THE N.Z. FOOTBALLERS

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 289, 4 December 1905, Page 5

THE N.Z. FOOTBALLERS

THE ENGLISH INTERNATIONAL another brilliant win. fifteen points to nil. McGregor scores four TRIES. (By Cable.—Press Aasociaaon.— copyrtgnt) LONDON, December 2. Favoured with fine weather, the test match, England v. New Zealand, played at the Crystal Palace ground to-day, established a record in point of attendance for Rugby football in lingland. The enormous crowd present was estimated at quite 80,000. The ground, from the previous rains, was terribly heavy, and its condition told palpably on the players, inasmuch as that towards the end of the game many of the contestants were flagging. The greatest care had been taken in selecting the combination to do battle for the Old Country, with the result that a fine team was got together, which included seven old international players. V. H. Cartwright captained the Home team, and associated with him were Godfrey and A. C. Hind (Leicester), and Shewring (Somerset). The English team played five threequarters, J. E. Raphael, of Oxford University, having a roving commission. In the New Zealand team Gallaher (Auckland) and McGregor (Wellington) replaced Mynott (Taranaki) and Smitli (Auckland), the latter having injured his shoulder in the Limerick match. Newton (Canterbury) took the place of Cunningham (Auckland) as lock forward. The team was thus as follows: Full-back: Gillett (Canterbury). Three-quarters (Wallace (Wellington), Deans (Canterbury), McGregor (Wellington). Five-eighths: Hunter (Taranaki), Stead (Southland). Half-back: Roberts (Wellington). Forwards: Front row, Casey (Otago). Tyler (Auckland) ; middle row, O'Sullivan (Taranaki), Newton (Canterbury), (lock) Glasgow (Taranaki) ; back row, Seeling (Auckland) McDonald (Otago) ; wing forward, Gallaher (Auckland). Reversing the tactics of the match against Ireland, the colonials took the initiative, and, opening with a hot attack, invaded the Home country's twenty-five, and the latter were hard at work defending their line. From a scrum inside the quarter flag McGregor (Wellington) got possession, and whipped over the line, thus drawing first blood for the Maorilanders within six minutes of tbe start of the game. Wallace (Wellington) had the shot at goal, but the bail went wide of the crossbar. New Zealand- . _.. . ... 3 England.... 0 On resuming the New Zealanders followed up their advantage with renewed vigour, and continued to press the Home team, keeping them penned down. The various efforts to cross the lins were fruitless until about ten minutes alter the first score, when McGregor again got through the defence. Wallace failed to add the major points. New Zealand 6 England 0 When the ball came into play again England showed stubborn defence, and uceessfully checked further scoring until just before the end of the spell, when McGregor was once more in evidence,'ind placed a third try to nis credit.

The ball was placed for Wallace, bui, the score was not increased, and the speil ended: New Zealand _.... 9 England , , . . 0 McGregor was playing in rare style, and his brilliant dashes for the line elicited cheers from the immense crowd. The opening of the second half was a repetition of the first the visitors still being on the offensive. For a quarter of an hour England was sorely pressed, but the colonials were unable to break through the defence. Eventually the home forwards took a hand in the game, and, with a fine rush, removed the scene of play into New Zealand's territory, where it remained for some time. Give and take play then ensued, followed by a determined rush by the New Zealanders down into English quarters. At the end of half-au-hour's play Newton (Canterbury; registered the fourth try for his colony, but Wallace's star was not in the ascendant, and the additional points were not added. New Zealand ~,..,. . __ England... ~...,.,., L 0 Almost immediately afterwards McGregor placed still another try to his credit. This time the ball was placed for Gillett (Canterbury), but his effort was attended by no better success than those of Wallace. In the last few minutes the Britishers rallied somewhat, and made desperate efforts to score. They rushed the ball over the New Zealand line, where the colonials kicked it into the dead hall area, and the game ended: New Zealand. ___._ __5 England —__»__ 0

THE TEAM BANQUETED

ENGLAND AWAKENED FEOM HER SLACKNESS.

(Received 8.32 a-m.)

LONDON, December 3

The English Rugby Union banqueted the New Zealanders at the Trocadero on Saturday night. The English team, Lords Ranfurly and Kinnaird, the Hons. W. P. Reeves, High Commissioner for New Zealand, and many sportsmen were present. Mr. Rowland Hill, president of the English Rugby Union, presided. He congratulated New Zealand on its pure amateurism. England was grateful for being awakened from her slackness by her colonial sons.

When the last mail left London nine of the New Zealanders were on the sick or injured list.

CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE MAYOR.

The following cablegram was sent yesterday by His Worship the Mayor (Mr. A. M. Myers) to the New Zealand football team in England: "Auckland rejoices; proud that the team are proving doughty sons of the Empire.—Arthur Myers, Mayor."