RUGBY LEAGUE BRITAIN WINS TEST

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26546, 8 October 1951, Page 8

RUGBY LEAGUE BRITAIN WINS TEST

N.Z. Team Beaten, 21-15

TOURISTS LACK FINISH

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 7.10 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 6. The New Zealand Rugby League touring team was unlucky to be beaten, 21-15, in the first test against Great Britain at Bradford to-day, on a dry ground. New Zealand had the advantage territorially, and had long spells of lively, versatile attack. Had the team’s passing been more effective it must have finished well ahead. Good as the tourists’ forwards were, they made too many attempts to thrust through the middle. The forwards were more mobile than the One or two on the British side appeared cumbersome and slow. New Zealand had the most effective spoiler in the centre three-quarters. Baxter. He was the outstanding player of the match. The New Zealand team was also well . s . er^ ed b y Menzies, Haig, Mulcare, Mcßride, and McLellan. Although the teams shared possession almost evenly the ball rarely came out to England s fast men on the wings, Wilson and Cracknell. Britain Attacks First Great Britain opened the attack with a dash in which Ward was tahkled after K„? u J. st ‘ Thompson carried play further J2LP* eat B , ritai ” was Penalised. White to BO “ wi l h a lon «-range attempt. Britain continued to press keenly, and Ward made another fine dash through the defence, but he was not well supported and the movement was covered. Another midfield attack by Britain was thwarted through fine tackling by Bax-

Then New Zealand attacked' after a kick from the base of a scrum by Haig. Great Britain had its work cut out to prevent the tourists from scoring. Several New Zealanders, McLellan in particular were pulled down inches short. The tourists were versatile in attack, but Britain worked play back to midfield where Blan broke away. War*! handled for Wilson, by swerving, to score a brilliant try which Gee easily converted.

Great Britain soon added to its lead Greenall made an opening from which Cracknell sped over for a try unopposed. Gee failed to goal. Johnson Scores New Zealand fought back spiritedly and man after man was pulled down close to the line. Eventually Johnson flung himself over for a try which White goaled. The tourists maintained a hot, unorthodox attack. Britain was penalised but White failed with a goal kick from a favourable spot. Most of the play was within Great Britain’s twenty-five. Ward intervened to spoil a promising passing bout. New Zealand’s full-back, White, was out of form as a goal-kicker. Another attempt, this time from straight in front but well out, failed. Towards half-time Britain was attacking, with Greenall prominent. England led 8-5 at’ half-time. After the resumption Britain’s defence was hard pressed. Robertson dashed through a gap for a great try which White, from far out, was unable to convert. Britain went ahead again with a penalty goal by Gee. Then it was all New Zealand’s way again until Cracknell made a brilliant run from one of his rare chances. He was only just stopped. White levelled the scores by kicking a penalty goal. Lead Regained Cracknell put Great Britain in an attacking position with a speedy run He was hurled into touch by Haig. A scrimmage took place near the New Zealand line, from which Williams cut through in characteristic style to make a clean opening for Greenall, who scored a try which Gee goaled. Another attack by Britain resulted in a try near the flag by Wilson. Gee failed to convert. This made the score: Britain 18, New Zealand 10. New Zealand attacked again but looked tired. Wilson again crossed for a try for Britain which Ward failed to convert. Then the tourists produced the try of the match. A great solo run by Easttake ended when he beat Cunliffe to score a try. White kicked the goal. At the end it was apparent the New Zealanders had more of the play, and with better finish would have been substantially ahead. The scores were:,Great Britain 21 (tries by Wilson 3, Cracknell, and Greenall; three goals by Gee), New Zealand 15 (tries by Johnson, Robertson, and Eastlake; three goals by White).