THE “ALL-STAR” MATCH

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8609, 20 December 1913, Page 15

THE “ALL-STAR” MATCH

NEW ZEALAND 51, America 3. Then wo looked forward to the big game against All-America at Berkeley on November 15th. On the morning of the game, the party partook of a fine beofstake breakfast at the San Francisco Press Club, at the invitation of the press and Mr W. W. Naughton, and it was'much enjoyed by all. Opportunity was then taken to present the remainder of the party who did cot participate in the game during Portola Week with gold footballs. Previously only the fifteen that played that day got the trophy, but in accordance with a promise made by Mr Naughton, the Press Club of San Francisco supplied the balance. This was an act of courtesy that was greatly appreciated by the New Zealanders. In order that we might catch the boat, the game was called for-1.30 p.m., but it was nearer 2 p.m. when it started, for there was an army of moving-pic-ture operators who had to bo appeased with a pose, and then wo had to wait for Referee Billy Hill, who had missed the boat that landed the team in time. The ground was heavy from the recent rains, but was in very fair order, all things considered, and a record crowd turned out, estimated at about 10,000. It was difficult to estimate the crowds in California, -as they were usually scattered. The best crowds attended at Berkeley. At St. Ignatius the spoctatros usually numbered a few hundred, and a crowd of 3000 would be a good average for the whole tour. The “gate” is not estimated as in New Zealand, whore we get approximately at the number of spectators, and the figures appearing m tluj newspapers in San Francisco vero guessed at. Tho attendance at Berkeley on the 15th. however, must have fetched tho 10,000 mark. The Now Zealanders were in tiptop form that day, and gave their, best display in California. Tho forwards simply ploughed right through, all opposition, and there was a host of black-jerseyed men continually following the ball. Tho game was played in two spells of thirty-five minutes each, and the Blacks never once let up. They played with a tireless activity that completely outclassed the opposition, and their cleverness simply left the Americans standing. There, was only one team in it from start to finish, and the big crowd of American, citizens who had come to seo their chosen fifteen make a close game of itmust have wondered how long it would, take the boys in the land of the-Stavs. and Stripes to develop the strength, cunning, and tireless energy of those sombre-rlatl footballers from far-off New. Zealand. The Black forwards tum-i

.ltd over the Americans as persistenty and relentlessly as the breaker.-, tumble in on an ocean beach, and tin.. defenders wore powerless to stop them. The game was not four minutes oiu before tho forwards rushed the hall to tho American lino and then heeled, nut quickly. Taylor threw to Gray, and tho ball went on to McKenzie, • rid then to Roberts, who scored wide out and failed to convert. Now Zealand 3, America 0. Away dashed, the forwards, and McDonald picked u, close to the lino and scored. Grahai missed an easy kick. New Zealand 0, America 0. McKenzie kicked hard down towards tho American goal. Following up fast, ho was there as soon as tho defenders, and throwing himself at the ball scored behind the posts in a patch of sticky mud, from which he emerged amidst loud laughter, a real “All”-Black. Graham kicked a goal. New- Zealand 11, America 0Away went the forwards again in an irresistible tide, and presently Dewar darted off with the ball. Feinting to Downing on his right, the clever Taranaki forward drew the defence like a magnet, and swinging tho other iva; let McKenzie in for a good try. The angle was too difficult for Mitchinson io negotiate. Now Zealand 14, America 0. Short, snappy passing between. Gain, Graham, aild McDonald gave, the All-Blacks’ skipper a try, which. Graham failed to convert. New-Zea-land 17, America 0. Taylor hurled the. ball out suddenly to Gray, who fumbled aud dropped it at his feet. Like a flash Roberts snapped it up and. scampered away, and outpacing and. swerving the opposition, scored close to tho posts. Roberts must have, eluded tho waiting full-back by la swerve that took him past tho tackle with faily five yards to spare. Graham kicked a goal. New Zealand 22, America 0.

Now cam© the only American score, and the second and last occasion during tho tour when points were debited against New Zealand. Cars got away from a scrum and passed to Mitchell. From Mitchell, Austin accepted. out in, and passed back to Mitchell, who, with a clear run to tho full-back, raced away at top speed* backed up by Carroll. Had he passed out a try was a certainty, but ho hold on and Cuthill floored him with a grand tackle. Tho whistle blew', and presently we saw - the New Zealanders lining back and America taking the. ball back for a kick at goal, the spot, being about thirty yards out and just slightly to the right of tho posts. A free-kick had been given for interfere ence with Carroll. The team denies, that any interference took place, and it was not visible from tho stand, but. anyhow Part successfully piloted tho. ball over the bar, and the ten thou-, sand spectators, opened to the full the exhaust valve of enthusiasm and excitement. Joy! ’ Oh, joy! Tho for-i midable Blacks had been scored against once more on Californian soil* and the boisterous happiness of the, crowd found vent in something more than an amateur pandemonium. New Zealand 23 America 3 Immediately the ball was put into play the Black forwards romped away, and going right down to the line Murray picked up and scored, Graham converting just before half-time, when, the ..scores were —New Zealand 27, America 3. KIWI SCRAGS THE EAGLE. New Zealand thoroughly monopolised the’ situation in the second spell. Before five minutes had elapsed Taylor throw out to Gray, and the sturdy little five-eighth dodged over, and Graham goaied. New Zealand 32, America 3. Down to the line again, went the surging Blacks, and Taylor, whipped out to Gray, and it looked to be a try for Mitchinson, when Wylie dropped from the clouds and gathering in tho pass intended for the wing scored on tho corner. Mitchinson failed to increase the score with the kick. Now Zealand 33, America 3. The score now mounted rapidly. McGregor scored from a passing rush, and Roberts missed the kick. Them McDonald picked up in the loose, and in a twinkling the ball went to Wylie, Mitchinson, and Roberts, then back, to Mitchinson and Gray, who scored.. The passing was so fast that it was difficult to keep track of the players, handling the ball. Roberts missed the goal. .Now Zealand 41, America 3. Taylor sent McGregor away on the blind side, and McGregor passed im to McKenzie. Tho latter sent the. ball on to Roberts, who raced from, half-way for a try. Mitchinson took' the kick, and tho ball hit the crossbar, bouncing into the air, and felt over for a goal. New Zealand 46, America 3. Just on time Murray, headed a forward rush and scored under tho posts, and McDonald converted, making the half-century, tho final scores being:— New Zealand 51 America 3