THE WORLD of SPORT

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 279, 24 November 1926, Page 12

THE WORLD of SPORT

N.Z. LEAGUE PLAYERS-

ATHLETIC SPORTS.

A WIN OVER YORK.

POOR PLAY AT WARRINGTON.

(By E. H. MAIR.)

HARROGATE, October 15. The All Blacks met York in their eighth game. York's record of three wins out of four prior to this game against international touring sides was a good. one. The attendance under the existing circumstances of 3100 and a gate of £260 were satisfactory. Harry Thomas and Pip Webb were playing their first game of the tour, the New Zealand' team being: Fallback, C. Gregory; three-quarters, G. Gardiner, J. Kirwan, J. Sanders, J. Parkes; five-eighths, S. Webb; half-back, W. Hall; forwards, A. Carroll, E. Herring, F. Henry, H. Thomas, L. Petersen, B. Avery. Referee, Mr. B. Ennion, from Wigan. Much interest was evinced in the playing of Frank Henry, who had previously played with the York Club, and it was pleasing to see him demonstrate to his old pals that he had improved out of sight on the form he had displayed when at York. Frank had only one regret— that he did not score a try. At the banquet at night, when asked to give a speech, he neatly informed his distinguished audience that, although he had had a good time in York, and that it was a fine city, he *ad had a better time in New Zealand, which was the ideal place for all Englishmen.

The Game in Brief. It was Gardiner's day out, for he kicked five beautiful goals and scored the finest try on the tour, and admitted by Yorkites to be the beet individual wing effort they had seen on their ground. Altogether he scored 13 out of the 1« points scored by New Zealand. Bert Avery lost the toss to Skipper Corsi, who-has had the honour of leading York several years now. York opened up the scoring first, fine work by Corsi, Mills and Owens ending in the latter going over. The kick failed. New Zealand immediately retaliated, Petersen grounding near the posts for Gardiner to give the lead to hie side by goaling. Mills broke through prettily for the home side, and Corsi did the rest. Mirfield missed the goal, but York had the lead. Just on half-time Gardiner raised the flags with a nice kick. With one point in front on the resumption, the All Blacks attacked solidly, Kirwan taking a neat in pass from a passing movement and scoring. Gardiner again made m mietake. New Zealand 12, York 6. It wa* then that Gardiner, receiving on the tonch line at half way, raced down at top speed, brushing all opposition and ecoring a magnificent try. He then completed his efforts by landing a similar goal from the touch line. York hit back hard, Owen dummying his way through, to give to Hook, who scored in the corneer. Keech landed an excellent goal from the touch line. New Zealand 17, York 11. Approaching full time Gardiner -racked another goal, making the final score 19 to 11 in his side's favour. * - Mc Warrington Defeat.

For the game »at Warrington the weather could not have been worse a gale blowing down the field, accompanied by fairly heavy rain. The sum of £608 was the result of the receipts, c- condition e that prevailed the officials were surprised at £600 bein* passed..

The gathering showed their appreciation of the haka, led by G. Gardiner. .When the game started rain commenced to fall heavily, and Bert Avery, winning the toss, had all the advantage in the first half. Despite this Warrington were 11 points to 5 at the interval. The chief cause of this was the absence of Ben Davidson, who dislocated his thumb five minutes after kicking off. He returned just on half time, but it ' was during his absence that Warrington put on their eleven points. Avery had to come out of the pack, and Warrington's tireless terriers pushed our five all over the paddock, and tired them out. New Zealand could do nothing right and Warrington nothing wrong. It was heart breaking to see our inside backs being dummied repeatedly. It was certainly the worst display of the tour. Brown and Gregory rose to great heights in attack and defence and saved the side frequently, being easily the best two players on the All Blacks' side. To date these two players have played the most consistent football. Davidson was not fit to play, but gamely struggled through. On one occasion he nearly scored. The whole team found the long wet grass very awkward. On the day's play we were beaten by a better side, and at no stage in the game did we look like mattering the situation. The losing of Davidson seemed to upset the whole side, for the team were sixes and sevens the whole game. The way Flynn and Ryder burst round the fringe of the scrummage, dummying our inside backs: was the tragedy of the game. Our forwards were tired out by the gruelling they received in the first spell, but the chief trouble of the scrum-Sot sufficient weight—was in this case to an extent allowable. Early in the game Ryder dummied through, and gave to Flynn, who scored. The shot missed. The All Blacks then took the lead. The leather was kicked to Gregory, who ran 15 yards, and transferred to Brown. Our speed merchant headily cut into the centre, and, drawing the opposition, sent a perfect in-pass to Mason, who went over near the posts. Gardiner makine no mistake, New Zealand led by 5 point* to 3. From a penalty, Warrington equalised the scores, Catterall goating. Ryder and Flynn were responsible for the next Warrington try. The former fooled his opponent, sent to Flynn, who again gave the New Zealander back a pretty dummy, and, it being swallowed, a try restated. Catterall failed. Flynn again broke through before transferring to Tranter, the veteran, . who scored. Catterall again failed. Half-time came with no alteration: 11 plays 5. With all the advantage with them, the home players set to work solidly, and Parry crossed at the corner, the goal missing. The last try of the day was secured by Green, who found the opposition napping. The kick missed, Warrington winning by 17 points to 5. New Zealand fielded: C. Gregory, full-back; L. Brown, H. Brisbane, H. Cole, and G. Gardiner, threequarters; five-eighth, B. Davidson; halfback, 8. Webb; forwards, J. Menzies, L. Mason, J. Wright, E. Herring, A. Carroll, and B. Avery. Mr. G. Bees (Leeds) officiated as referee. Frank Delgroeso and Wibon Hall, the two halfbacka of the rite, were §baeot through injnriM. *"•".'*

AMERICAN TOUR. MAY STILL TAKE PLACE. A REPOET FROM WELLINGTON. (By Telegraph.—Special to ."Star.") WELUNGTrfNT, this day. Athletes in New Zealand may not, after all, have to content themselves with the tour this season of Lamb, the Australian cyclist, for it is understood that there is still a possibility of an American tour taking place. The secretary of the New, Zealand Athletic Council refuses to reveal anything, but it is reported elsewhere that the American Union may waive its stipulation that permits their athletes to remain in foreign countries for only 21 days, and extend the time to meet New Zealand requirements. THE TAIHAPE CLUB. ARRANGEMENTS FOR 1027. From Our Own Correspondent.) TAIHAPE, Tuesday. A meeting of the Talhape St. Patrick's Day Axemen's and Athletic Club was held last evening, Mr. W. J. Coutta presiding over a good attendance. The secretary reported that the following donations had been received:—Mr. W. Glenn, M.P., trophy, £33/: Mr. J. R. Pratt, Te Knlti, £5 5/, medal for most points in chopping events; and Dr. Mercer. Wellington, £11/. " It was decided to write to the local band and Queen Alexandra's Own Band, Wanganul, asking for their charge to play on the two sports days. The following controllers were appointed : Running and cycling, Mr. C. Cherry; chopping and sawing, Mr. W. Howens; grounds, sideshows ana gates, Mr. J. Donovan; programmes, Mr. J. Murphy, results, Mr. Dowling; school events, Bey. Father Doolagbty; dancing, Mr. W. McComble; timekeepers, Mr. W. Howens, Mr. H. Bond. The Wellington Naval and Military Tournament Committee have engaged Messrs. E. Lenlhan and M. McLaoghlan, of Taihape, to organise the axemen's carnival at the world's championship to be held in Wellington on March 5 and 8, 192 T.