FOOTBALL.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12292, 20 July 1914, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

' XF.W ZEALAND WINS FIRST TEST. \ NEW ZEALAND v. AUSTRALIA. [By Electric Telegraph—Coptright.J (Per Press Association.) Rrrc-ivc-d Juiv 19, at 5.5 p.m. Sydney, July 18. Thr- first Rugby football test match between Now Zealand and Australia was played on tho Sports Ground today in tho presence of Sir R. MunroForguson (Governor-General of Australia), Sir Gerald Strickland (Governor of New South Wales), and a crowd of 9000 people. The match resulted in a win for New Zealand by 5 points to nil. The recent rain had made the ground heavy and slippery, and the constant showers during the afternoon did not improve conditions. A strong, choppy, cross-wind did not favor either ton in. The teams lined out as follows: — Now Zealand (All -Black)—Fullback: O'lirien. Three-quarters:- Lynch, R. Roberts, 11. Taylor. Five-eighths: Kvun and Black. Half-back: E. Roberts. Wing-forward: Graham. Forwards: Francis, Cain, Irvine, "Wilson , Downing, Bruce, M'Neecc. Australia (Blue)— Fullback: Dwyer (New South Wales). Three-quarters : Francis and Flynn (Quensland), Carr and Wogan (New South Wales). FiveI eighth: Tasker (New South Wales). 1 Half-back: Wood (New South Wales). Forwards: Williams, Murphy, and J. Thompson (Queensland), Watson, Wallacli, F. Thompson, Baker, and George (New South Wales). Play opened with fast, forward work, the Australian forwards attacking vigorously, but the Black backs re- ! pulsed the attack. Tho Blue forward's again attacked and Thompson took-the ball over the line, but only a forcedown resulted. The Maorilanders were again .forced- a few minutes later. After some centre play, Ryan secured the ball from the line-out .and passed * to Black. The latter passed to Lynch, who failed to -take the pass. The New Zealanders the attack, a force relieving Australia. • - On returning, Flynn made a fine run, but was well tackled. Graham broke away and took the ball down the field, the Australian fullback clearing by finding touch well down the line. The New Zealanders again attacked, and when half-time was called no score had been recorded. On resuming, the New Zealanders gained an advantage by the wind veer- . inn- since the first half. From play ne"ar the centre Ryan secured, but kicked too hard, and a force only resulted. The Blue forwards set up .a vigorous attack, but O'Brien relieved. The Australians attacked, but Wogan fumbled. Then the Blacks came away with an irresistible rush, fine work by Francis enabling M'Neece to score. Graham converted. New Zealand 5 Australia 0 Shortly after resuming E. Roberts and Lynch made a fine effort, the for- - rner liearlv scoring. Tho Blues at--0 tacked, but R, Roberts and Taylor t cheeked them. Ryan made a fine uni supported run and took the ball to the f Australian twentv-five, where ho was i pulled down. The New Zealanders gathered round and attacked hard and the Australians had some difficulty in repulsing the attack. The Blues returned the attack, E. Roberts relieving the dangerous pressure. The 1 Maorilanders were vigorously attacking j when the final whistle sounded: l New Zealand 5 Australia 0' 3 Throughout the game the forwards of either side had all the play. The 1 backs were unable to get moving owing 1 to the slippery ground and tho greasy • ball. The New Zealand pack proved " superior in scrum and foot work. Received July 20, at 9.20 a.m. Sydney, July 20. Robert summed up the match in the_ words: "It was a hard game, and should have been drawn." The manager, Mr Isaacs, declared that a draw would more correctly nave represented the character of the game. "Your forwards did give us a shock," he said. The Telegraph declares that the New Zealanders expected to win handily. That thev did not, and that for half the time* they had to defend as only New Zealand" champions can, was due to the surprising dash and resource of the opposing forwards. It was primarily a forward battle. The Herald says even the most sanguine Australian supporters did not anticipate such a magnificent bid for forward supremacy as was made by the Australian eight. ■ The Australians Mere more aggressive throughout, but the New Zealanders' wonderful defence ■ and superior tactics and kicking saved i hem from defeat. Commenting on the wing forward, the Herald adds: "Graahm doubtless played the game he is accustomed to in his own* country, but according to ihe strict reading of tho off-side rule he was an illegal obstructionist, from first, to last. Wing forwards of his stamp are nothing more than aimless jostleV-s. who do more harm to their own side than anything else. On two occasions his glaringly unfair methods led to opponents retaliating with their lists." THE LEAGUE GAME. ENGLAND v. HAWKE'S RAY. (Pee Press Association.) Napier, July ID. The Northern Union football* match between England and Hawke's- Bay was played this afternoon before an attendance of about 6000 spectators. After a very interesting game England left the field winners by 30 points to 7. The visitors played a "splendid game, the backs being at times very good. Hawke's Bay put up a. game fight and passed well, but could make very little headway against England's defence. For England Da vies (3), Wagstaff (2), and Jarman scored tries, four of which were converted by Guerin. Thomas and Guerin each placed penalty goals. The only try for Hawke's Bay was snored .by Ellison and converted by Daniel. D. Smith kicked a penalty go:d. THE QUEENSLAND MATCH. L Bv Electric Telegraph—Coptbight.] Peb Press Association. Received July 20, at 9 a.m. Brisbane, July'2o'. The Queensland Rugby Union team i'nr the match against New Zealand on Saturday next is:— Full-back, E. Francis; tlu'ee-quarters S. Francis, Flynn. Green. -Smith; halfbacks, Russell and Park; forwards. Morrissey. Williams, Perkins. Murphy, Byrus. Thompson, Birt, Lloyd; reserves, Kreutzer. Wilson, Brown. Smith, and Healion.