THE ENGLISH TEAM.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14988, 8 June 1914, Page 4

THE ENGLISH TEAM.

WELL TROUNCED IX SIDNEY. A HUGE ATTENDAXCE AND RECORD "GATE. ,, (By Cable.—Prew Association.—Copyrifkt.) (Received June 7th, 5.5 p.m.) SYDNEY, June 6. Tho British Northern Union football team opened its tour against, a strong Metropolitan team to-day. The weather was fine. The gaino was all in favour of tho local men.. Owing to six of tho best British payers having only arfived on Thursday, the visitors' team was hardly so strong as it might have been, tho Metropolitan team practically represented tbo best League players in New Sauth Wales. Tho local men led at half-time by 23 points to 2, finally winning by 3S points to 10. Thero was a crowd of 50,000 present, and the gate takings were £2800, a record for the Northern Union game. The visitors opened brilliantly, and quickly had tho bnll within a few yards of the Metropolitan team's goal, but tho home forwards rushed play to England's territory, where they were awarded a penalty. Messengor landing a fine goal within the first ten minutes. Although Metropolitan were having the best of the gamfi, the English backs prevented them from doing any damage. Davirs got off-side, and Mos-, sengor added a further two points. Hallett, with a grand drop-kick, landed a third goal. Wood, England's full-back, was injured at this stage, and had to retire. Horder, after a brilliant rim. scored a magnificent try, which was converted by Messenger. The visitors' first score camo from a penalty, which Guerin landed from doss to the touclilino. Messenger again scored for tho home team with a splendid goal from half-way. , The last few minutes of the first half were exciting, Norman and Halloway adding tries in quick succession, both of which were converted. At half-time the scores were—Metropolitan 23, England 2. On resuming with a man short, the visitors' forwards did good work, but their defence was weak, and was beaten by the eplendid" combination and fast footwork of the Metropolitan team. Kelly, Deane, and Horder scored tries for the"home team, "irhich Messenger converted. The visitors were much 7 the" heavier team, but during practically tho whole of the second halt were on the defence, and had -to give way to the cleverness of the Australians. The Englishmen appeared nonplussed, and the lionio team seemed to do as it liked. Just before time was called, Holland scored a try for England, but Gucrin missed an easy kick at goal. This try was quickly followed by another by Prosser, which was converted by Rogers, making the final eooro— Metropolitan 38, England 10. England's defeat is attributed more to lack of combination than to lack of condition. Tho most material differences between tho toams were in methods and combination. In collective play and individual trickinesa the Colonials were suporior to the Engh'shmcn. Tho latter were weakened by tho retirement of Wood, who, contrary to Australian custom, was not replaced . j i. Tho Englishmen wero surprised by the talent shown, but, with their best men hi, they think they will ra.