NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20005, 24 January 1927, Page 8

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE

• DEFEAT AT WIGAN. PLAYERS INJURED. (From Oub Own Cceeespokdikt.) LONDON, December IS. “Forward,” of the Athletic News,” givet the accompanying description of the game at Wigan on December 11: Until misfortune in the shape of injuries to two members of the Ail Blacks’ back division compelled the tourists to play 11 men, their challenge at Wigan had produced one of the greatest contests it has been my good fortune to witness this season. Ten tries in the space of 50 minutes had been scored, and as the division ! was equal for both sides, the thrilling nature of the struggle c. n be easily realised. The tourists were the unfortunate victims of two serious accidents. Gre u v.ry was damaged in the first quarter and was handicapped afterwards. Then in on attempt to tackle Parker he so wrenched his knee that he had to be carried off after play in the second half had gone but 15 minutes. ALERT BACKS. When the teams were at full strength the resource of both sides was of a high standard. The tourists rarely got the ball from the scrummages, out their backs were exceedingly alert and quick to take advantage of Wigan’s errors in passing. Gregory, prior to his mishap, was capable, but the outstanding player in the three-quarter line was Davidson. Hia strong, straight running frequently nonplussed the Wigan centres, and being well supported by Kirwan and Brisbane, the All Blacks had 'an equal share in tha play. . . Brown also impressed, and Gardiner, on the other wing, revealed fine nace in the scoring of the fourth try. The forwards were the more effective m open movements. In the scrummages they were completely mastered by the solid packing of the Wigan men. Except that Sullivan failed to improve the first eight tries, his play was perfect, and in scoring two tries himself his versatility brought fitting reward. Abrams and Parker were sound centres, but the former did not maintain in tha last quarter the excellent impression created by his play during the first hour. ' Ring was the more finished wing, and Owens a half-back who varied bis methods hardly took full toll of his numerous opportunities. . „ A breakaway by Davidson enabled Herring to score from the first scrummage. In six minutes Abrams gave the dummy, and scored a try. Then Abrams intercepted the tourists’ passing, and Ring scored, but a minute later Davidson started a movement which resulted in Brown scoring the second try. More passing brought a try by Barker, followed by a great combined movement finished by Webb. Neither Sullivan nor Gardiner could augment any of the tries, but Sullivan kicked a penalty goal after 23 minutes. Ring scored a further try, followed by Gardiner intercepting in his own quarter, and making the opening which Davidson finished under the goal posts. Kingi hit the cross-bar in his effort to improve. The tourists opened the second half, and in turn Brown and Kirwan were almost over. The latter grounded a few inches short and passed forward. In eight minutes, however. Kirwan broke through and Avery finished. Kingi failing to improve. Parker took Wigan ahead with another try. Then Gregory retired with his side only two ''points in arrears. Sullivan recorded a further try, but failed to improve, and was not successful with a try by Owens. In the last nine minutes Price scored twice, Sullivan improving both tries. The gate receipts were £620. Wigan.—Sullivan; Ring. Abrams. Parker, Perkins; Owens, Booysen; Hodder, Bennett, Beetham, Van Rooyen, Stephens, and Price. All Blacks. —Gregory; Brown.. Davidson, Kirwan, Gardiner. Brisbane Webb; Henry, Carroll, Kingi, Herring, Petersen, and Avery. Referee: H. Horsfall, Batley.