BRITISH R.L. SIDE TOO SPEEDY FOR AUCK. THIRTEEN

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23325, 7 August 1950, Page 7

BRITISH R.L. SIDE TOO SPEEDY FOR AUCK. THIRTEEN

(P.A.) AUCKLAND, Aug. .7. Showing all-round superiority Britain defeated Auckland in a Rugby League match at Carlaw Park on Saturday by 26 points to 17. Britain scored six tries, three of which were converted, and a penalty goal to three tries, two converted, and two penalty goals. Weather conditions were fine and the ground was in splendid order after rain during the week. There was an attendance of about 15,000. Any chance Auckland had of winning was thrown away through poor tackling. Repeatedly the British players were allowed to run through and gain yards of ground against lamentable attempts to bring them down. Shining lights in the visiting backline were R. Williams, stand-off half to Bradshaw half-back and the centres, F. Ward (captain) and T. Danby. Bradshaw capped a fine display with three tries. Nevertheless, the visiting player who caught the eye most was Williams in a splendid all-round and heady display. Ward, too, showed that he still retained some of his former brilliance. H. Street played an outstanding game as back-row forward and was well supported by F. Higgins and K. Gee. Speed and Defence The Auckland backs had very few real chances and when they did were quickly checked by the fast-covering defence. The forwards, except for a short period in the second spell, were overshadowed. There were no outstanding players in the home team with the exception of the forward, C. Johnson. Five minutes after the start Ward opened the scoring with a penalty goal from the twenty-five. Williams made a fine opening on the blind side of the scrum and Danby came up in support to accept the transfer and race over. Ward missed the goal. Next Danby made an opening for Williams, who although tackled was allowed a try when it appeared that he should have played the ball. Ward converted from short range. J. Hilton, the wing, although knocking the ball on, was allowed to gather again and go over. Ward easily converted to put Britain 15 points in the lead after 20 minutes of play.

Auckland’s turn came when D. White, the full-back, kicked a penalty goal from a handy position at the twentyfive.

Reverse Passing

Danby, Street and Williams were associated in excellent reverse passing, the last-named diving over between the posts. Ward missed the goal. Barchard made a fine break in an Auckland back attack and reverse passed to Robertson, who scored unopposed. White missed the goal and halftime came with the score: Britain, 18; Auckland, 5. Aucldand went to the attack on the resumption and J. Cunlifie, the visiting full-back, was penalised near his own goal to give White an easy kick. England soon returned to the attack for Street to race over between the posts. He failed to force down correctly and lost the try. In the only incident of the keen match Bradshaw sent a right hook to the jaw of D. Wright, Auckland forward, who is twice the size of his opponent. Wright took no notice. Auckland played better at this stage and Robertson from the loose scored by the posts. White converted. Danby then made a corkscrew run through the defence to score by the posts. Ward converted. From the loose C. Johnson, New Zealand prop forward, made a strong run and transferred to Wright. The latter crashed through a tackle to score at the corner. White converted with a great kick The pace began to slacken with both teams tiring. Right on time Danby raced through the Auckland inside backs to score his third try. Ward missed the goal and the game ended: Britain 26. Auckland 37.