SMASHING VICTORY

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 153, 30 June 1936, Page 9

SMASHING VICTORY

RUGBY LEAGUE TEST AUSTRALIA TOO FAST ENGLAND BEATEN BY 24 TO 8 SYDNEY, June 29. Australia has bright prospects of wresting the Rugby League ashes from England for the first time since 1920 as the result of a smashing victory by 24 points to 8 in the first Test today. The attendance was 63,920 and the gate receipts amounted to £6115 10s 9d. People began to assemble outside the ground as early as 5 a.m. Some brought blankets, as the early weather was bleak, and by 8 a.m. at least 200 cars were parked outside the ground. The game was played under ideal conditions. After a dour first spell, the second spell proved almost a walkover for Australia, who outgeneralled and outpaced the visitors in brilliant patches of open play. England's defence wilted under the strain of a perpetual chase of speedier and more thrustful opponents.

The teams were:— England—Belshaw, Morley, Atkinson, Brogden, Edwards, Jenkins, McCue, Beverley, Woods, Hodgson, Miller, Field, Silcock. Australia.—Beaton, Crippin, Brown. Hey, Ridley, Norman, Thicknesse, Prigg, Heidke, Pearce, Curran, Fairall, Stehr. England failed to invade the home half in the first 20 minutes. Towards the end the Englishmen were run off their legs. Belshaw, Edwards, and Morley were at fault in hanging off tackles at critical moments. The first try came from a rush started by Beaton. Pearce, Thicknesse, Brown, Norman, and Heidke handled after the full-back's transfer, giving Ridley an easy crossing. Hey's thrust was responsible for the second, try, Brown outpacing Belshaw, who was being forced to defend against resolute attempts to "give the ball the air.' Brown goaled from two of six penalties, due mainly to play-the-ball infringements. Beverley crossed for England, using sheer strength fronv a goal-line melee. A minute before the bell Silcock and Stehr were ordered off for stand-up fisticuffs. OPEN TACTICS. The second spell revealed the Australian open tactics. Norman crosskicked in front of a bunch of Australian forwards, enabling Pearce to cross after outpacing Hodgson. The last try was due to opportunism. An attempted field goal by Belshaw hit a post. Norman gathered in the rebound and brought play to England's twentyfive. Prigg joined the backs in. a glorious movement, Brown dummying his way over near the posts. Beverley scored England's second try in the closing stages following a thrust by Jenkins and Edwards. Tries were scored './? Australia by Brown (2), Ridley, and Pearce. Brown kicked four goals and Beaton two. For England Beverley scored two tries and Hodgson kicked a goal. England missed Brough, Risman, and Smith. Atkinson was weak on attack and an unskilled leader. He was unable to close up the game in the face of superior supporting speed. McCue and Jenkins were slow, jarring the combination.