LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16780, 24 April 1926, Page 19 (Supplement)

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

NOTES AND COMMENTS. (By "Verax.") The introduction of the senior grade games locally indicates that enthusiasts are again to get the best for their inspection this year. With four teams In this division the League will have an even competition, as it is not wisdom to cater for too many teams to the detriment of the playing strength of each. It will take some little time for the ranks to be cemented exactly to requirements, but after a few games the selectors will be able to sift their units into the positions where the men are likely to achieve the most effective results. Practice matches were held last Saturday, and a goodly number of players, both senior and junior, donned the jersey, and some good preparatory work in readiness for the start of the competitions was indulged \u. Judging by the support that is forthcoming and, the stimulated interest it is apparent that the code is due for a new lease of life. The four teams'in the senior grade will afford two senior matches every Saturday, two grounds being available, and obviating the necessity for a bye. The l'cur senior teams are: Whitiora, Frankton, Athletics, and United, the draw resulting in matches to-day between Frankton and United and Whitiora and Athletics. The policy of the League last season in giving maximum encouragement to its younger players should bear good fruit during the new term. These arc the ranks from which the players of the future arc to come, and the establishment of a sound basis in this way will make the future of the code safe. Although the League has again started off with senior teams the requirements of the juniors and ' colts arc still being kept in the forefront, and some very keen contests are assured in these divisions during the new term. The competition among the juniors will be started on May 8. Since the annual meeting the Management Committee has met regularly and have matters pertaining to the administrative side of the game well in hand. The grounds superintendent (Mr Taylor) has had the grounds and appointments cleaned up, and they are in first class order for the opening day at Hinemoa Park. Tho entries received by the Canteibury Rugby Football League show an increase in teams as compared with last rear. Waimairi has entered a First," Second, two Fifth and one Sixth Grade team. Woolston has entered six teams—First, Second Third two Fifth Grade, and a Sixth Grade A. Eleven teams have been entered DJ the Marist Club— namely two 1-irst a Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, and live in the Sixth l Grade. Hornby s entry comprises seven teams—one in each of the grades except the Foul til and two in the Sixth. Sydenham has entered a team in each grade. A team has been entered in each grade b> Addington. Linwood has one team in each grade and two teams in the Sixth Grade. Tcmplolon has entered one Third Grade team, and ex-West Coast one junior team. The aggregates are: Eight senior teams, eight Junior, seven Third Grade, five Fourth Grade, nine Fifth Grade, and 13 Sixlh At the annual meeting of the Canterbury Rugby League the report stated that the past season was a record one from the active point of view. It also stated that the visit of a New Zealand team to England would be one of the principal features of the/orUacom,„ s season. The chairman (Dr. Thookei) complimented those responsible lot [he excellent report they had prepared. He said that new clubs were entering the centre's competitions, and excellent progress was being made at othci centres, notably Timaru and Dunedm. In the latter city wonderful strides had been made. The chairman said they had to consolidate themselves, especially in finance When the lime came to select the team for England they would be able to show he woild that New Zealand produced Rugby League players second to none. He ad noted the gratification felt in the North of England at tho Impending visit <\flor the learn came back he hoped that tho New Zealand team would meet the Quocnslandcrs, champions of tho world. The reception o he New Zealand team in the Old Country was going to be good, and everything would be done to make the iVur'a great success, particularly in the matter of finance. The report was adopted.