RUGBY LEAGUE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19965, 6 December 1926, Page 9

RUGBY LEAGUE

NEW ZEALANDERS IN WALES. SEVERE DEFEAT INFLICTED. THIRTY-FOUR POINTS TO EIGHT. (Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, December 4. (Received Dec. 5, at 5.5 p.m.) Wales beat the New Zealand League team by 34 points to 8 in a match at Pontypridd, at which 10,000 spectators were present. Wales scored eight tries and five goals nnd New Zealand two tries and one goal. Wales entered the field to the strains of “Men of Harlech,” and the visitors, who followed, gave their war cry. Wales started brilliantly. Evans, Lewis, and Carswell, combining finely, carried the ball across the line, but they were recalled for an infringement. The Welshmen continued to press the visitors. Avery relieved with a timely punt, but Sullivan returned, enabling Evans, Lewis, and Hurcombe to take part in a fine passing run, in which Evans broke in for a return pass, tricked Delgrosso, and scored. Sullivan failed to convert. Wales continued to press, and the New Zealanders rarely passed their own twenty-five, until after a series of scrums Davidson broke away and passed to Delgrosso, who scored under the posts, converting the try himself. The Welshmen returned to the attack, and Sullivan, fielding beautifully, dropped a goal. From the kick-off, owing to the New Zealanders’ fumbling of the ball Gore intercepted and scored a try, which Sullivan converted. The Welsh forwards were very successful in the scrum, and gave their backs every opportunity, resulting in many fine rounds of passing. Gore again broke through, and passed to Evans, who registered a try. Delgrosso and Brisbane were playing wonderfully well behind the beaten pack, and defeated many attacks, but the Welsh '■hree-quarters were too smart to enable them to turn defence into attack. Lewis - was prominent in a fine run, but he failed to score. At half-time the score was 13 points to 5 In favour of Wales. The visitors were penalised immediately after the interval, enabling Sullivan to kick an excellent goal. The Welshmen continued to have their own way, and Gore scored a try. A moment later, following a splendid passing rush inaugurated by Carswell, Evans also got over. The New Zealanders made desperate efforts, the forwards passing welL After speedy play they sent Thomas in to score a try that was not converted. Wales reasserted its supremacy, and Hurcombe scored, after which Rees broke away and sent in to Carswell, who scored. Both tries were converted. Sullivan, after a brilliant effort, scored another try in the last minute of the game.—A.' and N.Z. Cable. RESULTS TO DATE. Points. Against. Result. For. Against. Dewsbury ... Won 13 9 Leigh Won 28 16 Halifax ... Lost 13 19 Rochdale ... Won 11 9 Barrow ... Won 19 16 Wildnes ... Won 15 5 First Test ... Lost 20 28 York Won 19 11 Warrington ... Lost 5 17 Bramley ... Won 35 12 Hull Won 15 13 Bradford N. Won 38 17 Oldham .. Lost 10 15 Leeds .. .. Won IS 11 St. Helens ... Lost 14 28 - Salford .. Won 18 10 Huddersfield Lost 8 10 -Second Test ... Lost 11 21 Batley Lost 17 19 Keighley Won 21 3 Wigan Highfield . Won 14 2 S win ton Lost 14 16 jt Wales .. Lost 8 34 Summary.—Played 23, won 13, lost 10; points for 379; points against, 341. PROPAGANDA IN WALES. UNION CLUBS TURNING PROFESSIONAL. LONDON, December 3. Welsh Rugby Union clubs are likely to turn professional and form a Welsh League affiliated with the Northern Union. This will be inaugurated in the autumn (according to the Daily News). Although the names of the clubs have not yet been disclosed, a ground has already been engaged, and the New Zealand League team’s international match against Wales to-morrow is expected greatly to assist the Northern Union’s propaganda for the development of the League. The New Zealanders have shown such a remarkable improvement since peace was proclaimed in their camp that they have an excellent chance of winning. The Rugby League’s hush-hush policy regarding the views expressed in the official Australian and New Zei’ nd letters concerning the two years’ qualification rule is distinctly regrettable. Whatever the dominions think, the League clubs here will press for the removal of theban. Wigan has already called a general meeting of clubs to consider the matter. —A. and N.Z. Cable.