Internationa! Teams Clash In World's Championship.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18550, 25 August 1928, Page 5

Internationa! Teams Clash In World's Championship.

SPARKLING PASSING MOVEMENTS ROUSE CROWD TO HIGH PITCH OF ENTHUSIASM

THE Rugby League championship of the world was decided at English Park this afternoon. England, fresh from two successful Australian tests, were pitted against New Zealand t'6 decide the third and last test of the Dominion tour. The final score was:—England 6, New Zealand 5.

The weather was gloriously fine, with A slight easterly breeze across the ground, which was slightly on the greasy side after overnight rain. Two curtain-raisers Canterbury fourth grade v. Akarana (Auckland) and Canterbury v. Otago juniors—did not upset the fair condition of the groundWhen the test match started there was a crowd of about 10.000. Amid cheering, the Englishmen, in white, were led on to the field byJonathan Parkin, the renowned captain and half-back of the 1921 and 1924 League tours of the Dominion. The New Zealanders, in black, were captained by M. Wetherill, the Auckland five-eighths. The visitors looked to be the heavier team. THE TEAMS. The teams were as follow: NEW ZEALAND. C. Dufty. R. Hardgraves, 11. Brisbane, L. Scott S. Prentice, M. Wetherill (capt.). G. Peckham. L. Ilutt A. Townsend C. Hall V. Goodail. M. O'Brien. B. Eckhoff. ENGLAND. J. Sullivan. T. E. Gwynne, L. Fairclougb* C. Askin. A. Frodsham. J. Parkin (capt.), B. Rees. H. Bowman. N. Bentham, J. Thompson A. Fildes. F. Bowen. W. Horton. THE PLAY. Wetherill took the opening kick and immediately the team were penalised New Zealand won the next scrum, and Dufty- and Sullivan exchanged kicks. Sullivan won the footv duel. Dufty got in another kick when the visitors were penalised on the New Zealand twenty-five line, and play went to the English twenty-five, where Prentice got Sullivan well round the legs. New Zealand obtained a penalty after Peckham was collared, and the crowd .applauded to the echo when Dufty landed a magnificent goal. New Zealand 2, England 0.

A brilliant movement was started by Hard grave in the English twenty-five. Prentice carried on the movement and let out to Wetherill when he was well tackled from behind. The elusive skipper transferred to Brisbane, who narrowly failed in a dash for the line. With ragged rushes the Englishmen took play to beyond half-way, where Sullivan kicked well for a goal, but lust failed. Dufty was winning his line kirks with a deliberation which pleased the crowd. New Zealand were winning most of the scrums, but Parkin, winning one cleanly, let Askin and Fairclough a wav to near the line, where Eckhoff held him up. On the other wing the sturdy Parian staged a clever piece of passing with Rees, whose pass to Sullivan was forward.

England Scores. The Englishmen tried the other wing and had more luck. Gwynne got hold of the leather twenty- yards from the line, dodged three New Zealanders, and dived as the three opponents landed on his back. Fairclough, following up fast, grounded. Sullivan failed to goal, England 3. New Zealand 2. Peckham staged the next brilliant bout. From near his own twenty-five he Cut in to pass three or four opponents. He let out to Scott when ho ran into Sullivan, but Scott was smothered failed to take a nippy pass from parkin, and then the crowd called for Dufty- when a penalty was awarded New Zealand. The kick by the tall Aucklander just failed.

Through weak work by Dufty- and Wetherill, the Englishmen got to the line, where from a scrum New Zealand were lucky to clear. The crowd cheer ed when Sullivan narrowly missed a goal from half-way, and they laughed when Fildes played obviously off-side. In the English twenty five, Parkin was bottled up, and Wetherill let out to Goodail, who knocked on wher* there was a good scoring chance Sullivan cleared with a we,come penalty, out Peckham. with a jinky run, nullified the effort. Dufty’s foot swung again in a penalty kick at goal, but it swung to no purpose, except to let Parkin awav. for Fairclough to miss his pass. Scott, who was showing only fair form, had some difficulty in seeing owing to blood from one eye. The injury, however, was not serious. Rees showed up in a nippy piece of work, which Peckham relieved him of in a spectacular run the other way. For some reason or other, a section of the crowd boc-ed when Bowman kicked the lea. her ever the dead-ball line. Sullivan came with a ru. h. but Rees ran into Dufty. stopping both him and the rush suddenly. Rees was the pivot point in the next few English attacks, and a score looked likely when Gwynne got away with Askin. Eckhoff held them up.

