ENGLISHMEN WIN FIRST TEST

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 152, 29 June 1914, Page 16

ENGLISHMEN WIN FIRST TEST

A BIG MARGIN. (By Telegraph.— Press Association.-- Copyright.) SYDNEY, 28th June. After a successful country tour, the Northern Union English team played the first of the three Test matches against Australia in dull, weather. The rain overnight softened the ground, which was in the visitors' favour and was quickly noticeable. The country matches have impioved the Englishmen's form, and their splendid combination stopped the Australians' opening rush. The visitors' first goal came from a free-kick, brilliantly taken by Longstaffe. / Even play followed until England's three-quarters got away, and after a fast, brilliant passing run, Moor* tiouse scored between the posts. Jarman failed to convert. A few minutes later play settled down in the Englishmen's half. Close play followed, England making persistent attempts to get the backs going, but failed. Uninteresting play occurred for some time in the Englanders' half, until a forward rush took the ball into Australian territory, but they were unable to cross the line. Some uninteresting long-kicking by the backs gave way to several dashes on both sides towards the end of the half, nothing e\entuating. At half-time the scores were— England, 5}5 } Australia, nil. Exciting play marked the opening rushes of the 'second half, the Englishmen again showing a determination to reverse the previous defeats. Although the game centred dangerously near the visitors' goal, the Australians failed to score. After fast, clever three-quarter work, Clarke notched another try for England, Robinson converting. The Englishmen continued to press, Longstaffe adding a brilliant penalty goal from the half-way line. After some open play in the centre, the Australians followed up the ball across the Englishmen's line, but the ball was touched down. The Australians pressed hard, but the Englishmen got going, and by brilliant passing, Robinson was enabled to score, Longstaffe failing to convert. Tackling keenly, the Englanders broke down the Australians' defence, Holland scoring a try, and Robinson converting. Play was fast and furious. Moorhouse added a further try, which spurred the Australians to make a final effort, resulting in Norman slipping over. He scored the Australians' only try, Dolewski converting. The final scores were — England, 23 ', Australia, 6.