League Tourists Give Impressive Display

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31384, 1 June 1967, Page 15

League Tourists Give Impressive Display

(From J. O. COFFEY. N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent) LITHGOW. The New Zealand Rugby League team gave easily its most impressive display when it beat Western New South Wales, 22-6, at Lithgow yesterday afternoon.

The score could well have been doubled. New Zealand players were recalled on five occasions by the referee, Mr K. Honeybrook, after the opposing line had been crossed. The Kiwi forwards were outstanding. C. E. O'Neil dominated the scrums, winning by the wide margin of 21 to 5. In the first half Western N.S.W. won only one of the 10 scrums. A heartening feature was the tremendous performance of the scrum-half, R. S. J. Irvine, who was playing his first game of the tour. When Western N.S.W. had possession, Irvine covered his backs continually and was occasionally called on to tackle the wing. R. W. Bailey and R. 1. Orchard, also making their first tour appearance, had quiet games.

The Kiwis are quickly winning a reputation as a team determined to throw the ball around at every opportunity Only a few passes went astray against Western N.S.W. The goal-kicking problems that the Kiwis have encountered may be lessened by the emergence of the prop, H. Tatana, as a kicker. After J. D. Ellwood had missed with his three at-

tempts, Tatana was brought on. He succeeded five times from seven attempts. The forwards continued to dominate the try scoring, and J. K. Dixon, A. Kriletech and H. R. Finel crossed. The fourth tty was scored by F. R. Christian after Kriletech had drawn the defence in and thrown a long pass to the unmarked Christian. The defence was sound throughout and Western N.S.W. seldom appeared likely to score. Its three goal kickers were successful only three times from seven attempts.

In the first half after which New Zealand led 15-4, K. McKimmon kicked two goals. G. Harvey added a third late in the game. Outside the brilliant Irvine, G. J. Wollard played competitively and lacked nothing in comparison with the former Kangaroo standoff E. Harrison. The Western N.S.W. fullback, M. Leary, was by far the most impressive of the local players. A crowd of about 5000 watched the match in sunny weather on a hard ground.