RUGBY LEAGUE N.Z. UNLUCKY TO LOSE TEST
England Wins, 20-19 To Take Rubber GAME CLINCHED BY PENALTY (Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.) LONDON, November 10. Great Britain won the second Rugby League test match and the rubber against New Zealand to-day at Swinton by 20 points to 19. It was a travesty of sporting justice that New Zealand should lose the rubber by a penalty goal awarded for a scrummage technicality two minutes from the end of a thrilling match which fluctuated from start to finish. New Zealand, by general consent, was the better team. They would have been worthy victors if fortune had not favoured the British full-back. Ledgard, with a simple goal-kicking chance at a crucial moment of a match in which New Zealand thrice held the lead. Tne performance of the New Zealand team as a whole far exceeded that of the British. The brothers Robertson were outstanding. Mautice Robertson played the game of a captain, and his 18-year-old brother, Bruce, responded to the call. In a kame full of thrills, there was no finer incident than Maurice Robertson’s pick-up of the ball at speed and beautiful pass which enabled his brother on the left wing to score. White added the goal with a great kick from touch. Eastlake and Barchard Succeed Eastlake and Barchard, deputising for Menzies and Haig, surpassed all expectations. The forwards played magnificently, both in the scrums and in the loose, where Atkinson, McLennan. Mcßride, and Mulcare were excellent. The fluctuating game of thrust and parry was such that White and the rival fullback. Ledgard, had only rare opportunities on attack. Forrest and Baxter, on the right wing, did not gain the same limelight as the Robertsons. The weather was perfect for the game. The Kiwis won the toss, and took the lead eight minutes later, when White kicked a penalty goal from 25 yards. The attendance, 28,246, was nearly half of what was expected. This was thought to be the result of, televising the game. Gate receipts amounted to £5403.
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Bibliographic details
Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26576, 12 November 1951, Page 8
Word Count
336
RUGBY LEAGUE N.Z. UNLUCKY TO LOSE TEST
Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26576, 12 November 1951, Page 8
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