LEAGUE TEAM IN ENGLAND.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 277, 22 November 1926, Page 8

LEAGUE TEAM IN ENGLAND.

GREAT GAME AT BATLEY. NARROW WIN FOR HOME SIDE. (By Cable. —Press Association.—CopjTig&t.) LONDON, November 21. The New Zealand Rugby League footballers were yesterday defeated by Batley by 19 points (5 tries and 2 goals) to 17 (3 tries and 4 goals). The visitors' team comprised: Dufty, Brown, Davidson, Desmond, Gardiner, Kirwan, Webb, Henry, Carroll, Singe, Peterson, Mason and Avery. The conditions were atrocious owing to heavy rain and a wet ground. Nevertheless, the first half provided very attractive play, free scoring and a dingdong struggle. Gardiner early Rent Henry in to score a try, which Dufty converted.

Smith replied with an unconverted try for Batley. Davidson made a good run and passed to Brown, who scored. Dufty again added the major points. Almost immediately afterwards Rees scored and Scott converted. After that Batley went ahead with a try by Wales. Dufty kicked a goal from a penalty. Davidge crossed the visitors' line and Gardiner scored an unconverted try. At the interval the scores were:— New Zealand 15 Batley 14 The visitors' play in the second half was less attractive, although the closeness of the issue maintained the interest. Dufty kicked another goal from a penalty. Then the visitors were largely on the defensive. Gallagher scored a try which Scott converted, thus adding what proved to be the winning points. The New Ze&landers rallied, but ' the effort was fruitless as the forwards failed to secure the ball in the scrummages. As a result the backe lacked chances. Dufty played a magnificent game. Webb, Davidson and Brown were always dangerous when they had possession of the ball.