THE LEAGUE GAME.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue LXVIII, 24 June 1912, Page 5

THE LEAGUE GAME.

NE W ZEAL ANDERS DEFEATED

3Y C A BiII!—PRESS ASNnOTATTON—TOPYRTOHT. SYDNEY, June 23. There was an attendance of 28.000 at the opening match of the New Zealand Rugby League's tour against New South Wales, which the home team won by 27 points to 8. The teams were as follows:—

New Zealand—Full-back, Hargrea*ves: three-quarters, Gilmour, Bradley, Weston: five-eighths,.S. Kelly and Carlaw; half, Barber; forwards; Francis, Dunning, Rukutai, Dervan, Irvine, and H. Hay ward.

New South Wales.—Full-back, Hallet; three-quarters, Broomham, Messenger, Gilbert, Frawley; halves, McKivat and Campbell; forwards, Courtney, Noble, McCue, Pearce, Sullivan, and Cann.

In the first spell play was of an even character, but as the New Zealanders only lfcmded after midnight, after a rough trip, the Welshmen's superior condition told at the finish.

New South Wales kicked off, and at once pressed. A passing rush ensued between Courtney, Messenger, and Gilbert, from, which the latter scored. The try was unconverted. Russell replaced Broomham, who was injured, and after a froe-kick to New Zealand, Russell initiated a passing rush, the ball travelling from Campbell to McCue. and Messenger converted. Towards the end of the first spell. Gilmour dribbled and then kicked. He raced the Welsh full-back for the ball and scored, also converting the try. New South Wales, 8;. New Zealand, 5. The defence of both teams was severely tested. , In the second spell the New Zealanders were ovevrnnic^rl. tries Inein£r sc"%ed for New South Wales by Russell (2), Messenger. Courtney, and Frawley, two of which Messenger converted. Barber soored a try for New Zealand, which was not converted. The New- South Wales backs indulged in much pretty Dassing, and beat the New Zealand backs. The final try was a splendid piece of work. Starting from near their own line, the Welsh backs carried the ball the length of the field against determined tackling, Frawley being the scorer. Gilbert aM Cn".n pave the best exhibition. The Xew Zealand forwards showed great dash, and Monday's game is expected to be more even. Campbell jvas kicked and had his ankle broken in the second spell.