LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume XXIV, 20 December 1926, Page 2

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

(Per Press Association —Copyright. LONDON, December 17. The “Daily News” says a deadlick lias been is <hed with the New Zealand League footballers in th.rir retutions with :hc Rugby League. Mr Mair and Mr Ponder refused "o accept the League decision that Mr Mair must abandon the selectorship. Mr Wilson (the League secretary), says the decision must stand. A member of the League Council expresses opinion that the Council, which is paying the piper regarding losses, will not stand any nonsense, and is prepared immediately to end the tour, unless its wishes are met. Mr Mair states it is the intention to send home forthwith the players refusing to turn out. The League Council meets on December 22, when developments r»’e expected.

LONDON, December 18. Hunslet beat the New' Zealand League team by 13 points to 12. Hunslet scored three tries and two goals, the New Zeaffi-nders two tries, two goals, and one penalty goal. The match was played at Leeds in line weather. Five thousand} were present. \

Both sides gave an excellent display, only the home team’s superibiv combination enabling them to gain their first victory over an overseas dqmbination. They pressed almost the whole of the first half and established a lead of 13 points to 2.

Crocher, following a brilliant passing bout by Dawson, Young, Brogden, and Guerin, ran in and scored. Buck •scored a second try, Guerin converting both.

Broughton, with a fine run, further increased the lead. The visitors frequently attacked, but knocks-nn prevented development of many promising efforts.

Delgrosso opened their account by goaling from a penalty. The second half was largely in the tourists’ favour. They played up very strongly, and scored early through a magnificent effort by Menzies. Delgrosso converting.

Ten minutes later, Avery scored a fine try, which Delgrosso converted, reducing Hunslet’s lead to one point. Both teams exerted desperate efforts and both lines had the narrowest of escapes, but the defences were sound. Near the close. Brown was sent off for alleged insolence to the referee. The New Zealand team was: Desmond, Brown, Davidson, Brisbane, Sanders, Delgrosso, Hall, Menzies,’ Parkes, Herring, Thomas, Avery, Mason. LONDON, December 19. The “Weekly Despatch” says that a dramatic turn has been given to the New Zealand League footballers’ dispute, with the English League. Following on the announcement by Mr Mair and Air Ponder that they are are sending home six malcontents, Mr Wilson intimated to the shipping agents that they must not accept bookings involving the League in financial obligations. LONDON, December 19. The “Sunday Express” says the Rugby League Council may cancel the New Zealanders remaining games, recognising that the team has been a financial failure. The League Council decided that Mr Mair must cease to act as joint managers, but Messrs Mair and Ponder retuse to accept the decision.