LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3828, 7 August 1928, Page 3

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

FIRST TEST MATCH AVON BY NEW ZEALAND. , Auckland, August 6. The first Rugby League Test match between England and New Zealand played before an attendance of 27,000, resulted in a win for New Zealand by 17 points to 13. Good weather conditions prevailed and the ground was in good order.

The New Zealand team put up a magnificent defence, their tackling often frustrating likely scoring movements by the visitors. England was penalised frequently in the early stages for serum breaches and in the first spell Dufty and Delgrosso kicked penalty goals for New Zealand, while List scored a try which Delgrosso converted, making New Zealand’s score nine against England’s three (an unconverted try by Ellaby).

In the second spell L. Scott scored two unconverted tries for New Zealand and Delgrosso kicked a penalty goal. New Zealand then led 17 to three. England made a great rally toward the close. Fairelough and Oliver scoring tries under the goal posts and Sullivan converting both, the game ending: New Zealand 17— England 13.

The gate takings at the match totalled about £2OOO.

At a. complimentary dinner to the English League footballers on Saturday night, the English captain, Sullivan, in proposing the toast of the referee, indicated that lie did not agree with many of the rulings of that official. The referee, Mr. Bull, replying, said the Englishmen did not play the game and he considered that they were a lot of squealers.