RUGBY LEAGUE

Evening Star, Issue 19952, 23 August 1928, Page 14

RUGBY LEAGUE

FAST, OPEN EXHIBITION NEW ZEALAND 27, ENGLAND 26 [Pun United Paras Association.] INVERCARGILL, August 22. After a fast, open exhibition of the League code New Zealand boat England by 27 points to 2(5. The ..weather was ideal, and tho ground was in capital order. Tho attendance was largo. J. Parkin, tho English captain, made his first appearance after being incapacitated for two mouths, and gave a line exhibition of half-back play. Tho visiting backs handled more accurately than their opponents, and would have scored further trios had infringements been less frequent. On the other hand, New Zealand’s score would have boon greater had Dufty turned to better account tho opportunities that came his way. Now Zealand won the toss, and defended tho northern goal, tho visitors facing a bright sun. A long kick placed New Zealand on tho attack, and passing among tho backs ended in Goodall struggling across the line. Dufty’s kick hit the post. An excellent offensive by tho Englishmen had the crowd on its toes. Play was carried right to New Zealand’s lino, and a score seemed imminent, when tho attack broke down, the Blacks clearing. A bright movement was started by Parkin, who raced up the right wing, and was well through the defence before passing to Eiiaby, who touched down In, the corner. Gower's kick just fell short. New Zealand had England penned in their twenty-five for a time, the defenders making several attempts to ease the pressure by bright passing movements, which were effectively blocked. From one of these tho ball was intercepted, and from a bum m passing Wethenl! raced across and touched down behind the posts, Dufty again failed to convert. England attacked strongly, and had worked into 0 good scoring position when a forward pass spoilt the opportunity. Slowman made a brilliant opening for the visitors, and tossed out a long pass to his three-quarters, the ball going out to Ellaby, who touched down in a favourable position for Gowers to convert. England were getting the bail from the scrums, and were throwing it about in great style, their clover in-and-out passing delighting the crowd. Prom a scrum in New Zealand’s area the ball wont out to Frodsham, whose in-pass was taken by Slowman, the latter swerving through cleverly to snore near he posts. Gowers converted. Tho Black forwards took play to the other end, and after a scramble on the line O’Brien shot across. Delgrosso’s kick •vent outside the posts. A great kick by Dufty again placed New Zealand m the attack, Wetherill gaining possession and beating several men, to go within inches of scoring. An infringe ment spoilt the effort, and from tho resultant scrum the Englishmen cleared to midfield. The ball was punted back -o Dufty, who drop-kicked a fine goal from 4.oyds out. Half-time sounded with the score:—

I England ... ... 13 I New Zealand ... ... ... 11 The second spell opened in New Zealand’s favour, a high kick by Ellaby -.hifting play to near halfway. The Blacks returned to tho attack, and warmed across tho lino, Lcrains tending down tvido out. Dclgrosso failed m convert. New Zealand were penalised when defending, and a good kick by Gowers narrowly missed. Spectacular play by the visiting backs gained considerable ground, a senira being ordered after the defence had been well beaten. New Zealand heeled, and clever play by Wetherill removed operations to England's side of halfway. A i great opening was made by Frodsham, who had the English back division in attendance, and in a crisp passing rush the ball went out to Ellaby, who was off for a try when he was pulled up For an infringement. Tho attack was persevered with, and not long afterwards Williams scored, Gowers converting. New Zealand launched a solid offensive, and had the visitors strongly defending, but tho Blacks were unable to drive nome the attack. A free kick to New Zealand straight in front of the goal gave Dufty a chance, the ball just falling short A wild pass, by n visiting back let the New Zealand forwards through, Eckhoff scoring in a handy position. Dufty converted, male ing the scores: New Zealand 19, England 18. Five minutes later a lightning attack by New Zealand swept up tho field, Brisbane capping the movement with a try near the posts. Dufty converted. England followed up this reverse by ruining play to the corner, where Frodsham scored. Gowers made a great effort to add the extra points, the ball dropping beneath the crossbar. With play in New Zealand’s twentylive the visitors commenced throwing the ball about in exhilarating fashion, the best movement of tho day culminating in Oliver scoring under tho posts. Gowers converted. The Blacks set up a whirlwind attack, and carried play to their opponents’ line, where tho defenders were penalised. Wetherill kicked across to the corner, and Scott, taking the bail on tho full, scored the winning try. Dufty failed to convert, and the game ended:—New Zealand ... 27 England 26