ALL BLACKS’ WIN

Hokitika Guardian, 16 December 1935, Page 5

ALL BLACKS’ WIN

V. WELSH CLUBS

FORWARDS ‘ WILLING’’ BATTLE.

‘(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright).

LONDON, December 14

The New Zealanders defeated Neath and Aberavon by 13 points to 3 the half-time score being 8 points to 3. ‘Corner played at half-back- Eighteen thousand ivere present. New Zealand immediately attacked, Oliver completing a passing rush and going over in the corner (Hbert did not convert. New Zealand 3—Aberavon 0. Both teams were very keen and there were some vigorous exchanges among the forwards. , The packs clashed repeatedly, aml blows were often exchanged. The referee twice spoke to players. The game concluded with both sides keeping the ball tight; the All Blacks apparently being content to hold their lead. - The crowd several times hooted the New Zealanders, but the local men were often guilty of illegalities. The home side attacked for a long period, after which Ball securing from the loose in his own twenty-five, ran fifty yards and passed to McLean. Three others handled before the leather came hack to Mclean, xvho sent on to ‘Griffiths, ivho scored twenty yards out from the posts. Gilbert converted. New Zealand 8— Aberavon 0. Hot work followed, the referee speaking tcy a. New Zealander, and James goaled from a penalty from a serum infringement. New Zealand 8 — Aberavon 3.The Rome forwards opened in great style, after the resumption, and made many fiery rushes but they were unable to break the defence. McLean picked up from the serum and hnllocked his way over bv sheer strength. Gilbert converted. New Zealand 13— Aberavon 3.

The home team were individually brilliant but as has repeatedly been the case with teams that the tourists have, plaved the Welshmen were unable to finish off their movements. An unusual incident occurred at half-time a small boy, amid cheering, presented a Avreath to the reteiee, Mi Hiddlestoiie, avlio was unpopular with the spectators. Hiddlestoiie kicked the fiow'ej-s away lis the youngster raced back to the side line.

Play in the second half Avas mostly confined to the forwards. Occasionally tempers were frayed, and twice blows were exchanged, the home team did not fulfil expectations, as Welsh forwards usually 'do much better. Griffiths and Tindill, considering they were playing together for the first time, combined well, Griffiths seeming perfectly at home at second live-eighths, although he was apt to overdo the kicking to the sideline. However, lie was doubtless playing to instructions, and was one star of the match. He tried hard, and made numerous long runs, piercing the defence, and also defending soundly. McLean was good but McKenzie was superior, an t ] Ft will he surprsing if the former is preferred against Wales, especially in the event of wet weather. McKenzie was one of the hardest workers in the pack, and was ably supported by Mahoney, Lamboum and Hadley. Taking a, line on to-day’s . plax against ai pack supposed to be one oi the best in Wales, everything points to a New Zealand victory against Wales. _ Critics declare that New Zea am has not experienced a harder game than that against Neath and Aberavon avlio attacked for long peiuxs, and did not exert themselves in scrummages, using their efforts cno ly in the loose.