NEW ZEALAND v, WARRINGTON. SYDNEY, January 28.

Otago Witness, Issue 2812, 5 February 1908, Page 58

NEW ZEALAND v, WARRINGTON. SYDNEY, January 28.

After *one of the keenest and most exciting matches 6een on the Warrington Ground this season, the New Zealanders were beaten by Warrington .on December 2i by a point. Except that Smith, was absent, 1 ' the New' Zealanders put their strongest team in the field, and Warrington had their best team. The ground was slippeTy.

At the outset it looked as if the colonials would be routed, but. suddenly they improved. They. opened their ecore with a splendid goal kicked by Messenger from near the touch line. The visitors pressed hotly, and Rowe, taking a pass from Wyny&rd, got close to the line, and then passed to Messenger, who dodged an opponent and ran behind the posts. Messenger kicked a goal, giving the New Zealanders a lead of a couple of points, which they held till half-time. In the second spell Warrington attacked continuously, but the "All Blacks" gave a superb exhibition of defensive play. Scrummage after scrummage took place on the line, and it seemed every moment as if the visitors must lose their lead, but Wrigley, Turtill, and Messenger tackled in such wonderful style that the home attacks came to nought. At length a flaw was found in the defence. Lees got away from a scrum, and passed to Taylor, who, amid a. scene of wild enthusiasm, crossed the line. Just before the finish Messenger almost snatched a victory, kicking a trifle short from a penalty neaT midfield. %