A little light diversion was provided in a line-kicking duel between the rival full-backs, Dufty and Sullivan. Neither

ran much, even when there was room to do so. The exchange ended with Dufty collecting at half-way and kicking short. Gwynne fielded, and passed to Askin when he was grounded byScott. Rees was the next to handle cleverly, but when Bowen had the leather and was in line for the posts the referee called him back for an infringement. Half-time was sounded after a scrum in midfield, with the &COF ENGLAND 3 NEW ZEALAND 2 SECOND SPELL. The teams did not leave the field in the interval. The opening passages were even, with the tackling deadly. Peckham and Brisbane went into the English twenty-five and the crowd was on its toes as Peckham won a scrum near the line. An infringement gave Sullivan a penalty. He found the line well down. Hardgraves left two or three Englishmen standing as he dodged his way to half way. The visitors came with a back rush which went as far as Fairclough. who ran into Dufty. The latter kicked welt to clear. Getting a penalty near half way the New Zealand full back found the line. England, whose backs were opening out better, were not to be denied. From a scrum Rees and Parkin scissor-passed. Rees was wonderful as he wormed his way past two or three opponents, and then gave to Parkin. The English captain let Askin away with a clear field. Sullivan failed to goal. England 6, New Zealand 2.

Bringing into play the reverse pass and the dummy-, the Englishmen provided much of the sparkle, which up till that stage had been somewhat lacking. Dufty kept on kicking until the English forwards failed to follow up. Then he gave to Wetherill. who made Horton’s presence a little too obvious by dodging him cleanly and then linekicking. Prentice took Parkin with the hardest tackle of the match, but the visiting captain came again and again. lie was held up along the line, but Rees gave a reverse pass and let his backs away again. When the referee (Mr A. Harlock) gave a penalty kick to the New Zealanders Parkin held up an arm, apparently in remonstrance. However, play carried on. Wetherill saved well.

Goodail ran along the line and, in a great scramble of three whites and one black, O’Brien grounded over the line. Dufty just missed. England 6, New Zealand 5.

Play- became faster, and movements were scintillating. In quick, snappy movements the New Zealanders went near the line, where the visitors received a welcome penalty. They won the scrum at half-way, and then Hutt brough# Sullivan down beautifully along the line. The visiting forwards took a turn, and Bowman got. to the line, only to have Prentice kick the leather out of his hand and over the dead-ball line. New Zealand got relief in a penalty. England were winning most of the scrums, and their backs were superior. From a long kick by SulHvag Wetherill fielded magnificently, but was held up. Then lla.rdgraves scorched along the line, and Bowen was injured temporarily after tackling him. Gwynne and Fairclough cleared with a rush. Prentice was winded in a forward scramble, but recovered.

Parkin, with a trickle of blood coming down his chest, which was uncovered by- a rent jersey, called for more clothing. He donned it as Frodsham left the field with an injured leg. Horton left the scrum to take his place The game ended with the scores: ENGLAND 6 NEW ZEALAND 5

RADIO TELLS OF GAME’S PROGRESS.

BIG CROWD GETS. EXCITED AT PARK. Kick-off, free kick against England, a scrum in New Zealand’s twen-ty-five. A penalty against England. These were the main features of the first two minutes’ play according to the radio broadcast. Cheers could be heard as Sullivan was collared on the line. Dufty took a shot at goal. Silence prevailed as Dufty made bis preparations. '* A beauty” yellod out an enthusiast and the listeners knew that New Zealand had secured the first score. More cheers, so lrud that the an nouncer could hardly he heard, greeted a New Zealand pa ring movement. At this stage, p’ay was in England’s twenty-five, a free kick through off-side play giving them respite. Then broke in the raxxcous voice of a programme-seller, “ Progrums, progrums,” lie called. Another free k-'ck to New Zealand Dufty’ took it, the ball landing in England’s twenty-five. England attacked again.

“ New Zealand are w,inning the scrums/’ said the announcer, as the noise of the crowd swelled in volume. “ Again England is penalised for not allowing Brisbane to play the ball. The whistle has gone. A scrum is formed again just inside New Zealand’s line. Things are looking very dangerous for New Zealand just at this moment. New Zealand has again won the scrum,” added the voice at the microphone.

