RUGBY LEAGUE TEAM

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22905, 12 June 1936, Page 10

RUGBY LEAGUE TEAM

ENGLAND'S TOURISTS

FIRST IMPRESSION IN SYDNEY (From Ova Own Correspondent) SYDNEY, June 4. Sydney has had its first sight of the Iti'M English Kugby League team, which later this season is to play in New Zealand. It played a Sydney team on Saturday, winning bv 15 points to 13, through the ability of its goal-kickers and the failure of Sydney's. It scored only one try to three but six goals to two. First impressions are more often correct than not, and those of the English team indicated that the tourists will compare with the 1932 ''ashes "-winning team. The team had been in Sydney four days; the Sydney team, with two or three exceptions, was the potential Australian test team; and although it lost the scrums, it overcame that disadvantage. The match was a hard, dour, bitter, but not brilliant struggle. Even though the " spotting" tactics employed by the Englishmen, who fully exploited their own play-the-ball rule, which does not require a mau outside the 10 yards limit to be "on side," cramped the work of the Sydney backs, the game held the attention of the big crowd from beginning to end. There were many exciting moments, and the terrifically hard tackling aroused the spectators Occasional brilliant dash' J s by the Sydney backs served to compensate for the periods when play was of a close nature, with heavy forward work predominating. It was a game for men of tough fibre, and the pluck and stamina of the players won admiration, but there were many instances of illegal play. Obstructing and tackling the man without the ball were not the least serious of these happenings. Punching and unnecessarily hard play were others. Early iu the play there were some unseemly incidents, but tempers subsided, although the play throughout remained particularly keen and vigorous. Sydney should have won the game. The team scored three tries to one try and narrowly missed other scores. Dave Brown's kicking for goal proved unreliable. Though he landed one beautiful goal fioni 50 yards range, he failed with other shots and shocked the crowd when he missed a goal from almost in front of the posts. Then there was an element of doubt about Hodgson's goal-early in the second half, when the touch judges disagreed. England was fortunate to have such a soft ground for the first match ot There could be no doubt about the impreseivencss of England's performance. The team held together wonderfully well under pressure, and fought back strongly in the second half. The backs were sterling defenders. While due allowance must be made for the fact that the visitors were poorly supplied with tue ball in the first half, and that they arc not yet in best condition, it would eeem that England has reserves who might sharpen up the attack. Whether their presence would mean a weakening ot the defence is a matter for the teams selectors to consider. The forwards were a virile, determined set, who worked solidly together, and occasionally wheeled the serum effectively. Outstanding in England's team was M. Hodgson, the big second-row man who was the finest forward on the field. He set an inspiring example in the heavy forward play, and was a tower ot strength in defence. It was a pity such a great player should mar his display bv at times engaging in tactics which brought the cautions. As a goal-kicker Hodgson was a great success. He kicked two great penalty goals, narrowly missing with other long shots, and he also dropkicked a field goal.. The effort which put England two points ahead after tie scores had been levelled was a gem. Jn a dramatic situation Hodgson displayed coolness and confidence, which Sullivan could not have excelled, and locked thw vital penalty goal from a muddy paten near mid field. .. The crowd was delighted with the display of the veteran full-back, J. Brougi. His catching was magnificent, his kickIns powerful, and his tackling safe. llie half-back. T. M'Cue, a player of the rugged type, did great things in defence. Several times when near the lino he tried lo cut through, but was always stopped. His combination with Broaden could be improved. Risman, Smith, and Morley did much in defence cleverly. Ihe wingers were comparatively subdued, but Morley moved neatly when he scored England's only try, and Smith made a iew strong rune.