FOOTBALL

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2065, 17 December 1907, Page 3

FOOTBALL

N.Z. PROFESSIONALS v. WIGAN. United Press Association —Copyright ' (Received Dec. 10, 0.25 p.m.) SYDNEY, Dec.. 16. Commenting on the Wigan match, the Daily Clironicle states that the New Zealanders Buffered their first defeat at the hands of Wigan., one of the strongest clubs in the Northern Union. They opposed the New Zealanders with the finest team possible, and gained the victor}’ by 12 points to 8. The match was fought out in the sternest manner before 30,000 spectators, and provided many exciting episodes. The New Zealanders were represented by their best team, but all their art and' skill failed before tho determined methods of Wigan. Before the game was three minutes old tho home team forced their way over.the line. The home team then repelled several attacks, but at last tho stubborn defence was broken down, when a> pretty piece of passing by Wynyard, Todd, and Wrigley ended in' the latter crossing the line. Messenger failed to convert. At half time Wigan led by 6 to 3. Tho second half was contested ill tho fiercest spirit. Desperate efforts to score ended in Laytham (Wigan), who was undoubtedly tho hero of the game, putting another try to his side’s ere-

dit, alter beating both Wrigley -and I Turtill. Then Jenkins, who had been j mainly instrumental in- giving chances to liis captain, dribbled the leather right into tlio New -Zedlanders camp, and catching it on tlie bounce had no difficulty in scoring a -fourth try. With the end of the gamo ill sight the New Zealanders attacked in force. 'From a forward rush Lile was able to -ground the ball' over the- lino, and Tuirtill placed a goal. This completed the (.coring. Tlio Daily Nows says tho New Zealanders suffered tlioir first defeat at the hands of worthy opponents. There was tremendous enthusiasm. AVigan finally won well on their morits. Tlio club played fine football throughout. Tho colonials did not under-estimate- their opponents, mil tlieir team was absolutely tlio best that could be put in. the field. Tlio colonial forwards were less -successful in getting tlio ball out of the scrums than the opposing front, and their tackling -at critical moments failed badly. Not until the last moment did the New Zealandems give up hope, and their pluck was rewarded by scoring ,towards the close of the gamo.