N.Z. LEAGUE TEAM.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 247, 18 October 1926, Page 7

N.Z. LEAGUE TEAM.

I BEST WIN. j — " _—— i BEATEN. "j MATCH WON IN LAST MINUTE. ißv Cable.— Press Association.— Copyright.' LOXDOX, October 17. The New Zealand Rugby League footballers yesterday defeated Hull by 15 points ("three tries and three goals) to 13 (three tries and two goals I. There were 12.000 spectators. The visitors' team was as follows: — Gregory. Desmond. Davidson. Brisbane. Sanders. Hall. Brown. Avery. Gardiner. Herring, Devine. Henry and Mason. The performance of the Xew Zealanders was meritorious, as they defeated a team on its own ground which had not been beaten in 3-5 successive matches. it was a most thrilling encounter in which the last kick decided the issue. In the first half the visitors were unconvincing in spite of their speed. After the interval, however, they reproduced their Xew Zealand form and finished up the stronger side. Hull opened tbe score with a try by flwynne whi-.h Bateson converted.

The Xew Zealanders attacked vigorously, Desmond nearly scoring. They continued the pressure and Gregory secured a goal from a free kick. The visitors attacked again and Sanders was pulled down inches short of the line. The scrummaging of the Xew Zealanders now improved. As a result they obtained possession of the ball more often, enabling them to keep up persistent pressure. The visitors started brilliantly after the interval. Brisbane charged down the kick of the Hull fullback and romped over the line. Gregory converted. Devine, Brown and Desmond made a sparkling passing run which resulted in Desmond scoring a try. The kick at goal failed. The home side then scored a try. which Bateson converted. Then the visitors repeatedly stormed the home defence. The attack culminated in a fine example of Hall's opportunism. He flung himself over the line from a scrum close to the posts, thus scoring in the last minute the equalising try. Gregory was entrusted with the allimportant kick and got a magnificent goal.