CLOSE AND EXCITING RUGBY

Southland Times, Issue 24651, 24 January 1942, Page 6

CLOSE AND EXCITING RUGBY

NEW ZEALANDERS AT PLAY TN EGYPT (N.Z.E.F. Official News Service) (Rec. 10 p,m.) CAIRO, January 22. A classic “blind-side” try, created by Parsons, the Canterbury half and scored by Mcßeath, Auckland forward, was the highlight of a match in which the New Zealand 4th Brigade beat the Maadi Camp team by 12 points to 11 at the Maadi Sporting Club’s ground yesterday. It was packed with thrills as the backs of both sides raced in spectacular action. With one point only separating the .teams excitement among the 3000 sol-dier-spectators reached test match fever. Ten minutes from the end the Brigade side was two points down, with the score 11 to 9. Then came a masterly “blind side" dash by Parsons, the Brigade captain. The scrum went down near the Camp 25. The Brigade hooker, Mcßeth raked the ball cleanly. Around the “blind side’’ flashed Parsons to pass to Dick, the speedy winger. His way was barred by McHugh. Dick reverse-passed to Parsons who sent a perfect infield pass into the arms of Mcßeth, who was breaking away fast. The Auckland forward crowned a brilliant movement with a try which won the match. Great importance was attached to the match which is regarded as a trial for the selection of the N.Z.E.F. -team to play fire Rest of Egypt at Alexandria at the end of 'the month. Further trial matches are to be played next week, when the final selection will be made. It is anticipated that the New Zealand team will be almost up to All Black standard.

The teams in yesterday’s match were: 4th Brigade: Whetton, Dick, Gray, Lupton, Burgess, Grace, Parsons (captain), Sales, Lincoln, Coull, McHugh, Fear, Hegglun, Mcßeth, Gollock. Maadi Camp: Fleming, Arnold, Smith, W. McHugh, Perriam, Curtayne, Edlin, Leith, Finlay (captain), Fleverley, Best, Pye, Walker, Gunn and Latham,