DISCONTENTED PLAYERS.

Auckland Star, Volume 257, Issue 257, 29 October 1926, Page 7

DISCONTENTED PLAYERS.

DIFFERENCE WITH MANAGEMENT. GO TO WATCH MAORIS. HOPES OF SETTLEMENT. {By Cable. —Press Association.—Copyright.) (Received 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, October 28. The Australian Press Association understands that the absence of five prominent players from the New Zealand Rugby League team in foe last twoi matches is ascribed to a difference with the management. The majority of these journeyed to | Bradford to watch the Maoris match while their own team was playing at Leeds. No indication of the trouble was given to the Englisa Press. Hopes are entertained of a satisfactory settlement, though such words as "strike" and "lockout" are being used in connection with the position. MATCH AGAINST LEEDS. TOURISTS NARROW WIN. LONDON, October 28. The New Zealand Rugby League footballers yesterday defeated Leeds by IS points to 11. The visitors' team was comprised .of Gregory, Brown, Dufty, Davidson, Sanders, Cole, Hall, Thomas, Parkes, Herring, Mason, Gardiner and Avery. After a spell of defensive play the visitors took the lead by means of a pretty exhibition, of back play. Davidson scored a try from loose play. Dufty failed with the kick. Following up this success Brown and Dufty combined well and tested Leeds' defence. Bailey equalised the score witf.i an unconverted try after a pretty passing bout. Both sets of forwards indulged in hard work in the next quarter of an hour. Thomas, Parkes and Herring were prominent in the scrummages. Fine passing between Dufty, Gardiner and Davidson ended in the latter cross-' ing the line. Dufty converted, giving New Zealand a five points lead at halftime. When the game was resumed Leeds immediately reduced tTie margin, Watkins scoring from the loose., but Thompson failed to convert. Spurred on by this success, Leeds pressed, but Gregory and Brown defended stoutly. ~ Crisp passing by the home backs resulted in Bacon scorirfg a clever try, which Thompson converted from a difficult angle. The New Zealanders answered with a. spectacular passing rash, as a result of which. Herring scored. Dufty added the! major points. I The visitors combined better than in' any previous match. They deserved' their two-points win. Gregory was the safest fullback. Hall' played * grand game at halfback. Parkes, Herring arid Thomas were hardworking forwards. Although only two points separated tne New Zealanders and the Leeds men the victory was quite a good one as the record of Leeds last season made the team out to be a formidable side. Tomorrow the New Zealanders meet St. Helen's Becreation and as the latter finished fifth in the League table last season it will be recognised that the tourists will have to be right at tae top of their form if they are to win. To date the New Zealanders have played 14 matches, winning 10, and losing four.