FOOTBALL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LVIII, Issue 8942, 17 December 1907, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

THE MAORILANDERS' TOUR.

MATCH AGAINST WIGAN,

PRESS COMMENTS

SYDNEY, Last Night.

In its comments upon the match played against Wigau on November Dfclf by the New Zealand touring team, the Daily Chronicle says :— "The New Zealanders suffered their first defeat at the hands of Wigan, oue of tho strongest clubs in tho Northern Union, who opposod tho 'All-Blacks' with the finest contingent possible, aud gained a victory by 12 points to/ 8. The match was fought out in the sternest manner before !50,000 spectators, and provided some exciting episodos. The New Zealanders wore represented by their best team, but till their arts aud skill failod before tho determined methods of Wigau.

"Before the game was three minutes old the homo team forced their way over tho line. The homo team thou ropolled several attacks, but at last their stubborn defence was broken down, when a pretty piece of passing by Wynyard, Todd aud Wrigley ended iv the iattor crossing the line, but Messouger failed to convert. At halftime Wigau led by (• to !5. "The second half was contested in tho fiercest spirit, and desperate efforts to score ended in Laytham, of Wigan, who was undoubtedly tho hero of the game, putting another try to his side's credit, after beating both Wrigloy aud Tnrtill. Then Jenkins, who had boon mainly instrumental in giving chances to his captain, dribbled the leather right into Now Zealand's camp, aud. catching it on the bounce, had no difficulty iv scoring tho fourth try. Witli tho cud of tho game iv sight tho Now Zealauders attacked in force, aud from a forward rush Lilo was able to ground tho ball over tho lino, and Turtill placed a goal. This completed the scoring." "Tho Daily News remarks :—"The Now Zoalaudors suffered their first dofoat at tho hands of worthy opponents. There was tiemoudous enthusiasm wbon Wigan finally won, well on their merits. Tho club toam played five football throughout. The colonials did uot uuder - estimate their opponents, aud their team was absolutely the best they could put in tho field. The colonial forwards were les.s successful in getting tho ball out of the scrums than the opposing front row, and their tackling at critical moments failed badly. Not until the last moment did tho New Zealanders give up boi)o, aud their pluck was rewarded by a score towards the close of the game." t. Hew ml To-Put/, at v..Wa.ni.) SYDNEY, Last Night, The Daily Telegraph says:—The Wigau match was noteworthy on accoiiut of much good play characterised by strenuous resolve and alertness in attacking. Wigan threw every ounce of its reservo strength into the contest and maintained a strong defence, combined with clever attack. Tho colonials, who have not yet properly mastered the technicalities of tho game, as their frequeut infringements of the law proved, wore not so polished in passing or so smart or straight in their ruuuing as in recent matches. They also suffered because of their rather feeble attacking.

The Daily Chronicle, ou the Barrow match, says the Now Zealand men had their "second defeat though their victors arc not counted among the best clubs of the Northern Union. Barrow, however, lias not been beat at Home this season, and they accomplished all that was expected of them by better football, finer movements, more effective tackling. The New Zealauders seemed quite half-hearted in their operations, and positively courted defeat. Nothing exciting occurred during the first half. The football was none too good and the teams appeared well matched. Barrow certainly shaped better and the visitors were hard pressed on several occasions. At length a clever effort on the part of the home team resulted in their scoring a try, but it was not converted. A few minutes afterwards the New Zealanders attacked with vigour. Smith showed his speedy running by scoring a grand try, but Wrigley failed at goal. The scores at half time were even—a try each. The second half, though contested with exceptional energy, which at times almost developed into roughness, demonstrated how evenly the teams were matched. Several times the visitors appeared on the point ol scoring hut failed to penetrate the defensive, while on the other hand, Barrow, after having a good many chances, were able to score again, and. the cud came with the defeat of the colonials by (5 to 3. The Daily News says:—At the start the ground was in good condition, but after an interval the game was spoilt by heavy rain. The Barrow team were very strong in forward and backs aud tackled gamely. Iv the first half they played good football, and there was little to choose between the teams, but after an interval Barrow showed to greater advantage. The New Zealanders occasionally pressed the home team but could not beat down the defence. Barrow fully deserved the victory, which was gained largely by splendid tackling. Towards the end of the game the play was unnecessarily rough. Tiie New Zealanders had some good points but disappointed the spectators. The Daily Telegraph considers the play generally favoured the Lancashire Club. The colonials attack was again disappointing, many opportunities being badly bungled, while as a defensive force they were not as formidable as in recent contests. The New Zealanders played pluckily to the end, but their defensive measures occupy too much of their attention to allow of them becoming really dangerous.