RUGBY LEAGUE

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 117, 20 May 1939, Page 23

RUGBY LEAGUE

NOTES ON THE PLAYERS

Some interesting games were witnessed in matches under the auspices of the Wellington Rugby League Board of Control last Saturday.

Central's forwards were the decisive factor in the club's win over Newtown, although the backs, particularly in the second half, showed sound combination. Duff, at five-eighth, and Cooper, at centre-three-quarter, were prominent. The former, however, has a ten-dency-to throw bad passes. K. Hale, a bulky Rotoriia winger, turned out for the side, and gave a useful performance.

Rierson, McCormack, and McLennan were prominent in the Newtown forwards, and Drew was the best back. Cavill (Johnsonville) joined up with Newtown last Saturday and will shortly be playing. It is understood also that there is a possibliity of V. Sergeant transferring back from Petone to his old club. x

In the game against Randwick last Saturday Miramar showed a better understanding among their backs, the whole line going well. Askew was missed at full-back, being absent through an injury, but his place was ably taken by R. Wickham,, who usually plays five-eighth. Gollop, at centre, ran straight and hard, while the two wings, Crothers and B. Minnock, were in form. J. Rigby, of the reserve team, got a chance in the Miramar forwards when Spiers hafi to retire injured in the -first spell. It looks as though Rigby will stay senior, 'his try being a particularly good effort. Stanaway played a great game, his spoiling tactics worrying the Randwick team. It is unfortunate for Miramar that against a team like Central next Saturday R. Wickham, A. Askew, D. Spiers, and G. McDonald may not be available owing to injuries.

On the Randwick side Wallace, irom reserves, played centre and gave a good display, and Edie, an ex-New South Wales player, although he has been out of the game for some seasons, was useful at second five-eighth. Cook was sound at full-back. In the forwards Berry was outstanding.

Against St. George R. Evans, the Petone centre, was right in form. J. iComan, Petone half, played clever football. He was a big factov in his side's win. O'Connor, back in his old place of first five-eighth, played a useful game, giving the outside men plenty of chances. R. Perkinson was safe at full-back. In the Petone pack K. Beban was outstanding. R. Williams got his side the majority of the ball, and Courtenay and Roots both played sound football.

Mustchin played his best game this season for St. George, and stood out ahead of the other forwards. Leahy struck top form in the second half, doing excellent work in the tight.