FOOTBALL.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 July 1926, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

SATURDAY’S RESULTS. All Backs, 11; New South Males, 6. LOCAL GAMES. Kokatahi, 5; Excelsiors, 3. School, 11, Excelsiors 6. Ilium, 15; Kiwi, 0. United (Grey), 11; Stars (Grey) 3. ALL BLACKS M IN. Australia «fc N.Z. .table Association.j SYDNEY', July 18. The second test match between New Zealand and New South Males was played ’yesurday. The weather was dull, and was inclined to chilliness, but it was without any wind. New Zealand won the toss and Morrissey kicked off for N.S. Waios. Fumbling by the Black hacks immediately placed the Blues in an attacking position, but a free kick relieved. The Blacks then retaliated with a heavy forward rush, and the N.S.YY. fullback, Russ, saved by finding the line. Grossman, by standing over the imaginary line in the line out in front of the posts, gave Nicholls a kick at goal which missed by a narrow margin. The Blacks continued to attack, King eventually finding the line at tile centre. A had forward pass by Blake put one of his confreres offside, and Ross unsuccessfully essayed a kick at goal. Play became intensified and vigorous, the pace increasing. Meagher relieved with a magnificent lino kick amidst tremendous excitement. Meagher was later caught i milling round the scrum, thus giving Nieliollj a kick at the goal, with which he placed a nice goal from the twentylive lino near the side. Five minutes to naif time remained. Ross, with a magnificent kick, sent Ihe ball out at llie New Zealand line, and from the lino inn, .Morrissey unsuccessfully attempted m drop a goal, 'flic spell ended New Zealand 3, New South Wales 0.

Following Nicholls’ kick-off in the second half, tliei Blacks immediately began in a. businesslike manner with strong attacks on the Blues’ line. Ross relieved with an excellent kick, the plnv going to the t outre. Ross again obtained the ball, and he kicked to Stevenson. Foote, following up quickly, downed Hie, Otago man, and the ball went out on the Blacks’ line. From the line out there was some brilliant passing by tlie Blues’ backs and forwards, which was finished up by Woods scoring in th e corner. Ross failed to convert.

Th o Blues were penalised in midfield and Nicholls tried a place kick, which fell just short. Crossman then made a brilliant run, but be was not supported, and play returned to the centre. - The Blacks next set up an attack. which was nullified by offside play. From the loose, the ball came right across the field, and after several exchanges among the New Zealand backs, Elvy brilliantly dashed over at the corner. Nicholls’ kick at goal failed.

From offside play by a New Zealander in front, of his own posts well out, Ross, with a magnificent kick, equalised the scores. N.S.AA'. 6—N.Z. 6. With three minutes to go, Mill opened up a movement in midfield, and short transfers among the backs saw Svenson in position. After a fast, dodgy run, ho grounded tlie ball under tho posts, and Nicholls added the major points. The Blacks then engineered a final attack. Cooke burst through, ,and the ball went to Elvy, who was grassed at tho corner. The final whistle found tho score:— New Zealand II New South Wales 6

The scores fittingly represent ihe play by both sides. The Blues had almost only one lapse in defence, and this cost them the game. It was ci most dramatic final to a. wonderful game. The second half was. exceptionally brilliant, spectacular and fast. This game surpassed the first test in many features, and notably in the defensive measures of both sides.

Boss’s display at full-hack was again brilliant.

MAORI TOURING TEAM. DEFEAT AUCKLAND. AUCKLAND, July 17. The Maori Rugby team to tour Britain and France gained a notable victory by defeating Auckland by thirteen points to twelve to-day. The game did not reach a brilliant level, hut. it. was always fast and exciting. For the Maoris, trios were scored by Zanpapa and S. Genimell. Ihe Rev p Mntene converted both, and kicked a penalty goal. For Auckland, Hook scored throe tries and Reid one. none being converted. FOOTBA T.LEIVS DEATH. i HAMILTON, July 18. While pin vim: football at Raglan on Saturday, a. young man. 26 years of age, Sydney Death, a tanner of Maingproa. dropped dead shortly after the start of the- game.