ROCHDALE HORNETS DEFEATED

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 73, 23 September 1926, Page 9

ROCHDALE HORNETS DEFEATED

A SURPRISE VICTORY.

(United Press Association.—Copyright.) LONDON, 21st September.

The New Zealand League team's match to-day was against Rochdale Hornets, and not against Castlcford, as in tho list originally publishod. Only a! remarkable rally in the iS_/jiul half enabled the New Zealanders to snatch a somewhat lucky victory. The New Zealand team was as follows:—C. Gregory, W. Desmond, B. Davidson, J. Parkes, H. Brisbane, H. Cole, W. Hall, W. Dermie, A. Carroll, E. Herring, L. Mason, N. Mouat, and H. Avery. In the first spell the New Zealanders secured an early lead, as the result of a grand penalty goal by Mason, but then found the Hornets a warm handful. The latter quickly recovered the lead when Walter Evans snapped up a stray pats and raced clean through the defence to score a great try. Grand work by the Hornets' forwards kept the New Zealanders on the defensive for long periods, and the Home .side only got its deserts when Langshaw crossed the line for a second try. Erratic finishing spoiled several good movements by the New Zealanders, and before the interval Evans scored a third try, but none of them were converted. At half-time the score was: Rochdale Hornets 9, New Zealand 2. Improved scrummaging enabled the New Zealanders to secure the advantage in the second half, which was contested at a thrilling pace. After Mouat had placed a penalty, the visitors' backs executed a surprise attack, ending in Parkes obtaining a try, which Mason converted with another splendid kick. The teams were then level, and a draw seemed certain, but two minutes before time Mouat put New Zealand ahead with a penalty goal, making the final score:— New Zealand 11 Rochdale Hornets .... 9