NEW ZEALAND v. AUSTRALIA.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVIII, Issue 168, 20 July 1914, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND v. AUSTRALIA.

THE FIRST TEST

A CLOSE GAME.

rpju:.s.s Association.] (Received July 19, 5.5 p.m.) ' SYDNEY, July 18

Tho first Kugby Union test between Now Zealand and Aiistralia was pkved on the .sports ground in the-ijre-Sciieti of Sir Ronald Mun,vo-Fei'gu«otj, Sir Gerald Stirickland, and a crowd or 30C0. The recent rain made the ground heavy and slippery, and con>'!*nt showers during the afternoon did not improve the condition of the ground. A strong choppy cross wind did not fnvor fithe)' team. Play opened witli fast foi-wartl work, the A%stra)ian forwards attacking vi^orons'ly^ bnt the Black backs repulsed the attack. Bine "forwards again attacked and Thomson took the ball over the line, but a force down resulted. The Maorilanders were again forced a few minutes later. After centre play Ryan secured the ball from the lineoat and passed to Black* who sent it

on to Lynch, who failed to take ifa& pass. Th© New Zealanders maintained the attack and a force down relieved the Blues. Flynn made » fine rtuij but was well tackled. Graham broke away and took the ball down the field, Dwyer clearing and finding touch well down the line. The New Zealanders again attacked, and when half-time was called there wasno score.

On resuming the New Zcalanders gained an advantage by the wind veering since the first half. From play near the centre: Ryan secuired and kicked'too hard, a.farce down resulting. The Blue forwards set up a vigorous attack, but O'Brien relieved. The Australians, again attacked, but Wogan fumbled the ball. Then the Black forwards came away with an irresistible rush, fine work by Francis enabling McNoece to score," and Graham converted. A little later E. Roberts' and Lynch made a fine effort, the former nearly scoring. The Blues attacked, R. Roberts andT. Taylor checking the rush.' Ryan. made a fine unsupported run and took the ball to ihe Australian.; twenty-five, 'when he was pulled down. The New Zealanders, gathering round, attacked hard, the Australians with difficulty repulsing them. The Blues returned the attack, E. Roberts relieving the dangerous pressure. The Maorilamders were attacking vigorously when the final whistle sounded, the .scores being: New Zealand 5, Australia nil. Throughout the game, the forwards on eitheir side had all the play." The backs were unable to get moving, owing to the slippery ground and ball. The New Zealand pack proved superior in scrum and foot work. ; Giiillaux recived an- ovation-on landing in the sports ground, completing his flight from Melbourne to. Sydney. He delivered his aerial mail, j including a.-letter from' the Victorian. I Governor to the Governor-General.