KIWIS’ DRIBBLING WINS DAY IN LEAGUE MUDBATH

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22664, 15 June 1948, Page 5

KIWIS’ DRIBBLING WINS DAY IN LEAGUE MUDBATH

(10 a.m.) NEWCASTLE, June 15. On a muddy rain-drenched field, the Kiwis gave a splendid display of Rugby League, defeating Newcastle by 10 paints to 9. The match which was played in continuous drenching rain, was the most exciting here for years. Newcastle led by 7 points to nil at half time and by 9 points to nil 15 minutes ueioie the end. The Kiwis then scored two convened tries within five minutes. Newcastle dominated the first half assisted by the wind, their forwardsoutplaying the Kiwis and the backs handling the wet ball brilliantly, especially Andrews who’ short-kicked to follow on for a good try. N.Z. Forwards Batter Defence In the second half, the Kiwis, using their heavier pack, persisted with the ball on the toe through the mud, battering the Newcastle defence. The first try was scored by Redmond after Belcham and Anderson figured in reverse play in front of the posts. Clark magnificently converted from the sideline, the best kick of the match. Hurndell toed the ball through the ruck for the second try,Clarke goaling close in. The hooker, Aynsley, had a three-to-one advantage in the scrums. The penalties were 19 to five in Newcastle’s favour. The home forwards were outstayed by the Kiwis but they gave the tourists the hardest match of "he tour. The Kiwis were freely penalised in the rucks for standing too close. Dribbling tactics paid and brought a good forward try. Newcastle had a big advantage in territory until the Kiwis damatically took the lend. Won Game By Dribbling The Kiwi forwards averaged a stone a man heavier and won the. game with persistent dribbling through the rucks. Hurndell and Johnson were outstanding and were never away from the balL Conditions were so bad in the second half that the players were covered by mud and obscured by rain, but the game was always moving and tense. Cunningham and Barchard grubberkicked for the forwards to follow on but the ground was too heavy to get a run on the ball. Rich, the left winger, made three great runs of 40 yards. Clarke was safe and was well protected by the forwards. Clarke’s goal was the highlight of the match. DOGFIGHT IN LEAGUE TEST (9 a.m.) SYDNEY, June 15. Correspondents of Sydney newspapers who were present hold divergent opinions as to v/hether or not there was rough play in the Rugby League test at Brisbane on Saturday. “The match developed into a dogfight between the forwards,” said George Crawford in the Sunday Telegraph. “Play became so rough that the referee stopped the game and cautioned both teams. The dog-fight began early in the second half when the Australian captain, Len Smith, instructed his forwards to tighten the play to protect the team’s lead. The Kiwis' seemed to panic, because • Australia’s tactics stopped them from opening out the play to start the scoring movements. In the rucks the Kiwi forwards swung rabbit-killers and at times boots flew recklesly. The Australians matched this with short-rib punches during tackles.” Writing for the Sunday Sun W. F. Corbett says he saw no fighting during the match, adding that there were fiery incidents.