NEW ZEALAND FOOTBALLERS

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1595, 27 October 1905, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND FOOTBALLERS

DEVONPORT ALBION MATOH.

By telegraphy Press As#’n,. Copyright London, Oct. 25. New Zealand 21, Devonport Albion 3 ! (penalty goal). Spcoial interest centred in thß matoh against Devonport Albions. This clnb holds a high, if not tb9 highest, amongst England’s orack club combinations, and it may be noted that ten of its members played for Devon in the initial match of the tour. English critics pretty unanimously predicted that whatever the outcome of tho earlier engagements, the Maorilandors would be put to the test, if they did not find their Waterloo, when they met tho Albions. Tho result, however, falsified predictions, the vioitors, after a well contested game, proving victors by 21 points to 3. The weather conditions were perfect. The attendance was a record one, 20,000 spectators witoessing the maieb. The New Zealanders were handicapped to some extent by the absenoe of Wallace, who was not includod in to-day’s team. The visitors attacked from the kick off. At an early stage Thomson (Wanganui) orossed the line and secured a try, which Gillet converted. This was the only score made in the first half. The Albion forwards, showing brilliant form, kept the New Zealanders fully extended for theroßt of the spell, whioh ended : New Zealand 5, A[bion 0. The visitors appeared to more advantage in the second half, and kept the home team on the defensive, pressing them for the greater part of the time. Tries were secured by Thomson, Mynott (Taranaki), Tyler and Gallagher (Auckland). Gillett in two instances succeeded in sending the ball over the bar. In the last few minutes the Albions invaded New Zealand territory, aud, pressing their opponents, were awarded a free kiok for a breach of rules, from which they plaoed a goal. Shortly after no-side was sounded, with the soore: New Zealand 21, Albians 3.

The Government message states: — " New Zealand beat Davonport Albion by 21 points to 3 (pena'ty goal). Tries were secured by Thomson (2), Roberts, Nicholson and Gallagher (one eaoh), of whioh three wore converted. The game was exceedingly hard and very fast. There was a reoord attendance of from 18,000 to

20,000.” The New Zealanders’ record now stands: Matches played 12, won 12, points for 428, points against 10. The next match is againßt the Midland Counties on the 28th.