UNLUCKY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 144, 21 June 1938, Page 17

UNLUCKY.

KAY'S INJURY.

GRIP ON GAME LOST. N.S.W. FORWARDS CARRY THE DAY. POOR GOAL KICKING. New Zealand's League footballers gave a good account of themselves at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday (June 11), says the "Daily Telegraph" in describing the opening match of the tour.

Defeated 25—12 by New South Wales, the Kiwie might have won had they not lost the five-eighth Kay early in the second half.

New Zealand was leading at the time, and had a good grip on the game.

Kay, playing in the etand-off position for the first time, was a real obstacle. It was not until he left the field that the New Soutli Wales backs started to function. Like the Englishmen, the Kiwis' defence was very solid. Forwards Fast From Pack. The backs more up on the opposition quickly, and the forwards are fast from the pack. Will Lams and Anderson had a 'hai i? time in the first half, but effectively varied their play in the second halt'. There were no weaknesses apparent in the New Zealanders' play, except, perhaps, their failure to win the ball in the scrums, and a little carelessness in handling. Thin, no doubt, will be corrected as the tour progresses. Praisa For Broderick. The forwards played splendidly, Broderick being the star. He caused excitement on one occasion by hurdling over one of the opposition. Gault and Herring were also conspicuous. Kay was great at live-eighth, and Brimble, the little halfback, is also a fine footballer, who sells a

"dummy" beautifully. Tittleton and Chase were solid in the centre, and are likely to trouble any opposition. Full-back Smith catches the ball nicely, has a longrange punt, and k a fine tackier.

The home forwards played a sterling game, especially Pearce, who was always in the thick of it. Xarvo was also outstanding with hfs forceful runs close Jo the goal-line. Dawson is definitely a <?reat winger, both in attack and defence. Goodwin played one of his best games, and Roser was much more effective than he was last week.

For three parts of the game New Zealand held the upper hand, and deserved it, writes Dinny Campbell, former Australian three-quarter. They played constructive football and penetrated the defence so often that they should have established an almost unassailable lead.

Xo one was more prominent than W. Blimble, the half-back. He is a very active player, and has a perfect pair of hands. His clever "dummy" w;is executed perfectly on several occasions.

It was extremely unfortunate that A. Kay was injured, and (had to retire. He and Chase as centres were far superior to their opposition. It was when Tetley was withdrawn from the scrum that the big New South Wales forwards gained the ascendancy. TetleyVs great work as loose forward was sadly missed. He broke quickly from the serum, and harassed botli Williams and Andeition very cleverly. Hemi and Brown completed an able three-quarter line. Smith, at full-back, played well, but did not live up to his reputation as a goalkicker. Hemi kicked three goals, but if he had been as accurate as we were told three more should have been registered.

The forwards wove energetic, but wilted during the last fifteen minutes. Broderick and McXeight lived up to the high reputations of New Zealand forwards of the past.

THE SECOND GAME. PLAYERS INJURED. Describing the second game, which NewZealand won by 37 points to 18, the "Sun" stated: — "The visitors showed dash and brilliance to-day in a match which was marked by lough play in the later stages. Porter and (.'onion were injured 25 minutes after half-time, leaving New South "Wales with 11 players. Hyde, who replaced Conlon at full-back, was aleo hurt. He resumed in a groggy condition and Norval went to iull-l>ack. Xurvo was next to be hurt. Ihe Maori forward (_oot<? was ordered oft the field following an incident after play had been resumed. Hemi kicked eight goals and scored a try for New Zealand."

E. T. MINCHAM BECOMES REFEREE. At the meeting of the Auckland RugbjLeague Referees' Association last evening, Mr. J. G. McC'owatt presiding, the matter of representation 011 tue sciiools management committee was raised by Mr. M. Wetherill. It was decided to make inquiries in furtherance of the suggestion.

E. T. Mincham, Richmond and latterly Mount Albert three-quarter, and an international player, was admitted to membership. He is a son of Mr. . Mincham, a member of the Auckland Rugby League Control Board and an ex-Auckland representaive player and international referee.

Mr. W. Mincham reported upon his visit to Rotorua where he controlled one of the opening matches of the new League on Saturday. He reported that there was much «nthusiasm for the code in the district.