“ Oh, what a beautiful movement. Oh 4- Oh, a knock-on spoilt what looked to be a beautiful score.” Then a terrific roar...“ beautiful try. One of the most beautiful sidestepping movements that has been seen in Rugby League football for a while. Sullivan’s kick just went outride the post. Fairclough was the man who scored the last try for England.” “ The crowd is quite orderly. Every thing is going on splendidly. The game at the moment is stopped on account of injuries to a New Zealand player. Goodail received a small cut on the eye and is taking the field again, none the worse for his accident.” “ Still More Yells.” Yells and still more yells. Through the discord could be heard the voice of the announcer telling of someone making a beautiful passing movement for New Zealand. Another scrum to New Zealand. Then followed a short resume of the game to that time, the scores being England 3, New Zealand 2. Next Brisbane scored over the English deadball line, a score that carried no points. Shrill blasts of the referee’s whistle, indicated a series of scrums. “ Come on, play the game,” cried someone as Duftv was walking back to take a kick at goal, given through an Englishman lifting his foot in the scrum. The kick missed. “ England are over the line,” said the announcer. *“ It looks like a try. No, a scrum is ordered.” Dufty found the line with another penalty gained through a scrum infringement. Sullivan had a shot at goal from outside half-way. ‘‘Everybody is asking will he do it?” declared the announcer. “Ooohs” were heard as the ball rose in its flight, to fall just short. “A wonderful kick” was the comment. Then was heard a remark which was becoming almost monotonous: “New Zealand has won the scrum again.” Everyone Laughed. Laughter marked the episode where Fildes was caught off-side. The crowd was getting more excited. Cheers and yells became frequent, with applause Cor Dufty, who was taking the many free-kicks awarded to New Zealand. Vociferous cheering marked the occasion when New Zealand got over the Englishmen’s line, only to be called back for a knock-on.

Another shot at goal for Dufty, the ball just falling short. At this stage, play was in England’s twenty-five. More whistle blasts, followed by laughter. A free-kick was given to England. Sullivan found the line just inside half-way.

Then the Englishmen had to send the ball over the dead-ball line to save their line. More up and down play, with another free-kick by Dufty. Silence for a moment as something went ,wrong -with th % e relay line. Cheers were in evidence when the line was re-connected, a few seconds fater. “The game is full of amusing incidents, and the play is bf high character,” said the announcer. “The spectators are quite pleased with the football that is being played at present.” Then the English backs got going, play being in midfield just on New Zealand’s side of the line. “Keep going, referee,” said someone near the announcer. Duftv sent the ball from the New Zealand twenty-five down to the English twenty-five amid the plaudits of the crowd. An English passing movement broke down through a forward pass. Amid the noise of the crowd could be heard the refereeS whistle es Dufty, who “had his kicking boots on,” had another shot at goal. Then the half-time bell, three blasts of the referee’s whistle, and the teams left the field for a ten-minutes’ spell Loud applause marked the end of the first spell, with the scores:England 3, New Zealand 2. The Second Half. New Zealand failed to score an almost certain try when Prentice was caught in possession. The play went to England’s line and Sullivan cleared with a penalty. The crowd was quiet, as Parkin broke through the New Zealand pack. It again became enthusiastic when New Zealand returned the attack. More up-and-down play followed, with several scrums.

Terrific cheers as a fast English passing movement ended in Askin scoring a try. Sullivan’s kick at goal failed. England (>, New Zealand 2. “A beautiful kicking movement by Prentice, my word,” said the announcer. “They are playing tricky football.” Apparently the crowd was standing up, for there were loud yells of “Sit down, sit down.”

Again" for the umpteenth time, Dufty had a free kick. Tumult-followed, with loud yells that did not seem to be those of applause. The announcer declared that the game was very exciting at that period. Play was in England’s twenty-five, with New Zealand attacking. More penalties followed, the kicks giving each side benefit for the time being. Then terrific cheering as New Zealand scored a try. Dufty's kick just fell short. The scores were: England G, New Zealand 5. With one point between the teams the crowd roared itself hoarse. Both .sides were playing the off-side game, said the announcer.

“Play now is in England’s territory,” he said. A penalty let England out. More spectacular kicking by Dufty followed.

Penalties against England were frequent, and the announcer devoted his time to telling of the series of scrums that occurred.

The spectators were urging New Zealand to get going. "Come on, New Zealand," they cried, but England won the next scrum.

A penalty, that was given to New Zealand caused comment. “Play the ball. Ref.,” was a cry that could be heard above the voice of the announcer.

More scrums and more free kiqks. The passing was ragged on the New Zealand side.

Yells of all descriptions were heard as it looked as if New Zealand was going to score.

A lengthy stoppage took place when one of the Englishmen was hurt. He s all right,” declared the announcer. A scrum near the English line was won by New Zealand. The English forwards broke through, but stopped the movement. Off-side play followed, with the crowd urging the Blacks to get into it. Scrums and yet more scrums.

