Kiwis Raise Test Hopes By Fine Win Over Newcastle

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30147, 3 June 1963, Page 14

Kiwis Raise Test Hopes By Fine Win Over Newcastle

"The Press" Special Service NEWCASTLE, June 2. The New Zealand Rugby League team, without eight probable test players, boosted its prospects to beat Australia next Saturday with a splendid 24-6 victory over the renowned Newcastle side yesterday. New Zealand produced the form which won both tests against Great Britain last year and scored four tries without having their own line crossed.

Even in the first half, which was marred by too many penalties. New Zealand still managed to produce good football. This first spell was nearly reduced to a farce when the referee. Mr K. Lyons, awarded 14 penalties, from which there were 10 attempts at goals.

At the end of 20 minutes there had been eight kicks at goal, five by Newcastle’s former Australian representative. B. Carlson, and D Sargent, and three by the Kiwi full-back, J. E. Fagan Fagan was in deadly form and landed six out of seven attempts.

Penalties came inexplicably from scrums and play-the-ball movements but never at any time did the referee use the advantage rule.

The second half made up for the lack of play in the first spell and the Kiwis showed up prominently The second string hooker, G. C Blackler. considerably improved his chances of being included in the first test. He broke even with the experienced Newcastle rake, A Burnan. and played outstanding football in loose running, more like a loose forward As the test hooker. R J Butterfield, is stall doubtful because of injured ribs. Blackler may win his big chance. Sinel Played Well Another to impress was the loose forward. H. R Smel. who toiled solidly. R C AckLand was the instigator of most of the attacking moves, while J D. Ell wood playing his first match amongst test players, made numerous breaks. The wing. B T Reidy, continued to produce top form, and with his clever running, registered two tries The West Coast centre. R. K Griffiths, also played well. New Zealand's chances are now much brighter. while positions in. the teat side are wide open The New Zealand team -was- J. E. Fagan. F. White. B T Reidy. R. K Griffiths. R. W Bailey. J D Ell wood W L Snowden. H R. Sinel R. C Ackland. B S. Lee, H K Emerv S. K Edwards. G C. Blackler. Newcastle, well known as a “graveyard” tor touring overseas sides, started off

strongly and for a while it looked as though the team would uipset the Kiwis, but New Zealand went to 9-2 at half-time. Newcastle got as close as 9-6 early in the second half but then the Kiwis put the issue out of doubt.

Two goals by Fagan gave New Zealand a four-nil lead after 14 minutes. Sargent registered the first points for Newcastle when Blackler was penalised in a scrum. Lee crossed for the first try soon after when Ackland broke clear for the second time;

After half-time, two penalty goals by Carlson cut Newcastle’s deficit, but then Reidy crossed for the first of his two tries Lee scored next after both Ell wood and Ackland had broken clear. Reidy scored three minutes from the end after Sinel had jinked his way through. Fagan converted all the tries.

The ground was the hardest the New Zealand team had struck and goal-kickers bad to scratch around for loose earth to build mounds for their attempts.