Kiwis Defeated In Opening Match: 25 Points to 12

Northern Advocate, 13 June 1938, Page 3

Kiwis Defeated In Opening Match: 25 Points to 12

'Received 0.3 n run.' SYDNEY, Juno 11. iii oi a magnificent open display in die first" spoil, when it was definitely superior in many phases oi! tlio Rugby League code. Now Zealand was defeated by New South Wales in the opening match of its tour teday by 25 points to 12. There was an attendance of 28.303 spectators. New Zealand’s Early Lead. New Zealand held the lead until 15 minutes after the interval, when Kay retired with a dislocated shoulder. After this stage, the visitors were outweighted with a man short and were unable to resist an avalanche of tries. The score at half-time was B—3 in New Zealand's favour. Scorers for New South Wales were Dawson ;2.f Narvo <3». Goodwin and Roh.er. Williams kicked two goals. For New Zealand. Kay and MeNelght scored tries, and Hemi kicked three goals.

Even with a full team on the field throughout, it is extremely doubtful if New Zealand could have withstood the superior weight, back and forward, of New South Wales. Brilliant Football. Tiro first spell produced brilliant football, the visitors outpacing the opposition. featuring in mutual support and positional knowledge. ' The visitors' speed nonplussed the home backs, Brodrick, McNeight and Herring often combining with the three-quarters in dangerous rushes.

New Zealand’s Bad Luck. New Zealand deserved a bigger lead than 3 —3 at the end of the spell, Hemi having failed with several kicks from good positions. New Zealand pressed early, and was unlucky when McNeight, following a charge down, failed to gather the rolling ball five yards worn the open line. Dawson opened the scoring, grubberkicking 30 yards down the wing, and following on. Kay equalised the score, accepting a pass from Tittlcton when Johnston failed: to clear.

New South Wales was frequently penalised, and Hemi goaled from the 25 yards line, but missed two other easy kicks. Doubling round the threequarters. McNcight crossed at the corner, carrying two rivals over with him. New Zealand had much the bettor of the spell.

The Second Spell. New Zealand faced a fairly strong breeze in the second half. It attacked with astonishing dash, and looked certain to score twice, but mishandling by the centres prevented tries. Mereover, two easy penalty goals were missed. These lapses proved costly, and from this stage New Zealand was continually defending. Weight began to tell, and New South Wales repeatedly won the scrums, but the visitors continued to tackle nobly. Kay was injured in tackling the winger, Goodwin. who scored at the corner. Tetley was placed at live-eighths and Tittleton at centre. Willi 12 men. New Zealand was outclassed. Willrec; Briinble gave good service, with few opportunities in the second spell. He also tackled well. Chase was'the best back. Herring and Brodrick were the outstanding forwards. Kay fs unlikely to play for a fortnight.