LEAGUE TEST

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27455, 31 July 1950, Page 8

LEAGUE TEST

Win For New Zealand BRIGHT DISPLAY GIVEN PA CHRISTCHURCH, July 30. New Zealand thoroughly deserved its six-point victory in the first Rugby League test against England at the Showgrounds on Saturday, although until well in the second spell, England was one point in front. New Zealand, scoring two unconverted tries and three penalties to two converted tries, won by 16 points to 10. England was most unfortunate to lose its full-back, J. Ledgard, ’early in the second spell, but before that, New Zealand had held a territorial advantage and had looked like the winning team. The game was very fast and the scores very close for a long period, but there was a complete lack of unpleasant incidents and a crowd estimated at 10,000 thoroughly enjoyed a bright display by both teams. England put a set of fast and clever backs in the.field. The best of them —and probably the best player on the ground—was the five-eighth, R. Wilburns, who made several thrusts which might well have brought tries and whose tackling was exemplary. The English three-quarters failed to impress, chiefly because they were kept firmly in. check by the sound New Zealand tackling and in defence. T. Baxter, New -Zealand three-quar-ters, was magnificent. He kept a very close watch on E. Ward, the English captain, who was given only one chance all day. R. Pollard, the English wing,- showed pace in scoring the side’s second try, and the half. A. Pepperell, was solid, but Ledgard wai off form and the whole English team seemed a little jaded. . The forward*, although big' and heavy, handled expertly and sometimes switched th* direction of the attack sharply with long cross-field passes. They did not keep on the ball with the speed and persistence of the New Zealand six, who paved the way for the New Zealand victory. J. Newton, front-row forward, played magnificently for New Zealand, and both T. Hardwick and C. Hurndell were frequently prominent for England. The best of the New Zealand back* were the half, J. Haig, and D. Barchard, five-eighths. Haig was quick to send his backs away. He kicked cleverly and made a few typical solo bursts. The New Zealand captain, M. Robertson, at inside-centre, was disappointing, and it was at him that tht New Zealand back rushes usually broke down.