SPORTS TOPICS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 122, 5 March 1936, Page 2

SPORTS TOPICS

ALL BLACKS IN ENGLAND. CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS. (By "Flagpole"). Friday, Saturday aind Monday, M.C.O. v. New Zealand, cricket, at Gkristehurck. Siaturday. Gala Cup Tennis Championships. County Bowling Championships, at Rakaia. Tuesday. County Schools Swimming Sports. Despite the fact that the 1935 All Blacks lost three matches and drew one they have put up another fine record for their tour when ; a certain improvement of British Rugby is taken into account and allowance made for the mediocrity of the New Zealand backs compared with the meteorio combinations of 1905 and 1924. He would be a badly misinformed critic who would) not admit that the present team's performances/ in all the circumstances (especially that J. R. Page played only thrice), compared favourably with those of its illustrious predecessors. Kecords of the nine overseas teams which have played Tests in the United Kingdom:—

*Try then counted only one point. So of a total of 91 engagements the three/official New Zealand Rugby Union sides won 86, drew one and lost four. Points: For New Zealand, 2020 j opponents, 389. In 1926 a Maori combination, captained by W. Barclay toured France, England and Wales. There were 31 games played, the Maoris winning 22, losing 7 and drawing 2. Only one Test was played, France being Ibeaten by tho New Zealanders 12—3. The Maoris defeated Swansea (tho first side to conquer the 1935 All Blacks) 11—6.

"Vital" Statistics. Comparative tables for the three New Zealand Rugby Union's official tours of Great Britain:—

Won by a Greek. When the modern Olympic Games were revived at Athens in 1896, one of the chief events on the-programme was a marathon race, which was appropriately enough won by a Greek, Loues. Since then the contest has come to be regarded as the blue ribbon of the Games, and many remarkable scenes have been associated with the race, none perhaps being more memorable than those which surrounded the 1908 event, run from Windsor Castle to the Olympic Stadium at Shepherd's Bush, London. In that year Dorando Pietri, a 23-year-old Italian restaurant waiter, when leading, collapsed in sight of the stadium entrance, where first aid was rendered. The Italian arose only to fall twice more, the last time in such a condition that he was virtually carried across .the finishing line. Naturally he was disqualified on protest and the race awarded to J. Hayes, of the United States. But the sympathies of he crowd were with the gallant little Italian, who tailed when he was within an ace of grasping victory. So far, therefore, as inspiration is concerned, those who attempt" the marathon have much to inspire them.

Points Year Team P. W. L. D. F. A. 1888— N.Z. Natives* , 74 49 20 5 m 18S 1905— New Zealand . 33 32 1 - 868 147 1906— South Africa . 29 26 2 1 608 87 1908— Australia • . . 31 25 5 1 438 146 1912— ' South Africa . 27 24 3 - 441 101 1924— ' * New Zealand . 30 30 - - 721 112 1927— N.S. Wales . . . 31 24 5 2 432 207 1931— South Africa 26 23 1 2 404 121 1935— New Zealand . 28 24 3 1 431 180

Played , 32 28 28 Won . 31 28 24 Lost . 1 — 3 Drawn . —i — 1 Points for . 830 654 431 Points against . 39 98 180 No. of players . 27 29 29 Age . 25i 25£ 24 Weight, backs 12.0 11.0 11.3 Weight, forwards 13.5 13.6 13.13 Weight, team 12.4 12.3 12.9 Height, backs . 5.8| 5.8* 5.8* Height, forwards 5.11 5.11* 6.0 Height, team 3.10 5.10 5.10J