LEAGUE.

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17131, 18 June 1927, Page 21 (Supplement)

LEAGUE.

(By “Verax.”) The attitude of the Education Department in regard to boys’ choice of games is defined by the letter written by the Minister to the Canterbury League. The Ron. Mr Wright states that the department does not object to schoolboys playing any healthy game. “Canterbury has three forwards the like of whom we have never had before,” declared Dr. Thacker at a meeting of the Canterbury Rugby League. He was referring to Dawkins (Hornby), Spencer (Waimairi), ' and Le Warne (Sydenham). At a meeting of the Canterbury League Mr McKeon said that the Auckland League desired to play two or three games on the West Coast before going to Christchurch, where the team was desirous of playing two matches —one on Saturday and the other on Wednesday, afterwards going on to Dunedin to play two matches on similar days. Dr Thacker expressed the view that it was desirable to play the big matches earlier in the season than was usual, in view of the possibility of an Australian team visiting Christchurch later. The Canterbury League has decided to make formal application for one of the North and South Island matches this season. September ff has been mentioned as a suitable dale. With the cream of the Dominion League players engaged, followers of the code in Christchurch will no doubt welcome a decision by the New Zealand Council to stage one game there. At a meeting of the New- Zealand League a letter was received from tiie Australian Rugby League Board of Control acknowledging receipt of ths invitation to send an Australian team to tour the Dominion Inis season. The letter had been referred to the Queensland members of the hoard, and a definite decision would he arrived at in the near future. The English team would tour Australia in 1928, and New Zealand would no doubt be included in the itinerary. The letter stated Uiat the New South Wales Rugby League was staging a big country carnival this season, and the Queenslanders were to play in Sydney on June 25 and July--2; so that if the New Zealand League’s request were acceded it would not be likely that a team could leave Australia before mid-July. In matches this season the tackling has been on the whole had. Several players in the various teams are fast men of more than medium height, and a few of these can he seen each Saturday standing up-right supporting a hunch of the opposing side—clinging iound their necks and shoulders. Unless a player is well held it is the easiest possible thing for him to cast the tackier aside and break loose. Club coaciies should devote a little of Iheir lime in training their members in the low tackle.

If often happens that when the backs get into action the forwards [ start packing themselves up from vari- ! ous parts of the field and become mere spectators. They should rally immediately and get into position so that they can continue the attack if necessary, or make the defence at a point where their backs were held. Too much stress cannot be laid ou passing. It is improving, hut perfection can only be attained hv practice. If a man is out of position cut him out. Pass the ball sharply and watch where you arc throwing it. A fast travelling man cannot take a ball thrown at his bead or feet. Every member of a team should have pride in his learn and see that when the whistle blows he is ready to march out with his males. When the team walks out it should do so when the referee calls, and every man should he there. I always think that there is something wrong with the organisation of a club that tolerates any lack of discipline amongst its members. Players chasing their teams on j to the field late bring discredit on their mates.