N.Z. LEAGUE TEAM.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 253, 25 October 1926, Page 7

N.Z. LEAGUE TEAM.

BEATEN BY OLDHAM. AN EXCITING FINISH. DUFTY IN THE FORWARDS. (By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) LONDON, October 24. The New Zealand League footballers were defeated to-day by Oldham by 15 points to 10. There were 15,000 spectators. The visitors team comprised Gregory, Brown, Davidson, Sanders, Desmond, Brisbane, Hall, Mason, Herring, Gardiner, Avery, Dufty and Thomas. The New Zealanders gave a fairly good display, but they were handicapped by the failure of the forwards to obtain possession of the ball in the scrummages. Thus the home backs were able to appear to advantage. Nevertheless the visitors stuck to their task well and defended splendidly. Gregory often cleared when his side was hard pressed.

New Zealand had a bad time in the closing stages of the first half, when Oldham persistently attacked. The latter sometimes introduced very forceful tactics though they only scored one try. Corsi was responsible for this. Knapman converted. Brough had previously landed a penalty goal. Then Knapman dropped a goal, giving Oldham a nine points lead at the interval. Early in the second half Oldham played a particularly strong game, and for a considerable time the visitors could make no headway. In spite of their stout defence Holliday scored a try, which was not converted. Davidson and Brown were strong on the wing. The latter made a fine effort. After taking the ball at top speed he enabled Davidson to score. Dufty kicked a fine goal. Soon afterwards Chapman played cleverly, . but a bad mistake let in Avery. Dufty again converted. There was then a difference of only two points and the game became exciting, but Ashworth scored a try in the last minute for Oldham.