THE KANGAROOS

Grey River Argus, 20 September 1937, Page 5

THE KANGAROOS

WIN FIRST GAME In North of England [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] (Received September 19, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, September 18. The Australian Rugby League team whose arrival by the Arawa in England was delayed, played their first match to-day, when they defeated Leigh by 11 points to 9. The match was not without its thrills.

Although the Australians, so soon after leaving the boat, were naturally a bit green, they attacked with considerable vigor, and were ahead by 5 to nil after thirteen minutes’ play. There was persistent fine work by Curran, Prigg, Beaton, McLean, Norman and Davies. The half-time score was 5 to 2 in Australia’s favour. Leigh had by now, settled down, and they launched a series of strong attacks on the Australian line. A succession of scrums followed. Leigh were then awarded a penalty almost in front of the goal, and Thompson goaled. Australia next made a rally, Williams and Norman making an opening to pass to McKinnon, who scored. Beaton failed to convert with an easy shot. The score then was: Australia 8; Leigh 4. McLean had to leave the field three times on account of an injured knee, but he returned. Leigh again applied pressure and again Thompson goaled, making the score 8 to 6 in Australia’s favour. The closing stages of the game were exciting. Leigh went ahead to nine points and took the lead when Lomas dribbled over the line 'to score, Thompson, however, failed with the kick. The Australian, Ward then made a wonderful run, and Stehr next tried to batter his way through. Then Williams and Norman got going, and the latter, making a fine opening, threw a long pass to Hazelton, who flew over in the corner for a try. McKinnon just failed to convert, and the game ended immediately after,, 11 to 9 in Australia’s favour. The gate receipts were 1310, or £24 less man four years ago in the Australia v. Leigh match. ENGLISH MATCHES. LONDON, September 18. To-day’s Rugby League matches resulted: — Bradford Northern 28 Barrow 7. Bramley 3 Castleford 14. Dewsbury 27 Newcastle 8. Featherstone 10 Hull Kingston Rovers 13. Huddersfield 10 Batley 7. Hull 6 Leeds 6. Hunslet 37 Wakefield Trinity 15. Keighley 2 Swinton 2. Leigh 9 Australians 11. Liverpool Stanley 5 Wigan 4. Oldham 33 York 12. Rochdale Hornets 10 Salford 41. St. Helen’s Rocs. 10 Warrington 29. Widnes 22 Halifax 11. In the County championship, the Cumberland versus Lancashire match played at Workington, resulted in Lancashire winning by 23 to 17.