A LOSS TO ST. HELENS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 293, 10 December 1926, Page 7

A LOSS TO ST. HELENS.

FAILURE IN GOAL-KICKING. DISPUTED TRY AND A BLOW. (Received 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, December 9. St. Helens Club defeated the New Zealand League team by 22 points to 12. Although defeated, the New Zealanders, in a brilliant exhibition, scored the same number of tries as St. Helens, but failed in goal-kicking, whereas Lewis kicked five goals for St. Helens. Both teams handled with speed and accuracy despite a drizzling rain. The excellence of the Black pack discounted superior play by the St. Helens three-quarters. The New Zealand forwards were also superior in the loose. Brown scored two tries, and Avery and Gardiner one each. Ellaby (2), Fairclough and Heath scored the St. Helens tries. The New Zealand team was:—Gregory, Brown, Cole, Kirwan, Gardiner, Webb, Brisbane, Herring, Peterson, Carroll, Wright, Thomas, Avery. An unfortunate incident occurred in the closing stages of the game. Ellaby eluded Gardiner and scored a try, whioh Gardiner disputed with the touch judge whom he struck. The referee immediately ordered him off. Gardiner, interviewed, admitted the blow, and declared it was entirely due to the touch judge using an insulting expression. The touch judge refused to make a statement. The League is inquiring into the incident.