LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 278, 25 October 1926, Page 3

LEAGUE FOOTBALL

NEW ZEALAND TEAM. DEFEATED BY OLDHAM. LONDON, Oct. 23. The New Zealand League team was beaten by Oldham by 15 points to 10. The All Blacks gave a fairly good display, but were handicapped by the failure of the forwards to get the ball from the scrummages. Thus the home backs were enabled to appear to advantage. Still the visitors stuck to their task well, and defended splendidly. Gregory often cleared well when hard pressed. The tourists had a bad time in the closing stages of the first half, when Oldham persistently attacked, sometimes introducing the most forceful tactics, though they scored only one try (by Corsi), which K'napman converted from the touchline. Brougli had previously landed a penalty. Knapman later dropped a goal, giving Oldham nine points lead at the interval. Oldham early in the second half played a particularly strong game; and the visitors for a considerable time were unable to make headway. Despite the stout defence, Holliday scored a try, which was not converted. Davidson and Brown constituted a strong wing, tho latter’s fine effort after taking tho ball at top speed enabling Davidson to score, and Dufty kicked a fine goal. Soon afterwards Chapman, who was playing a fine game, mado a bad mistake and let in Avery, Dufty converting. AVith only two points difference the game became exciting, but Ashworth scored a try .in the last minute, ruining the .visitors’ chances. The New Zealand team was: Gregory, Brown, Davidson, Sanders, Desmond, Brisbane, Hall, Mason, Herring, Gardiner, Avery, Dufty, Thomas. There were 15,000 spectators.—A. and N.Z. cable.