RUGBY LEAGUE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19902, 23 September 1926, Page 9

RUGBY LEAGUE

NEW ZEALAND DEFEATS ROCHDALE. A RATHER LUCKY VICTORY. (Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, September 21. New Zealand, 11 points (four goals and a try), beat Rochdale Hornets, 9 points (three tries). (Received Sept. 22, at 5.5 p.m.) Only a remarkable rally in the second half enabled the New Zealanders to snatch a somewhat lucky victory. In the first spell they secured an early lead as a result of a fine penalty goal by Mason, but they then found the Hornets a warm handful. The latter quickly recovered the lead, when Walter Evans snapped up a stray pass and raced clean through the defence to score a great try. Good work by the Hornets’ forwards kept the New Zealanders on the defensive for k ag periods, and the home side only got its deserts when Langshaw crossed the line for a second try. Erratic finishing spoiled several good movements by the New Zealanders, and before the interval Evans scored a third try, but none of them were converted. At half-time the score was: Rochdale 9 points, New Zealand 2 points. Improved scrummaging enabled the New Zealanders to secure the advantage in the second half, which was contested at a thrilling pace. After Mouatt had placed a penalty goal the visitors’ backs executed a surprise attack, ending in Parkes obtaining a try which Mason converted with another splendid kick. The teams were then level, and a draw seemed certain, but two minutes before time Mouatt put New Zealand ahead with a penalty goal.—A. and N.Z. Cable. THE FIRST TEST MATCH. LONDON, September 21. (Received Sept 22, at 5.5 p.m.) The English League team for the first test at Wigan on October 2 is: —Sullivan, Ring, and Hcwley (all of Wigan), Carr (Barrow), Rix (Oldham), Parkin (Wakefield), Bnrgess (Barrow), Bennett (Wigan), Cunliffe (Warrington), Taylor (Hull), Rees (Halifax), Gallagher (BadIcy).—A. and N.Z. Cable.