SOLDIERS AT PLAY.

Colonist, Volume LX, Issue 14643, 22 February 1918, Page 2

SOLDIERS AT PLAY.

FOOTBALL IN ENGLAND

A Nelson soldier > now m Jiingland, who is interested in football, f;ends us some copies of tho London "Sportsman" containing reports of the matches in which" the New Zealand soldiers' teams have taken part. Playing at Northampton on Boxing Day against Australia, the latter caused a surprise by gaining a decisive victory ci/er the New Zealand team by 13 points'to 3. Neither side was at r-s full strength, and both took the field with fourteen men. The resultant game was nevertheless- interesting. At Cardiff on the same day a.' splendid spectacular game was provided.. New Zealand adopted the seven-forward game, and to counteract this Birch, the ex-Welsh international forward, was taken from the home pack and given a roving commission, iind his play was an entire success. Early in the first half it was evident that the New Zealandera were ! much faster and cleverer among the backs, and that each of their side was full or resource. They brought off many fine bouts of passing and it was fortunate early on for. the home, side'that Birch 'adapted himself so well to, his new position, his short punts to touch averting many breaks away, while occasionally he made useful run's. The outstanding player all through the half was "Wihai, u^Maori, who wss frequently loudly cheered for brilliant work, isew Zealand won by 14 points to nil. At Newport on the .same day, the local team completely outplayed the soldiers, winning by 41 points to nil. At Swansea, the colonials won by 8 points to 5. On December 9£h the New Zealanders defeated the South Africans at Northampton by 14 points. The match was witnessed by 5000 spectators, and the net 'ircceeds something Aike £170, went to the local Prisoners of War Fund.

The N.^.Jv.A. team.' also deteated Gm;;s Hospital:--by* 15 points .to G., .The Nv-Z.F.A. team have.: had- a remarkable season and,up to their meeting with Guy's Hospital" had scored 500 points to 6 in twelve games, all won. At the Crystal Palace on December loth there was a keen game between the It.N. Depot and the N.Z.F.A., which resulted in a draw —three points each. .

At Bedford, the New Zealand Ri&e Bricrade team defeated Bedford School by 25 points to niK The Australian Headquarters . Staff t-»v> sorp^vhat unexpectedly beaten by the New Zealand team from the Convalescent Camp, Hornchureh, at Nor bury on-December 15th. The score was 8 points to nil. For the most part it was moderate football, the first half, which was scoreless, being largely a scramble among the forwards, the backs of either side getting few opportunities, and when the ball did come their way the

passing" was erratic. After the interval the i\ew Zealanders, who had, only played a couple of matches, quickened uioir play and were more together than previously, and, scoring twice, won on their merits. -.. The Australiaiw hevei" found their game. They were a little slack to begin—too much inclined to trust to the kick-ana-rush tactics.