Australia v. New Zealand.

Feilding Star, Volume XXVII, Issue 35, 4 September 1905, Page 3

Australia v. New Zealand.

' Telegraph Press Association Copyrighi Dunedin, September 2. The match betweeu Australia ! and New Zealand was played on Tahuna Park to - day. All the grounds were under water but Tahuna Park, the portion played on being in wonderfully good order. The subsoil is all sand, and there was not a drop of water on the ground, which though slightly heavy and somewhat rough, was as dry as a bone. The visitors admitted that their defeat by 14 to 8 was in no way due to the ground. A stiff breeze blew with the slope of the ground, and New Zealand had to contend against both in the first spell. Never theless they were attacking for the most of the spell, and in a series of dribbling rushes held the advantage. The ball came out after a lot of play to Wngley, who sent it on to Bennett and McPherson, who got to within a few yards of the line and passed it on to Wngley, who dashed over. The kick was unsuccessful. The Australians then became aggressive, and in New Zealand's 25's McLean picked the ball up and scored, no goal resulting. The sides changed over with the scores equal. In the second spell the Australians assumed the aggressive and disorganised the back play for some time. The New Zealand forwards then broke away, and MeMinn, dribbling from the 25's, scored a try that was not converted. New Zealand again attacked, and several chances of scoring were lost through faulty handling by the backs. Eventually from a scramble on the Australian line McMinn again scored — 9to 8. Australia then attacked, and passing among the backs let McLean away, but he was tackled on the line, New Zealand forcing. New Zealand again attacked, and from a loose rush Cross scored, Francis kicking a goal 14 to 3. The Australians played a good game, especially in the second half, their defence being particularly sound.