TOURING LEAGUE FOOTBALLESS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17659, 24 June 1919, Page 5

TOURING LEAGUE FOOTBALLESS.

MATCH WITH NEW SOUTH WALES. . VISITORS AGAIN DEFEATED. Prs«fi AoswiatLoß—By T*l«yr&ph-—Copyright SYDNEY, Juno 23. (Received June 23, at 11.45 p.m.) Fifteen thousand spectators witnessed the final match between New Zealand and New South Wales. Two alterations were made in the home team, Johnston replaced Holloway and Pye filled Fraser's position. In the New Zealand team Wilson replaced Mitchell. A few minutes after the start of play Wilson scored a try, which was not converted, bad kicking being a feature of both teams throughout the match. Davidson therA crossed the line, the try not being converted. From this point to half time New Zealand forced the game, the scores at the interval being: New Zealand, 16 ; New South Wales, 8. The scorers for the visitors were: Wilson, two tries; Davidson and M'Gregor, one try each; and Walters and Ifwerson, one goal each, the former kicking a penalty goal. Just before half time Ifwerson injured his shoulder and retired, M'Clyrnont replacing him. In the second half the game was hard fought, New South Wales's forcing tactics resulting in much rough play. The final scores were: New South Wales, 22; New Zealand, 19. The.only scorer for the Blacks in the second spell was Wilson—a try, which was unconverted. A WELCOME VISIT. (From Our Own Correspondent.) SYDNEY, June 13, That Sydney was hungry for big football was fully demonstrated on Saturday and Monday, when enormous crowds went to soa tho Rugby League matches between New Zealand and New South Wales. There was not less than 40,000 people present on each occasion, and the manner in which every detail of tho game was followed, and tho generous applause accorded every bit of bright play, was evidenos enough that any football at all worth while will receive Sydney's support in the future. Sydney's greeting to tho JMaorilanders was _ exceedingly friendly. Tho big fellows received quite a? lot of flattering attention in the city, and tho spectators of the match treated them in a thoroughly sporting way. At tho end of the first match, when the visitors, aiier a stiff uphill fight appeared within a hairsbreadth of victory, tho hugecrowd cheered madly. They wanted New South Wales to win, of course, but the New Zealanders' fine rally stirred in them the enthusiasm that is the very genesis of British sport. Tho spectators were disappointed with the New Zealanders' play. With their vivid memories of the All Blacks and other champion Rugby Union .combinations, they expect something very spectacular and stirring from all footballers from the dominion; and tlicy certainly never expected the New South Wales .men, smart and clever as they are, to "get all over"' a New Zealand team. They found the Now Zealand forwards up to anticipations, but the lack of artistry among the _ visiting backs puzzled them—as, indeed, it puzzled the teams themselves. The country which produced the All Blades is not expected to sand a team of faulty backs abroad. But the New Zealanders wore obviously feeling the effects of travel and quarantine, and may improve. _ Sydney was disappointed in ; the display, it was not altogether disc6ntented. Sydney finds a_ victory over. New Zealand football team infinitely satisfying—only it would havo been happier had "it been set a harder task. It is in the same spirit that the friendly, care-free city loves to lord it over querulous Melbourne. It doesn't exactly pant for triumphs—but it does like to win. *■