LEAGUE TEAM DEFEATED

Taranaki Daily News, 11 December 1926, Page 15

LEAGUE TEAM DEFEATED

VICTORY FOR ST. HELENS. INCIDENT MARS THE MATCH. By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright. London, Dec. 9. St. Helens beat the New Zealand League team by 22 points to 12. Although defeated, the New Zealand team gave a brilliant exhibition. They scored the same number of tries as St. Helens, but failed in goal-kicking, whereas Lewis kicked five goals for St. Helens. Both teams handled speedily and accurately, despite drizzling rain. The excellence of the New Zealand pack was discounted by the superior play of the St. Helens three-quarters behind the scrum. The New Zealand forwards were also superior in the loose. Brown scored two tries and Avery and Gardiner one each. Ellaby (two), Fairclough and Heath scored the tries for St. Helens. The New Zealand team consisted of Gregory, Brown, Cole, Kirwan, Gardiner, Webb, Brisbane, Herring, Peterson, Carroll, Wright, Thomas, Avery. There was an unfortunate incident In the closing stages. Ellaby eluded Gardiner and scored a try which Gardiner disputed with the touch judge, whom he struck. The referee immediately oi-dered him off. Gardiner, interviewed, admitted the blow which, he declared, was entirely due to the touch judge using an insulting expression. The touch judge refused to make a statement. The League is inquiring into the incident. Received Dec. 10. 5.5 p.m. London, Dec. 9. Gardiner, the All Black League footballer in an interview said: “The touch judge signalled a try when Ellaby crossed the line. I disagreed and said so. The judge said: “Keep your eyes open you dirty dago.” I lost my temper and struck him.” The Daily Mail says that Gardiner was disinclined to leave the field. He and the referee went off arm in arm, amid cheers.