THE SWINTON MATCH.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 8, 9 January 1908, Page 5

THE SWINTON MATCH.

COLONIALS' MARKED SUPERIORITY. I SYDNEY, this day. I Commenting on the Swinton match, the '"Daily Telegraph" says: —"Heavyturf and a greasy ball having been particularly severe on the New Zealanders |in several recent engagements, they had to oppose Swinton under conditions very damaging to their prospects. So heavy ; was the rain that after the commence- ! ment of the second half play was stopped for five minutes. During the remainder of the match the ground was in a terrible condition, and under the circumi stances the colonial-' win by 11 to 2 was a good performance. The victory, though claimed chiefly as a result of the splendid goal-kicking of Messenger, who was successful in four place kicks, was deserved on the general run of the play. The I colonials gained all their points in the first half." The "' Daily News " says that the colo- ! nials, with the wind against them, were hard pressed at starting, but their defence held out. In the second half there was little to choose between the teams, the fine play of the dwinton forwards being counterbalanced by the superior form of the New Zealand backs. The "' Chronicle " says that the victory | was gained by superior play all round. Considering the shocking slate of the field, the football was very high class, and the result was thoroughly in keeping with the New Zealanders' marked | superiority. | _