Fairclough was injured and left the field. The game ended: ENGLAND G NEW ZEALAND 5 THE GAME WAS OPEN AND HARD, BUT CLEAN. Reports from other centres led some people to believe that where t,he English League team went there would be doubtful play and many casualties/but the game to-day was a,s clean as could be wished for. Both sides were tackling hard and battling sternly all the time, but there was no rough work in the first spell. The crowd gave the impression that it was watching a novelty. It was very impressional till New Zealand were behind, and then the spectators started barracking in earnest. The Englishmen played the open game all the time, and had their tactics down to a fine art. At times the crowd did not like the way the English captain questioned the decisions of the referee, nor did they appreciate frequent off-side plaj-. AFTER THE GAME. MANAGER'S VIEWS. The secretary of the Canterbury Rugby League estimates that the crowd at the test match numbered between 18,000 and 20,000. “We have had a great tour,” said Mr E. Osborne, manager of the English team. ‘The match this afternoon was a splendid exhibition, .and the result was in doubt until the final whistle.” The Englishmen leave to-night to connect with the Niagara at Auckland, They will play exhibition games in Vancouver and Montreal.

“Our forwards were equal to the Englishmen, but their back, play was peculiar,” said Mr W. J. Taylor, manager of the New Zealand team.

The teams and refqree were cheered after the match.

ENGLISH PARK HOLDS BIGGEST CROWD EVER.

Arrangements at Ground And Outside Gates Go Fairly Smoothly.

The problem of packing a large crowd expeditiously into English Park cropped up this afternoon, when the test match attracted over ten thousand people. The first curtain-raiser started at 12.30 p.m., and even at that early hour tli ere were more than a handful of spectators. A continual stream of people came after 1 p.m., and kept all the officials very busy. On one occasion a crowd outside a fence found an unguarded gap and shot through it to “ringside seats.” but a large policeman soon blocked the gap. There was a constant flow of traffic along all routes leading to the park, and only the expert efforts of the traffic inspectors, who controlled all intersections as well as the parking arrangements. prevented serious blocking. During the half an hour before the big match commenced, the crowd at the gates was very thick, and the entrances to the arena were not quite large enough to let people in fast enough. By the time the teams took the field, however, things were more or less settled down, and every available seat was occupied. More than that, every housetop in the vicinity had people on the roots, ha\ ing a “buckshie” view of the game.

Round at the two-shilling entrance the crush was terrific, where a continuous crowd of about 200 was trying to get. through one small turnstile at once. Once inside it was not so bad, but shortly after a weak spot was found in the barbed wire entanglements; and with the assistance of friends above a steady stream of spectators was soon hauled up, rather to the discomfort of those already there.. One man with great forethought had provided himself with a pair of wire-cutters and there was coon a large gap through the wire-net-ing round the cycle track. About a dozen men got through and found seats around the track before a League official rushed along and posted himself on sentry duty. Then a policeman started to make "inquiries and took one man’s name. He received a few encouraging remarks from the crowd.

NEARLY SEVEN HUNDRED WEST-COASTERS COME BY SPECLAL TRAIN. West Coasters, 675 strong, arrived in Christchurch by special train at 11.40 this morning for the test match. When the train left Greymouth at 5.38 a.m. it was filled to capacity. The Railway Department were forced to close the booking, and, as a result, many people were left behind. It is understood that some enthusiasts boarded the train without tickets. CURTAIN-RAISERS. Canterbury v. Akarana. The Canterbury fourth grade representatives played the Akarana team from Auckland as the first curtainAkarana did most of the attacking In the first spell, but were unable to pierce a. sound defence. The Canterbury backs were prominent for one fine rush, which 1 broke down just short of the line. The spell ended with no score. After a good Canterbury forward rush in the latter half of the second spell, Hurrell scored in the corner. The kick failed. Akarana made desperate but unsuccessful efforts to score. Final scores: Canterbury 3, Akarana 0. Referee, Mr P. Kjrtou. Canterbury v. Otago. Canterbury and Otago juniors staged the second curtain-raiser. Otago were seldom out of their own territory in the first spell. Canterbury went close to scoring on several occa- , slons, but the defence was very sound. Play was mostly confined to the forwards, with a few bapk movements. There was no score at half-time. The opening of the second spell saw the Otago backs initiate a rush which caried play to the line. The Canterbury forwards drove the attackers back. Mattingley, the Otago second five-eighth, put in a fipe swerving run, but he was well grassed. Canterbury worked play downfleld. A good rush nearly ended in a score at the corner. From play in the twenty-five, Otago were penalised, and Cooper kicked a goal. Xear the end of

the speli Mason kicked a magnificent goal for Canterbury. Flay was fast in the closing stages, with Otago attacking strongly at the final whistle. Scores: Oanterbury 4, Otago 0. Referee, Mr H. King.