FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1149, 23 September 1913, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

AUSTRALIA v. NEW ZEALAND.

Christchurch, Sept. 20

The weather conditions were ideal this afternoon for the third test match between Australia and New Zealand. The ground at Lancaster Park was in good order for a fast display. Although New Zealand had won both the previous test matches the Australians were of opinion that given fine weather they would fully extend the Blacks, aud were quite confident of victory, and the result, Australia 16, New’ Zealand 5, fulfilled their anticipations. Play during the early part of the first half was strenuous, but equal. Spillane secured the ball, beating Dwyer and raced for the line, but was tackled by Jones. Dropping the ball over bis shoulder Tineng secured it and got across the line near the posts, and O’Leary kicked an easy goal.

More fairly equal play ensued until towards the end of the first spell, when a sensational piece of play eventuated from half-way. It was started by Wood, and as a result of brilliant passing Thomson scored and Hughes converted. At this stage of the game honours were equal.

In the second halt the New Zealanders changed their tactics with disastrous results. Their forwards were always beaten, and generally the whole team was much disorganised. There was no further scores by New Zealand, and the match concktded with the visitors easy winners.

WANGANUI v. MANAWATU. On the Feilding racecourse last Saturday the above teams met for the second time this year, and Wanganui again proved victorious by 8 points to nil. Both teams received a great ovation. Enthusiasm ran high all the afternoon and there was a very large attendance. The outstanding feature of the game was the excellent play of the Manawatu forwards until near the end, when a couple of them gave out. which allowed the Wanganui backs to put in fast passing rushes resulting in eight points being scored. The Manawatu team lacked combination amongst the backs, and on the other hand the Wanganui backs were always alert, and when they escaped the green forwards, which was not otten, they proved more than a match for the home team. Several excellent chances were given the Manawatu backs but nothing came of them.

NEW SOUTH WALES v. NEW ZEALAND. Wellington, Sept. 20. The league football international match to-day drew a crowd of between eight and nine thousand. The weather was fine, but dull and the ground iu good order. , The game was fast and in the opening stages New Zealand showed some fine play and a tew minutes after the start they held the lead by five points to three. The Blacks, however, could not maintain the pace and soon yielded to the great speed and combination of the Blues. Although New Zealand played against the wind in the first spell they managed to get ten points, while the Welshmen piled up thirty. In the second spell the Welshmen had less wind against them than the Blacks aad held the advantage throughout. Deane, Herder (2), Frawley, Cubitt and Sullivan got tries for New South Wales, Frawley converting four and Canu one. For New Zealand, Johnston scored a try which George converted, and Bradley potted a goal and kicked a penalty.