmond half-back, was unable to take the field last week owing to internal injuries received in a previous match, and it is not likely that he will be ready to take the field again for some time. However, on Saturday Hyland turned out and filled the gap, but whether the team will be able to hang on to him for matches to come, it is hard to say. Stiff Luck Jimmy Parkes, the ex-All Black Leaguer and Richmond senior player, writes from the South and gives an

idea of his condition. He says that his knee-cap was broken clean, and the accident happened in open field when no one was near him. He was running at the time, and was about to snap up the ball when his knee gave out and he tumbled over.

Jimmy is now in the Christchurch Hospital, and as things are not looking too bright, it is not likely that he will be taking the field again this season. * * * Is Playing Well Another player at full-back in the Richmond seniors except Hanlon is like a fly in a cup of hot coffee —he attracts attention and comment, but he does not enjoy it. In the game against Shore last Saturday Richmond found this out, and in the second half pushed Hanlon into his old place, full-back. It can be reckoned that he will remain in this position until a substitute can be found up to his standard. * * * Ponsonby’s Test Although the “Ponies" had such a royal win on Saturday, they were cer-

tainlv not playing up to the standard of the previous Saturday when they defeated Marist. It was an easy match, and they took it lightly, but many a good team has come a thud trying that caper. However, when they clash against Shore next Saturday they will have to put their best leg forward, and furthermore. It will be a good chance for them to prove that their come-back is not a welloiled and efficacious system of luck at League, but real ability. • • • An Additional Incentive Ponsonby have all sails set and they are right out to clinch the senior League championship. If they get it. it will ee.rtainly be a popular win among the fans of the code. The teams have been given an additional incentive from the idea that there is a possibility that the winner of the championship will get a game against the team representing the St. George Club, Sydney, when it comes to Auckland. * * * May be Promoted It was overheard that MacLaughlen. captain of t*he City third grade, team, will be playing for City seniors next Saturday. He is a hefty type of ’player and will most likely take the field at centre threequarter. Whitehouse. who also plays for the thirds, has chances of being out with the seniors next week. He is one of those speedy wings, and since he played in the club’s trial games this year, he should be able to produce the right stuff to prove himself worthy of a permanent position in the senior team.

English League Change Danny Hurcombe. the Welsh International Rugby League five-eighth, has made another move. Long associated with the Wigan Club. Hu.rcombe was transferred to Halifax last season, but at the close of the campaign, along with many other players of the Thrum Hall Club, he was placed on the transfer list. Leigh have now secured his services. Hurcombe was a member of the Rugby League touring sides in Australia in 1920 and 1924. and has always been a first choice for Wales. The Code in Hamilton Public support for the League code in Hamilton this season has been rather on the lean side. But, however, the town on the banks of the Waikato has some real plodders among the fans, and they are. a moral to bring the code along. The senior competition ends on Saturday, but with the knock-out competition, two challenge shields and a cup to play for. more interesting games should be witnessed before the season closes. • • * Word received from the Rotorua League this week reports things much brighter for the code in that town. To Stand Down The Hamilton League is determined to stop players “chipping” back at the referees and for this offence. A. Taylor has received a holiday for two Saturdays. On August 13 the Frankton team will play the rest of Lower Waikato for the Fraser Smith Challenge Shield and on recent form should very nearly bring the trophy back to Hamilton An Embarrassing Plight “Jockey” Kelly caused the stir of the season last Saturday week during the interstate match between New South Wules and Queensland, at Brisbane. His knickers were plucked clean off him. The embarrassed Kelly looked for a “hollow log” into which to crawl. He was right in the open, and it was many seconds before his comrades and the referee realised his plight, and rallied round him. Meanwhile Kelly had sought his only refuge by squatting on the grass and endeavouring to cover his nakedness with his jersey. No doubt he will become an advocate of the “neck to heel” costume. * • * Rotorua Trip Off Next Saturday is a bye for Richmond seniors, so they were going to make a trip to Rotorua, but things have not been too bright with them lately, so the holiday has been put off. -F n- rfc # re. -'r rk -r 3E 3F 3F •¥ rir jfr