RUGBY LEAGUE

Hokitika Guardian, 20 September 1937, Page 3

RUGBY LEAGUE

<•+«•■ KANGAROOS WIN. (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). LONDON, September 18. The Australian Rugby, League team whose arrival by the A raw a in England was delayed, played their first match to-day, when they defeated Leigh by il points to 9. The match was not without its thrills. Although the Australians, so soon alter leaving the boat, were naturally a bit green, they attacked with considerable vigour, and were ahead ov 5 to nil alter thirteen minutes’ play. There was persistent tine work by Curran, Prigg. Heaton. McLean', Norman and Davies,: The half-time score was o to 2 in Australia’s favour. Leigh had bv now, settled down, and l U«y launched a series of strong attacks on the Australian line. A succession of scrums followed.' Leigh were then awarded a penalty almost in front of the goal, and Thompson goakd. Australia next made a rally, Williams and Norman making an opening to pass to McKinnon; who scored. Beaton failed to convert with an easy shot. The score then was,: Australia 8; Leigh 4. McLean had to leave the field three times on account of an injured knee, but he returned. Leigh again applied pressure and again Thompson goaled, making the score 8 to 6 in Australia’s favour. The closing stages of the game were exciting. Leigh went ahead to nine points and took the lead when Lomas dribbled over the line to score, Thompson, however, failed with the kick. The Australian Ward, then made n wonderful run, and Stehr next tried to batter his way through. Then Williams and Norman got going, and the latter, making a fine opening, threw n long pass to JTazelton, who Hew over in the corner for a try. McKinnon just failed to convert, and the’ game ended immediately after, 11 to 9 in Australia’s favour.. The gate receipt’s were £3lO, or £24 less than four years ago in the Australia v. Leigh match.