THE LEAGUE TEAM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19508, 11 December 1926, Page 11

THE LEAGUE TEAM.

DEFEATED BY ST. HELENS. A PLAYER ORDERED OFF. A. and N.Z. LONDON, Dec. 9. St. Helens Club defeated the New Zealand League football team by 22 points to 12. The New Zealand team was: Gregory, Brown, Cole, Kirwan, Gardiner, Webb, Brisbane, Herring, Peterson.., Carroll, Wright, Thomas, Avery. Although defeated, the New Zealanders, in a brilliant exhibition, scored the same number of tries as St. Helens, but failed in goal-kicking, whereas Lewis kicked five goals for St. Helens. Both teams handled with, speed and accuracy in spite of a drizzling rain. The excellence of the New Zealand pack discounted superior play by the St. Helens threequarters. Tho New Zealand forwards were also superior in the' loose.

Brown scored two tries, and Avery and Gardiner one each. Ellaby (2), Fairdough and Heath scored the St. Helens tries. An unfortunate incident occurred in the closing stages of the game. Ellaby eluded Gai'diner and scored a try which Gardiner disputed with the touch judge, whom he struck. The referee immediately ordered him off. Gardiner, interviewed, admitted the blow, and declared it was entirely due to the touch judge using an insulting expression. The touch judge refused to makfe a statement. The League is inquiring into the incident. STATEMENT BY GARDINER. PROVOCATION ALLEGED. (Received 8 p.m.) Sun. LONDON, Dec. 9. Gardiner, interviewed, said: " The 1 touch judge signalled a try when 'Ellaby crossed. I disagreed and said so. The judge said: 'Keep your eyes open, you dirty dago.' I lost my temper and struck him." The Daily Mail says Gardiner was disinclined to leave the field, but eventually ho and the referee went off arm in arm amid cheers.