Britain prevails in first league match

Press, 11 July 1984, Page 72

Britain prevails in first league match

NZPA staff correspondent Whangarei

The Great Britain rugby league team struggled to win its first match in New Zealand, but fitness eventually told in its 42-8 victory over Northern Districts. The 16-0 half-time lead suddenly looked in danger after Northern Districts scored two quick tries in the first quarter of an hour of the second half to come within eight points. The Northern Districts side was fired up and looking for a third try when the British side stepped up a gear. Two. tries in three minutes killed off the challenge of the New Zealanders,' and Great Britain walked in another three tries before • the final whistle.

Northern Districts, weakest of the four provincial

sides this season, put up a spirited display in the first half and it - took Great Britain half an hour to score the first of their eight tries. Poor handling, slack tackling and a generally lazy start by the British made their task harder, but when they finally put their passes together in the- last 20 minutes they were able to score at will against a tiring opponent.

The full-back, Keith Mumby, was carried off on a stretcher a few minutes into the second half with concussion suffered in a clash with the Northern Districts loose forward, Rusty Campbell. Last evening he was taken to a local hospital for a check-up.

Britain’s first try was scored by the wing, John Basnett, who was brought

out as a replacement during the Australian section of the tour.

Three minutes later forward Wayne Proctor was backing up well to take a pass from centre John Joyner as he was tackled.

A try by the second-row forward, Dick Smeath, after nine minutes fired up the home side and the loose forward, Campbell, added a second four minutes later. But Britain then stepped up a gear and never let Northern Districts see enough of the ball again.

Scores: Great Britain 42 (John Basnett, Wayne Proctor, Mick Adams, Bob .Beardmore, Garry Clark, Andy Gregory, John Joyner, Mike Smith tries; David Hobbs 3 conversions, one penalty goal; Proctor one conversion), Northern Districts 8 (Dick Smeath, Rusty Campbell tries).