STRIKING REAL FORM.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13074, 7 October 1935, Page 5

STRIKING REAL FORM.

ALL BLACKS' EASY WIN.

FORWARDS IMPROVING

United Press Assn.— By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, October 5. The All Blacks beat Lancashire and Cheshire at Birkenhead by 21 points to eight. There was an attendance of 18,000 despite heavy’ rain. Lancashire, last year’s county champions, provided the majority of the side, including Davey, who played for Swansea.

The All Blacks, experimenting with the 3—2—3 formation, lost the first scrum, but early in the first spell they abandoned this formation. Ihe lioni3 hacks were speedily in action and in a fine run down the wing Bowker beat the defence and passed to Sever, Cheshire’s sole representative, who scored at the corner. Mycock kicked a fine goal: Lanc-ashire-Cheshire 5, New Zealand 0.

New Zealand then scored a lucky try, Griffiths and Best tailing on the after a scramble on the line. Gilbert goaled: La neashi re-Cheshire 5, New’ Zealand 5.

Oliver soon made an opening and then doubling round lie received Brown’s pass and scored. The kick failed: New Zealand 8, LancashireCheshirc 5.

The All Black forwards were playing well and following up magnificently. Oliver initiated another attack and sent Hart over. Gilbert converted: New Zealand 13, Lanca-shire-Che shire 5. The score was unaltered before half-time.

The greasy ball did not perturb the All Blacks, who improved on their display Bristol and overcame the conditions better than the counties. A period of drab football ended when Sadler cleverly went round the blind side and after a fine run passed to Hart who beat several players and sent Adkins in unopposed. Gilbert goaled: New Zealand 18, La neashi re-Cheshire 5. The home side’s defence was poor. Davey being only a shadow of his •real self. Adkins scored alter a twenty yards run down the wing. Oliver •tailed to convert; New Zealand 21, I.a ncashiro-Cheshire 5. The home team rallied and staged many rushes, but the defence was sound. Towards the close of the game Mycock kicked a penalty goal and the final score was: New’ Zealand 21 Lancashire-Cheshire ... 8 FORWARDS IMPRESS. The special correspondent of the 1 nitecl Press Association, commenting on the match, says the Birkenhead ground was not large and many people were turned away. The field was heavy in consequence of a week’s rain. There were five internationals, including Davey, in the counties’ side which was also reputod to have the best three-quarter line in England outside the internationals. Gilbert played despite his leg injury. The opening stages favoured the home side, the backs making two fine runs. Their first scoring movement was a pretty piece of work. The Blacks ultimately played with greater da di than their opponents. Herne’s long line-kicking frequently saved the counties. Sadler was at home in the wet conditions and took hard knocks unflinching! v. The All Black backs gained ground, keeping the ball at the toe hut passing when opportunities offered. New Zealand scored thirteen points in twenty-five minutes. Oliver was inspiring in his leadership and was excellent on defence and attack. Here led the forwards in a sound, hard game. The most satisfactory feature was the New Zealand forwards’ dashing display. They had no great advantage in weight but used every pound. They combined well on defence and attack, backed up the three-quarters finely and beat the opposition with dribbling. There was a lengthy and uninteresting period in the second half punctuated with individual efforts by Lowland, Heaton and Davey, but the home backs lacked cohesion. rhe New Zealand forwards, notably King, Reid, Hore and Adkins, continually outplayed their opponents and went through them. The New Zealanders combined efficiently, Sadler, Oliver. Griffiths and Gilbert were always sure. Jt was the All Blacks* best display since the match at Abertillery although the opposition were fifty per cent, better. Griffiths is definitely a candidate for the international matches, and the whole team may yet confound their critics. A REAL BACK NOW. LONDON, October >6. The ( ritiev, agree that the All Blacks had a well-deserved victory, notably due to the improved scrummaging and general good forward work. The Sunday Times says the team work was brilliant. It is a. real pack at last. Many English selectors watched the game.