N.Z. Bushmen At Rugby

Northern Advocate, 20 November 1943, Page 4

N.Z. Bushmen At Rugby

(Official N.Z.E.F. News Service) CAIRO, November 17. A North African port not previously visited by New Zealanders, was introduced to New Zealand style Rugby football when two teams representing the 14th New Zealand Forestry Company, which has seen three years’ service in England, played and won matches against teams selected from British units in the area. The B team played the curtain raiser which resulted in a six points win after a 6 —o deficit at half-time. The New Zealand points were . scored by Curry (probably of Northland) two field goals, and by Young, a penalty goal. Although the British senior side included two international players and prominent English club players, 3000 spectators witnessed the New Zealanders turn on a sparkling exhibition to secure a 39 points to three win. Play was hard and even in the eai'ly stage but their speed and ability to throw the ball about enabled the New Zealanders to gain the upper hand and remain on top for the remainder of the game. Fast breaking forwards gave the English backs little chance to exploit possession. Though beaten in line-outs, the Kiwis won in the scrums, rucked better than their opponents and gave the backs plenty of ball. Outstanding for New Zealand was Thomsen, breakaway forward, Johanson, half-back, and Halvorsen, second fiveeighths. The last nanrffed converted six of the tries. Scorers were Thomsen (three), Meggitt (two), Brettell, Meagher, D. J. Bradley and F. J. Bradley, one each.