FOOTBALL AND FISTS

Evening Star, Issue 25635, 8 November 1945, Page 4

FOOTBALL AND FISTS

MATCH FOR JORDAN GUP NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA DRAW (Rec. 10.45 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 7. In the match for the Jordan Cup the New Zealand Services and the Australian Air Force drew, 8-8. The score fairly indicated the fighting as well as the Rugby abilities of the New Zealanders and Australians. Playing for the cup at Richmond, says the Australian Associated Press correspondent, flying fists among the forwards were as common as flying backs behind. Both sides were too keen, and seldom brought off a complete movement, but the large crowd, including many-New Zealand and Australian servicemen, was kept in a pitch of excitement - by the speed of the play as much as by the occasional bouts of fisticuffs and frequent wrestling matches, for which the former All Black referee, J. G. Hore, three times was forced to stop - play and warn players .on both sides. Only two men were injured,- both accidentally. The New Zealanders scored first. Bullock, second'.five-eighth, followed up » short (passing rush by the New Zealand forwards for a try, which was not converted. The Australians opened the second spell, fighting to equalise, and succeeded when their forwards made an opening for Browne, centre three-quarter, to score close to the posts. McGilvray converted. The New Zealand forwards now fought back and gave the ball to the hacks. Geary, first five-eighth, stab-kicked, and Botting, wing three-quarter, chased the ball over the- line. Johns converted, giving the New Zealanders the lead, 8-5. Close to time the Australian halfback, Crozier, wriggled Tound the scrum battle area and sent Dennet over for the equalising try.