Australian Victory In Rugby Test

Northern Advocate, 5 January 1948, Page 6

Australian Victory In Rugby Test

LONDON, Sun. —Australia defeated England by 11 points to 0 at Twickenham before a crowd of 65,000. England was awarded a penalty in the first minute, but Newman’s kick fell short, and a little later Tonkin failed with a similar attempt for Australia. During the first quarter of an hour the Wallabies attacked strongly. The Australian backs showed far more penetrative skill, while the forwards dominated line-outs and broke even in scrums for most of the first half. Just before half-time C. Windon secured near Australia’s line, kicked, gathered and raced away for a brilliant try. Kearney’s superior hooking after the resumption won five of the first six scrums for England. SURPRISE OPENINGS

A. Walker, at centre, inspired the Australian backs, and created several surprise openings. England had bad luck when a penalty kick by Newman struck a goal post and rebounded into play. Australia went further ahead when Walker secured inside England’s half and scored a glorious try. Tonkin missed converting. Two minutes later Windon pounced on a dropped pass and outstripped the defence to score. Tonkin converted.

These opportunist tries sealed the fate of England, whose players became unsettled against the tough Wallabies’ tackling. Kemp and Bennett dropped several passes, that might have meant points. Kemp tried punting ahead at the finish, but K. Piper kept Australia’s line intact.