HALIFAX MATCH.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 103, 24 January 1908, Page 7

HALIFAX MATCH.

. HOW THE NEW ZEALANDERS WERE BEATEN. BT TEI.EQItAPH —PHKB3 ASSOCIATION—COrT^IQHT, (Bee. Jan..23, 7.18 p.m.) Sydney, January 23. Tho following comments are made, by London papers on the New Zoalandors' match against Halifax, which the latter won by 9 points to 4—3 tries to 2 goals. The "Daily Telegraph" says the prevalent conditions told heavily against the New Zealandcrs. Considering the heavy going, tho play was open and attractive, Halifax in particular passing and running well. A movement soon after tho commencement, by tho Homo backs, resulted in Ecclcs scoring. This was followed by 'Messenger kicking a penalty goal. . Thomas obtained a second try for the Yorkshire side, and, although Messenger landed another penalty goal, Halifax led by six points to four at half-timo. Throughout tho second half Halifax more than held their own. Another try was put on by the Home team, which was dangerous on many occasions, and was only prevented from scoring by tho rcsoluto tackling of the All' Blacks. Tho " Daily Chronicle " says that in meeting Halifax tho New Zealandcrs faced one of tho stillest tasks of their tour. The game was one of tho best contested of the series played, and it was no disgraco to the All Blacks being beaten. The victory of three tries to two goals indicates not only tho superiority of the winning side in attack, but also in defence. Tho " Manchester Guardian " says it was evident that tho wretched weather and tho sodden state of tho grounds lately havo brought the New Zealandcrs moro on a level with tho Northern Union clubs! The victory of Halifax was tho result of brilliant play | and tho speed of tho wing men.