CLARKE’S KICKING SAVES MATCH FOR TOURISTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22658, 8 June 1948, Page 7

CLARKE’S KICKING SAVES MATCH FOR TOURISTS

BRISBANE, June 7. The New Zealand Rugby League team turned in another strong second half performance on Saturday to beat Queensland by 11 points to 10 after being down by eight to two at halftime. Clarke was again a big factor in the win, kicking four goals.

The New Zealanders had only two penalties in the second half which Clarke turned to good account. The centres Wiles and Robertson again starred, Robertson making some grand runs fiom “defensive" positions to go within an ace of scoring.

The game was fast and very tough. Both forward packs rucked hard, with a lot of trouble always in the rucks and scrums, warnings again being pre valent. The Australian test forward Brosnan was warned several times.

The run of play atoned for the bad error which cost New Zealand a try 20 seconds after the start. Clarke fumbled in his own goal and Hall, the Queensland second row forward, dived on the* bill. A big factor in Queensland holding the Kiwis so close was the winning of the ball in the scrums, Benton beating Smith 31 to 21. Decision Booed The match was watched by 20,00(1 who boned the decision which resulted in the New Zealendcrs’ winning goal. Wiles and Robertson were again easily the outstanding players for New Zea land, with Clarke’s k'cking a real match winning factor, as Queensland scored two tries to one. Brosnan was too strong for the Kiwi forwards, but the home pack was outplayed generally.

For the New Zealanders, Wiles scored a try and Clarke kicked four goals.

In the Australian team for the second test at Brisbane on Saturday, C. Churchill (N.S.W.) replaces PHdmg as full back, and in the forwards .1 Holland and D. Hall replace F. Farrell and J. Ravner. The team is: C. Churchill, P. McMahon. L. Smith. L. Pegg. J. Graves. W. O'Connell, K Froome, W. Tvquin, F. de Beiin. D. I-lall, J. Holland, K. Schubert, E Brosnan.