LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1740, 3 May 1913, Page 14

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

fßr "Fmetfoot."! . THE PROGRESS OF THE GAME. The championship niatcho3 were commenced last Saturday in favourable weather and before a fair attcmlaiico. .The Potone-Newtown match was tho principal fixture in tho city, and, considering the distance from town, (lie League people felt very satisfied with the number who made the trip out to Wakefield Park.

Tho play in this match was only fair, but, of coursc, this was only to be expected considering tho number of now players en both sides. Tho condition of the players could be improved upon, mid, now that nil clubs are in p0M0!-M0u of cvwnasia, tho opportunity will bo

thoro for every Leaguor to train—a point which is ossontial to tho Leaguo gnino. The refereo was now, too, at tho gamo, and allowed tho playej-9 too much latitude. Somo of tho players wero also allowed to do' too much talking. These things, turnover, can bo remedied, and tlio management have asked all referees to bo firmer in their ruling. Tho troublo really is tho old slip-shod stylo acquired in Rugby, which has not yet been stamped out. Newtown aro to bo congratulated on thoir win; and it was duo to their superior knowledge. Tho team as a whole played well, the forwards aro a big lot, and their backs are fast. In tho forward division,, Spencor played a very solid game, and his condition was a big improvement on that of last year. King and Sullivan, wero also in good form, while "Les" Campbell was tlio best forward on tho ground. The back division, too, aro solid. In Strickland they possess a player of great possibilities. Ho is a Leaguo man- from Eastern Suburbs, Syducv, and played last eoason with tho great "Dally" Messenger. Ho is probably the fastest footballer playing in Wellington at tho. present time, and his tackling is also good. Gcorgo played half-back, and showed a goud knowledge of tho game. Ho mado somo fino openings, and threw tho ball about a lot. His work paid his sido handsomely. If somo of liiis comrades had endeavoured to do tho same, tho scores would havo been larger. The l'otone team wore weakenpd by tho absenco of Barber, Miller, Asliton, and Finlayson, but they will bo all playing to-day, and then look-out—tho suburban team will take a lot of beating! Miller is tho player who wore the Petono Kugby jorscy last year. Tho Petono forwards woro wiling, but thoir tactics woro crude, and they rarely got tho ball from the scrum—lteesby, Childs, and Parker played well, but condition told on tho rest. Of tho back division, House stood out on his own, and played a very solid game. Whitby was also good, and the nalf-bac'k, Laugnugi.-, was gamo enough, but it was his initial attempt at League. Wright, at full-back, gave a good display, but Mangin, on tho wing, was not up <to senior form. Mr. Murphy carried the whistle, but, in future, he must bo strict. lie was really far too lenient with the players, anil allowed too much talking. The Athletic team journeyed to tho ■ Hutt, and got a good "shaking up" from tho local team. Although the Blues won, thoy had a very anxious timo towards tho finish, as Hutt caino with a great rattle, and woro really over on several occasions. Waut of condition on the part of several players was ono of tho features of the games. Tho Athletic men were the worst offenders. Athletic forwards aro a heavy set, and showed considerable knowledge in working tho scrum. Their backs aro solid, and, with players like Kelly, Wilsou, and Bradley, they should give a good account of themselves this year. Bradley played o. really line game, as did Kelly. On tho Ilutt sitlo the forward division was weak, but their backs played splendidly, Buckland in particular giving a great showing.' Ho was ably assisted by Anderson and Allen. Tho latter player has a fine turn of foot, and scored a nice try. Mr. Hay was referee, but was also, too lenient. . Tho Hutt v. Petone junior match was postponed on account of a number of players being in camp. . • The principal fixtures to-day are: Newtown v. Athletic, which will be played in Wellington. Tho ground is advertised in this morning's paper. This match should prove interesting, and a close game will most likely eventuate. Ah effort is being made to secure the services of Mr. '1". Ciiiihingham as.rofereo. He is. considered in 'Auckland to bp tho mbst capable refereo in tlio Dominion At tho Hutt ground tho local team will play Petdne, and tho gamo is sure -to bo keen. Petone will \ probably havo their best team in, and tlio Hutt Club will also bo strengthened. Mr. MijYphy will referee. The local League have been offered a match against the New team for Wednesday, May 28, and an effort is being made to securo a Buitablo ground.

There is grent joy in tho League camp over tho possibility of the 'League being granted a ground on Newtown Park. ■[ Canterbury arc considering an offer mado by the local League for a match at Wellington early in May. In view of tho selecting of _ tho Now Zealand team for Australia, tho Wellington selectors are keeping an eye on likely candidates, and it is an open secret that only players who nto in tho pink of condition will be considered.

The Petone team played three Petone ex-senior players last Saturday, viz:, Sbardlow, Guthrie, and Childs, and thoy all plaved well. With a little more knowledge of the fuier points, they will be more than' useful.