BRILLIANT GAME

Gisborne Times, 11 December 1926, Page 7

BRILLIANT GAME

ST HELENS BEAT N.Z. LEAGUE

TEAM

UNFORTUNATE INCIDENT IN CLOSING STAGE.

ALL BLACK ORDERED Or 1-

LONDON Dec. 9. St. Helens heat the New Zealand League team by 22 points to iz. Although defeated, the New Zealand team gave a brilliant exhibition and scored the same number of tries as St Helens, but failed in goal kicking. Lewis kicked live goals for St Helens. Both teams handled speedily and accurately, despite the drizzling rain. The excellence of the New-Zealand pack discounted the superior play of the St. Helens’ threequarters behind the scrum. The New Zealand forwards were also superior in the loose. .

Brown scored two tries, and Avery* and Gardiner one each. Ellaby (two,.) Fairclough and Heath scored St. Helens’ tries. The New Zealand team was: Gregory, Brown, Cole, Kirwan, Gardiner. Webb, Brisbane, nerring, x'eterson, Carroll, Wright, Thomas, and Avery.

There was an unfortunate incident in the closing stages. Ellaby eluded Gardiner and scored a try which Gardiner disputed with the touch judge, whom ihe struck. The referee immediately ordered him off. Gardiner, interviewed, admitted that he struck the blow, which he declared was entirely due to the touch judge using an insulting expression. The touch judge refused to make a statement.

The League is inquiring into the incident.—o .P.A.

GARDINER ALLEGES INSULTING WORDS BY TOUCH JUDGE.

ALL BLACK AND REFEREE WALK OFF ARM IN ARM.

(Received Dec. 10. 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 9. Gardiner interviewed, said: —“The touch judge signalled a try when Ellaby" crossed. I disagreed, and said so. The judge said ‘Keep your eyes open, you dirty Dago.’ I lost my temper and struck him.” The Daily Mail says that Gardiner was disinclined to leave the field, but eventually he and the referee went off arm in arm, amid cheers. —Sun.