A NARROW VICTORY

Taranaki Daily News, 22 September 1924, Page 5

A NARROW VICTORY

ALL BLACKS 6; SOMERSET 0. TWO TRIES SCORED. A GRUELLING GAME. WET TURF HAMPERS BACKS The All Blacks defeated Somerset by 6 points (two tries) to nil after a most gruelling contest, which was played on a slushy and slippery turf. Cooke and Mill scored. The condition of the ground hampered the play of the New Zealand backs, whose attacking movements were spoilt by the wet ball. In other respects the All Blacks were weak, but they were playing against a strong county team, which showed form that was quite unexpected. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Sept. 21, 5.8 p.m. London, Sept- 20. The All Blacks’ third match against Somerset, at Weston, was only won by the narrow margin of six points to nil. The New Zealand team comprised:— F ull-back—Nepia. Three-quarters Robilliard, Lucas, Svenson. Five-eighths—Cooke, Paewai. Half—Mill. Forwards—Parker, Munro, Irvine, M. Brownlie, Harvey, Richardson, Cuppies, White. Unfortunately for the visitors the fine weather did not hold. Heavy rain fell, leaving pools of water about the ground and making the turf slushy and slippery. On the other hand there was no wind to interfere with play. STUBBORN DEFENCE. The All Blacks at once opened up an attack, but a wild pass by Mill gave Somerset relief. Still, the county forced down twice in the first five minutes. Somerset proved to have a well balanced side, and they played a winger opposite Parker. Their forwards set up a resolute defence, both in scrums and loose dribbling, their work being most effective.

The New Zealanders made titanic efforts to break through their stubborn opponents, but all they succeeded in dointf was to force Somerset eight times in the first half. The handling by the All Black backs was ineffective and their kicking was wild and too long. Nepia was prominent at times by his resolute defence when the game swayed into New Zealand quarters. Svenson retired hurt before the interval, but resumed later on. Half-time arrived with no score. PERSISTENCY REWARDED. For a long time after resuming the county men, playing above themselves, held continued Ail Black rushes in check, Notwithstanding the wot state of the ground, which, of course, has a tendency to level play, the game was chockfull of incident, and is held to be a vivid illustration of the general improvement in play of English Rugby clubs. At last, however, the persistency of the AH Blacks was rewarded. They were determined to score and kept going. with the result that Cooke got in a short kick along the ground, and following it up headlong scored in a good position. The slippery ball was too much for Nepia, and he failed badly with his kick.—AH Blacks 3, Somerset nil. Again the All Blacks hurled themselves down the ground and the defence gave way once more. Mill got possession and flew across the line close to the posts. Again Nepia failed with an easy kick., and the match ended: All Blacks fl, Somerset 0. WEAKNESSES OF ALL BLACKS. The game was a most gruelling one from beginning to end. Inability to take the wet ball with certainty robbed the visitors of their best mode of attack, but failure to run straight, want of variety in attack and more resolute methods of stopping rushes were largely responsible for the New Zealanders’ failure to take full advantage of their opportunities. Cooke and Nepia were conspicuous throughout. It has to be admitted, however, that Somerset showed form that was quite unexpected. On the day they were considered to be almost on a par with England’s best side. They used the side line continuously and that helped to save them from a more severe defeat.

The New Zealanders have not yet reached the form they showed in their later matches in Australia- Their greatest defect was uncertainty and the fumbling of passes, partly attributable, no doubt, to the greasy ball. Football authorities consider the Welsh clubs are likely to give them still harder games and check their unbeaten record. GREAT ENTHUSIASM. There was tremendous enthusiasm at the finish, the crowd being greatly pleased at the fine defence put up by the Englishmen. There were twelve thousand, spectators, but the ground was totally inadequate to accommodate them. Players were often thrown on to people in close proximity to the playing area. One result of the comparatively small scores put up by the All Blacks is that increasing interest is being taken in the tour everywhere. Despite minor injuries. the All Black team are in sound condition. At a dinner following to-day’s match Mr. Donne (president of the Rugby Union) strongly deprecated continual comparisons between the present team and that of 1905. He considered it was unfair to this young team, who would yet justify themselves. By invitation the visitors will be motored to Cheddar on Sunday, to Taunton on Tuesday, to the Bristol tobacco factories on Wednesday, and the team will reach Gloucester on Thursday.