"ALL BLACKS" IN WALES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 65, 16 March 1908, Page 5

"ALL BLACKS" IN WALES.

(From Our Special Correspondent.)

LONDON, February 7. The New Zealand footballers paid their third and last visit to Wales on Satur-

day, and in the presence of close on ten thousand spectators defeated Ebbw Vale by three points to two —a try to a goal. Play throughout was fast and exciting, the teams attacking alternately. Wrigley during the first half was frequently dangerous for the "All Blacks," and at length he scored a clever try. The Welshmen, however, played up well, and before the interval Saunders landed a penalty goal. Excellent football was shown in the second half by both teams, the Home side in particular making very praiseworthy efforts to gain the lead, but the defence of the Colonials was superb, and they failed to accomplish their purpose. The New Zealanders, on the other hand, were well held, and there was no further scoring. Turtill had a day off, and Messenger took his place at full-back. The initial stages of the game were in favour of the Welshmen, who early gave promise of making the Colonials go all the way to win. The tackling of the Home men was somewhat shaky, but they gradually steadied themselves, and came very near scoring. Messenger, however, made no mistake in defence, and at length the New Zealand forwards assumed command of the ball in the scrummages,, and obtained possession, and after making a fine burst gave up to Wrigley, who went over in the corner, Messenger failing to goal from an awkward angle. Ebbw Vale played up with great vigour, and severely tested the defence for some time. For obstruction they were awarded a penalty, which was taken by Saunders, who kicked a magnificent goal, the intervals arriving with the New Zealanders leading by three points to two. Ebbw Vale had to face the wind in the second half, but they seemed bent on winning, and infused splendid dash into their play. They tacked more effectively, and Kerton, who had been playing cleverly, almost got over. Then the visitors had a turn at attack, and Gilchrist utilised his great weight, and looked all over a scorer, only superb defence keeping him out. A determined. attack was also initiated by the Colon-1 ial left wing, and there seemed absolute- ! ly no chance for the defence. This, the best chance of the game, however, was thrown away by wild passing between Todd, Wrigley, and Howe. The last player almost atoned shortly afterwards by j running over, but v. T as held uj», and car-1 ried into the field of play. Strenuous play by the Colonials continued to the finish, but Ebbw Vale defended brilliantly, and the final was:—New Zealand: One try (three points); Ebbw Vale: One goal (two points,).