Braziers Burned To Thaw Field For League Game

Northern Advocate, 4 December 1947, Page 2

Braziers Burned To Thaw Field For League Game

LONDON, Wed. (10 a.m.) .—Braziers were burned all night to help a thaw make the ground playable for the match between the New Zealand League team and Workington. New Zealand Avon by 12 points to 7.

Ten thousand spectators saw the New Zealanders swing into action immediately. The New Zealand backs combined swiftly in three thrilling passing rushes which gave Workington soma anxiety. New Zealander Forest, after some snappy passing, was bundled into touch, and immediately afterwards W. S. Clark kicked a penalty goal from long range. The Workington captain. Risman, almost evened the score with a similar kick, but the ball fell a yard outside the posts, but later he evened the scores with a magnificent penalty goal from near the touchline. SECOND HALF New Zealand stormed the Workington line for the first 10 minutes of the second half.

Both McGregor and McKenzie would have been over but for the ball’s contrariness on the lumpy field. Newton then gave New Zealand the lead with a try, following a lively dribbling rush. Clark converted. Newton went over again a minute later, but was broug'nt back because of a forward pass. Workington was now back to the wall. McGregor ran 60 yards to score New Zealand’s second try, which Clark again converted. Ackerly crossed for Workington’s first try just before the end and Risman improved. Leaders in English Rugby Championship LON'BON, Wed. (11 a.m.)—Unless theer is a complete upset of form, it seems likely that Lancashire will win the county Rugby Union championship this year for the second season in succession. So far this season Lancashire has been undefeated in the northern group competition, and has scored 131 points, with only 17 against in four matches. Lancashire meets Yorkshire in the last match of the northern series on December 13. Gloucestershire, runners-up to Lancashire last season, has so far dominated the south-western group. Berkshire, newcomers to counties’ competition, has already beaten Kent, Hampshire and Sussex and is leading in the south-eastern group. In the Midlands, Warwickshire and North Midlands are both unbeaten and will meet in the group final on December 11.

All matches bearing directly upon the county champinship will have been completed by the end of this month.