SADLER'S DASH.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 265, 8 November 1935, Page 7

SADLER'S DASH.

LAST-MINUTE TRY. Excitement Runs High Throughout Match. CLEVER OXFORD BACKS. United Press Association. —Copyright. (Received 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, November 7. It was predicted before the game that the All Blacks -would not have matters their own way against Oxford, says the special coi-respon-dent of the United Press Association. Some judges were not impressed with the tourists at Twickenham and opined .that Oxford would win. The Iffley Eoad ground was crowded. Tickets were sold out two hours after they were available. Oxford lost the season's opening match but won the next four, aggregating S2 points against 14. The New Zealanders were not sanguine about winning, fearing that the London hospitality would affect their play. Cooper was introduced to the All Blacks before the game. He knew several, including Mahonev, McLean, Hadley and Caughey. Cooper laughingly apologised for playing against New Zealand, adding, "Still, I am out to do my best for Oxford." The All Blacks were given a great reception on coming out —evidence of appreciation of the fact that they always try to play bright football. Hadley led the pack. The All Blacks opened with the forwards using rush tactics. They were showing devil, packing low, pushing Oxford back and gaining ground. The clean handling of the backs in' early movements was notable. The All Blacks stormed the Oxford line for a long period. The Players Steam. The hall was greasy owing to rain. Nevertheless, considering the conditions, the handling was satisfactory. The Oxford forwards played the right game, kicking through the rucks. Mitchell and Sadler initiated a great reverse passing movement, which broke down owing to a forward pass when the defence was beaten. Gilbert knocked on on a number of occasions in the first half, but this was excusable. Tho All Blacks' forwards were 50 per cent better in the first half than at Twickenham, playing together and often overwhelming Oxford with dribbling rushes. The visitors were not used to the English climate. Steam was rising from the backs of the players when they packed down in the scrums due to the coldness of the atmosphere. McShane, tho clever Australian half, knows the New Zealand game. He was playing an excellent game. Grieve similarly was a tower of strength. He was a stout defender and seldom failed to find the line when he kicked.

Oxford's Early Lead. Grieve's field goal precisely imitated Tindill's at Newport, the ball passing straight from the scrum to the kicker. The early lead heartened the Oxford forwards who, although outweighed, were not outmatched. Oxford were fortunate on a number of occasions. The All Blacks overran the ball when there was a chance of opening up the game. The tackling of both sides was the keenest, and the Oxford insides were closely watched by Sadler and Griffiths. The All Blacks' forwards developed a fine movement, leading to McKenzie's try. Keeping shoulder to shoulder, they toed the ball through the defence for over 30 yards which has seldom been done on the tour. It looked anyone's game after the resumption. The Oxford backs were clever and were always likely to score. Nevertheless, the All Blacks deserved their half-time lead, as territorially and also in their play generally, they gave a superior showing. There was more combination between the New Zealand backs and forwards than that displayed by the University. Defence Riddled. The All Blacks' defence was riddled when Obolensky scored. McSlianc was also now finding loopholes in the AH Blacks. The Oxford backs were always willing to take risks even in their own territory. They were throwing the ball about and were eager to increase their lead. The visitors' forwards were often offside and they were also penalised for forward passes. They continued to hold on in scrums and tight rucks, but they did not take advantage of opportunities. During a long period when the New Zealand line-kicking was faulty, the ball going across field, Oliver and Caughey were desperately attempting to make openings, but Grieve, Walford and Harding, with fiery, swift tackling, defeated them. McShane's retirement with the top of his head bleeding necessitated withdrawing Hughes from the pack, resulting in Oxford concentrating on linekicking, in which they were effective. Sadler Saves the Day. With the minutes slipping away, the tourists tried every device to score but the defence held. Excitement, which ran high throughout the match, was now terrific. Sadler once burst through but was pulled down. Caughey dropped a pass when Oxford were penned on their line.

Here scrum followed scrum, and finally Sadler, with his sixth attempt, dashed round the scrum to score. Gilbert goaled with a great kick.

It was one of the most enjoyable games of the tour. The All Blacks' win was not a fluke, although a draw might have been a fairer result.

Sadler saved tho tourists. He is improving with every game and is

developing into a half-back equalling tho best. Caughey was off his game. Oliver has played better, but he held the backs together. Gilbert received a knock on the head, but lie continued.