All Blacks’ 31 Point Victory.

Northern Advocate, 21 July 1938, Page 12

All Blacks’ 31 Point Victory.

(Received 8-30 a.m.) SYDNEY, July 20. The All Blacks, under almost impossible and muddy conditions, beat the New South Wales Western Districts’ team by 31 points to nil, at Wellington to-day. The game coincided with the breaking of the dry weather. Rain fell continuously, and it was extremely difficult to distinguish the players.

The inexperienced western forwards were plucky, but unable to cope with the hard rucking of the New Zealanders, who, once into their stride, scored regularly. Hard Forward Game, The All Blacks endeavoured to openup play from the beginning, but the ball was too slippery. Eventually, the game developed into a hard forward struggle. Hooper made a fine impression, with some dazzling runs on the treacherous field. Wesney and Griffiths were solid, while Taylor fielded magnificently. Bowman was an excellent forward. If conditions are wet for the first test against Australia, it will be hard to omit Jackson, who was also good in his first game. The All Blacks’ forwards won the ball from the scrums and rucks. They obtained excellent wet-weather practice, as there is a possibility of rain for the first test.

Tries for the All Blacks were scored by Wright (3), McKenzie (2). Lambourne, Wynyard. and Dalton. Wesney converter two and kicked a penalty goal. Half-Time Score. The All Blacks led at half-time by 19 points to nil. The first try resulted from a brilliant run by Hooper, who sent Lambourne over. Wright’s try was the result of hard running for the corner. The remainder of New Zealand’s scores were from, dribbling rushes.