FIRST TEST MATCH

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2188, 29 June 1914, Page 7

FIRST TEST MATCH

WIN FOR ENGLISHMEN. By '.Telegraph—Press ifeociatlon—Copnlght (Rccy June 28, 5.5 p.m.) Sydney, June 28. After a succcssful country tour, 'the Northern Union English team played tho first of tho threa Test matches against Australia in dull weather. The rain overnight, softened tho ground, which was in tho visitors' favour, which was quickly ' noticeable. The- country matches have improved the Englishmen's form, and splendid .combination, which effectually' sftip- . ped tho Australian's opening rush; - Tho visitors' first goal came from a free-' , kick, Brilliantly taken by 'Longstaffo. Even play followed until England's three-quarters got away, and after a fast, brilliant passing run, Moorhouse scored between tho posts. • Jarman failed to convert. A few moments later, play settled down in tho Englishmen's half. Close play followed, England making persistent attempts to get tho backs going, but failed. Uninteresting play occurred for eome time in tho Engenders' half, until a forward rush took tho ball into Australian territory, but they were unable to cross the line. Somo uninteresting long-kicking by the> backs gave way to several dashes on • both sides towards the end of the half, nothing eventuating. At half-time the scores were—England, five: Australia, nil.

Exciting play marked the opening rushes of tho second »half, the Englishmen again showing a determination to reverse the pre/ious defeats Although the game centred dangerously near the visitors' goal, tho Australians failed- to score. After fast, clever three-quarter work, Clarke Hotel'cd another point for England, Robinson converting. The Englishmen continued to press,' Longstaffe adding a brilliant penalty goal from the lialf-way line. After some' open play in the centre, the Australians followed up the ball across tho Englishmen's lino, but the_ ball was touched down. The Australians pressed hard, but the Englishmen got going,'and by brilliant passing, Robinson was enabled to score, Longstaffe failing to convert. Tackling keonly, the Englandcrs broko down the Australians' defence, Holland scoring a try, and Robinson converting. Play was fist and furious. Moorhouse added a- farther try, which spurred the Australians to make a, final effort, resulting in Norman slipping over. Ho scored the Australians' only try. Dolewski converting. The final scores were—England, 23; Australia. 5. /