THE LEAGUE GAME.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18548, 23 August 1928, Page 4

THE LEAGUE GAME.

EXHIBITION MATCH AT INVERCARGILL. NEW ZEALAND DEFEATS ENGLAND. Per Press Association. INVERCARGILL, August; 22. After a fast and open exhibition of the League code, New Zealand beat England to-day by 27 points to 26. The weather was ideal, and the ground was in capital order. The attendance was large. Jonathan Parkin, th‘e English captain, mad© his first appearance after being incapacitated for two months, and ho was responsible for a fine exhibition of half-back play. The visiting rearguard handled more accurately than their opponents and would have scored further tries had infringements been less frequent. On the other hand, New Zealand's score would have been greater had Dufty turned to better account the opportunities that came his way. New Zealand won the- toss and defended the northern goal, the visitors facing a bright sun. A “long kick placed New Zealand on the attack, and passing among the backs ended in Goodall struggling across the line. Dufty’s kick hit the post. An excellent offensive by the Englishmen had the crowd on its toes. Play was carried right to

New Zealand’s line, and a score seemed imminent when the attack broke down, the Blacks clearing. A bright movement was started by Parkin, who raced up the right wing, and was well through the defence before passing to Ellaby, who touched down in the corner.

Gowers*s kick just fell short. New Zealand had England penned in t.lielr twenty-five for a time, the deftenders making several atteyipts to ease the pressure by bright passing movements, which were effectively blocked. From on© of these the ball was intercepted, and from a bout of passing Wetherill raced across and touched down behind the posts. Dufty again failed to goal. England attacked strongly, and had worked into a great scoring position when a forward pass spoilt the opportunity. Sloman made a brilliant opening foi* the visitors, and tossed out a long pass to his three-quarters, the ball going out to Ellaby, who touched down in a favourable position for Gowers to convert* England were getting the ball from the scrums and were throwing It about in great style, clever in-and-out Sassing delighting the crowd. From scrum in New Zealand's area, the ball went out to Frodsham, whose i»pass was taken by Sloman, the latter swerving through cleverly to score near th© posts. Gowers converted. The Black forwards took play to the other end, and, after a scramble on the line, O'Brien shot across. Delgrosso’s kick went outside the posts.

A great kick by Dufty again placed Ntew Zealand on the attack, Wetherall gaining possession and beating several men, to go within inches of scoring. An infringement spoilt the effort, and from the resultant scrum the Englisn-

men cleared to midfield. The ball was punted back to Dufty, who drop-kicked a fin© goal from forty yards out. Halftime sounded with the score:—England 13, New Zealand 11. Tho second spell opened in New Zealand’s favour, but a high kick by Ellaby shifted play to near half-way. The Blacks returned to the attack, and swarmed across the line. Lemons touching down wide out. Delgrosso failed to convert. New Zealand were penalised when defending, and a great kick by Gowers narrowly missed its objective. Spectacular play by the visiting backs gained considerable ground, a scrum being ordered after the defence was well beaten. New Zealand heeled, and clever play by Wetherill removed operations t© England’s side of half-way. A great opening was made by Frodsham, who had the English back division in attendance. Crisp passing saw the ball shot out to Ellaby, who was off for a try when he was pulled up for an infringement. The attack was persevered with, and not long afterwards Williams scored, Gowers converting. New Zealand IjuMiched a solid offensive, and had the visitors strongly defending, but the Blacks were unable to drive home the attack. A free kick to New Zealand straight in front, gave Dufty a chance, the ball just falling short. A wild pass by a visiting bank let the New Zealand forwards through PF-khoff scoring in a handy position. Dufty .converted, making the scores: New Zealand 19, England IS. Five minutes later a lightning attack by New Zealand swept up-field, Brtsl*ano capping a great movement with a try near the posts. Dufty converted. England followed up this reverse by rushing play to the corner, where Frodsham Scored. Gowers made a great effort to add the extra points, the ball dropping beneath the crossbar. With play in the New Zealand twenty-five tli© visitors commenced throwing the ball about in exhilarating fashion, the best of the day culminating in Oliver scoring under the posts. Gowers converted. The Blacks set up a wTliriwind attack and carried play to their opponents’ line, where the defenders were penalised. Wetherill kicked across to the corner, and Scott, taking the ball on the full, scored the winning try. Dufty failed to convert. The game ended:— NEW ZEALAND 27 ENGLAND 26 HEAVY COAST BOOKINGS. (Special to the “ Star, ”) GREYMOUTH, August 22. Five hundred tickets have been sold nection with the League! Test match between New Zealand and England at Christchurch on Saturday. The West Coast League Centre has decided to apply for additional accommodation on the special train which will be running. CIVIC RECEPTION FOR ENGLISHMEN. The English League team, who will play in the third test and the final match of the tour at English Park on Saturday afternoon, will arrive in • Christchurch by express this evening. The visitors will be tendered a civic reception at the City Council Chambers on Friday at noon. Special arrangements are being made for the accommodation of the large crowd expected at English Park on Saturday afternoon. Curtain-raiser : matches have been arranged, and extra sealing will be placed round the cycling ' track. PARKIN MAY PLAY. Jonathan Parkin, skipper of the Eng-

lish League team, who yesterday made his first appearance on the field since he was knocked out two months ago in Australia, may play in the final test on Saturday. On his day Parkin is one of the most brilliant players in the world behind a scrum. CURTAIN-RAISER MATCH. A third grade curtain-raiser game will be played between Canterbury and Otago, play commencing at half-past one. The teams for the match are as follow: Otago—J. M. Wills; J. M’Carten, J. Col Jan, A. Clarke; J. Mallingly, J. Hill; -T. Luskie; R. Mason, J. Riordan, A. Mazey; A. M’Pherson; S. Adams; J. Bartlett. Emergency: A. Gallie. Canterbury—B. Taylor; F. Wright, E. Abrams (captain), S. Burrell; A. Kempthorne, A. Dourning; A. Jorgenson; A. Cooper, E. Ward, G. Swanston; A. Bassett, M. Williams; A. Barnard. Reserves—Backs: P. Chick, E. M’Quillan, Whyte; forwards: P. Price, Smith. All Canterbury players must attend training at. Woolston Park on Thursday night at 7.30 p.m. sharp. ASSOCIATION GAME. SCHOOLBOYS RETURN. Tlie Otago and Canterbury schoolboys who took part in the schools tournament on the West Coast will return by the express to-night, at 5.8 pan. People who billeted boys last week are asked to be at the station at 5.S to meet the boys.