NEW ZEALANDERS IN SYDNEY

Evening Post, Volume XCVII, Issue 134, 9 June 1919, Page 4

NEW ZEALANDERS IN SYDNEY

DEFEAT IN THE FIRST GAME.

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COPIRIGHT.)

SYDNEY, Bth June.

The weather was fine and the ground in good condition for yesterday's League match, New South Wales versus New Zealand. There 'was an attendance of forty-four thousand. . The game was fast throughout, though the Blacks, particularly in the early part, showed the effects of the quarantine detention and want of practice; but in the second half they greatly improved, both in stamina and combination.

Shortly after starting, Horder opened the New South Wales account, scoring a try, which Oxford converted. Mixed play followed, ending in Mitchell kicking a penalty goal. From that point to the end of the spell, the New South Welshmen kept the visitors, hard pressed. Their forwards showed better in the pack, but the backs1 were outclassed. Cubitt and Horder each added a try, Horder converting the last. At halftime the scores, were : New South Wales, 13 ;. New Zealand, 2. In the second spell New Zealand forced the game, the ball being frequently in the home twenty-five. Before New Zealand rallied, the home team, after a great passing rush, scored, Bni'ge crossing the line and Horder converting. The visitors renewed the attack, and Ifwerson kicked a penalty goal. Then M'Gregor, securing from the kick-off, scored, and Ifwerson converted, making the score : New South Wales, 18; New Zealand, 9. A few minutes later Ifwerson kicked a penalty goal, and Davison, who took the place of Wilson, crossed the line, Ifwerson converting. Shortly after this Horder again scored and converted for New South Wales, and Ifwerson, kicking another penalty goal, made the final scores : . Now South Wales, 23; New Zealand, 18. The Sun says that neither team played at its best. To-morrow's match should be a better test. The New Zealand captain is quite satisfied with his team's work. With another match or two their combination will be all that can be desired.

The New South Wales team for Monday's match will 'be the same as Saturday's. In the New Zealand team M'Clymont will play at five-eighth, and Lang and Davidson at three-quarters, displacing Wilson and Mitchell.