ALL BLACKS.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 October 1924, Page 1

ALL BLACKS.

CHESHIRE BEATEN 13—5. HALF XEW ZEALAND TEAM TAKK ILL. IUSTHALTAN AND N.Z. CARLE ASSOCIATION LOXDO.V. Oil. 11. At Birkenhead, the All Black footImllcr.s defeated Cheshire liy 18 points to Jive. The game was played in the presence of 12.00(1 spectators. It was reported that fifteen of the visiting team were suffering from ptomaine poisoning last night, hut the trouble was not serious enough to require medical attention, though some changes were necessary in the team which was as follows:

Xcpia, Brown, Hart, Steel. McGregor, I’acwai, Mill, I’orted, C. Brownlee, Ah Cleary. Masters Richardson, Stewart, "West, Irvine. The Xew Zealanders opened with an attack, which was rushed through, till flracie saved on Cheshire's line. The County hacks then initiated some fine passing hunts, Hobday, running well in, and transferring to Bichardson who almost drop-kicked a goal. Good hard rucking play by the Cheshire lorwartls carried play to the Xew Zealand line, where the game became very close, and one of a scrambling character. Both sides were obtaining about the same amount of possession of the hall from the scrums. Both McGregor and I’acwai who were playing liveeighths. were knoeking-on repeatedly while the County were playing a hard spoiling game. Gracie intercepted several weak Xew Zealand passes. For .'!!> minutes the play continued to he of a nondescript character, on both sides. Then Mill initiated a passing rush, the ball going to Hart and the Taranaki man "hurdled over the opposing fullback's bead and registered the first try. Xepin.’s kick at goal failed, and the spell ended without further score. Xew Zealand .‘l. Cheshire 0. The Xew Zealanders began the second half brilliantly, the men handling the ball with more certainty, and within three minutes two New Zealand tries were added. (The scorer’s names are omitted). Xew Zealand ft, Cheshire 0.

Then Border crossed at the corner and Xepia was unsuccessful with tinkick on each occasion. Steel was post to score, which also was not converted. Xew Zealand 15, Cheshire 0.

Cheshire forwards again livened up, and made a rush on the X'ew Zealand line, but their attempt lacked finality, till Locke got through the defence, owing to weak tackling. At least sis Xew Zealanders should have tackled him. He succeeded in getting over. Bichardson added the major points. Xew Zealand 5, Cheshire 5.

On resumption, the Xew Zealanders indulged in some line passing, from which Hart secured the hall, and after a brilliant run he scored his second try ill the corner. Steel's kick at goal failed. The Xew Zealanders’ superiority was pronounced in the hack division. The game, generally was the poorest exhibition which the All Blacks have yet given. Cheshire’s loose, single-handed passing offered innumerable opportunities to intercept. New Zealand's hacks were continually using the line, ki.cking the hall even when they had a. big lead. Hart alone deserves mention for his determined running and his wonderful pace.

TIIK TEAM’S I LI.XESS. It appears, Irnm later inlormation. that the team’s indisposition, which at lirst was alarmingly reported, as ptomaine poisoning, proved to la- nothing more serious than a mere passing indisposition. The Xew Zealanders arrived at Liverpool apparently all well. The attack was first felt by several men on Friday morning, and a lew more became unwell in the afternoon. Mr Dean treated Ihclit with phv ic. Ilnvictim-- regard m;', nc du at aid a no accessary, in prool of which, several who had complained actually played in the afternoon. '1 he cause ol the indisposition has not been lo<aled. hut fish is suspected.

PLAY.KRS DOl’K 'l'll KMSKLV US. (Received this day at 8 a.i11.) LONDON, Oct. 12. The ‘Sunday News'’ describes the All Blacks’ indisposition as a comedy of errors .{Mid sa.vs the facts, as related l>.v Porter, are Lhat several |.layers leit the need of a lonic ill order to lit themselves for the match with Cheshire, chime harmless powders were ordered, but the wrong ones were sent by mistake. These were not poisonous but the effects were not altogether pleasant. lIESri.TS TO DATF.. Following are the results to date (with scores of IfiOo team lor purposes of comparison) and matches to he played by the All Blacks:

102-1. 1901. v. Pc-von 11 0 ol—i v. Cornwall ... 20-0 -11-0 v. Somerset ... <•- 0 23-0 v. (iloik-ester ... 0—0 •hi -0 v. Swansea ... 30—11 4-3 v. Newport ... 13—10 0-3 v. Leicester ... 27 0 28—0 v. -North Midlands -10—3 21 o v. Cheshire- ... 18—0 11-0 COM INC MATH IKS. Oct. 1-1. — v. Durham (10-3). Oct. 18—v. Yorkshire (10-0). Oct. 22—v. Lancashire. Oct. 20. v. Cumberland. Nor. I.—v. Ireland (1-1-0). Noe. 1.—l ister. Nov. 8.—v. Northumberland (31-0)