DOMINION LEAGUE TEAM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19489, 19 November 1926, Page 13

DOMINION LEAGUE TEAM.

WIGAN HIGH FIELD BEATEN. FOURTEEN POINTS TO TWO. FEATURES OF THE MATCH. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received 7.5 p.m.) A. and N.Z. LONDON. Nor. 17. The New Zealand Rugby League footballers to-day defeated Wigan Highfield by 14 points to 2. The visitors' team comprised Dufty, Sanders, Desmond, Kirwan, Gardiner, Brisbane, Webb, Carroll, Devine, Henry, Peterson, Singe and Mouat.

The game was played under unfavourable conditions. The ground was very heavy. Nevertheless, both sides played excellent football. It was wonderful how the New Zealanders took the passes. They were much the cleverer side, but had a trying time. In the first half Highfield were constantly on the attack, and only the fine defence of the visitors prevented them scoring. New Zealand started with the advantage of a slope in the ground. They showed good judgment and their passing was clever. Their ability often bewildered the Highfield team, and thair keen backing up proved a great factor in their victory.

Occasionally Highfield was near the line, and with a trifle more judgment would have been over. The visitors played six out of the seven forwards who were engaged in the recent dispute. All played well, but Dufty, at fullback, was the star of the side. Gardiner and Desmond were good, the former taking a lot of stopping. For Highfield, Osbaldeston played a splendid game. Gardiner scored a try in the first half and another in the second. Desmond and Carroll added a try each and Mouat kicked a goal. Osbaldestone replied with a penalty goal.