NINTH MATCH A VICTORY FOR ALL BLACKS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2797, 14 October 1924, Page 4

NINTH MATCH A VICTORY FOR ALL BLACKS.

CHESHIRE DEFEATED BY 18 POINT'S TO 5.

The ninth match of the All Blacks tour was played at Birkenhead Park on Saturday, when Cheshire, was defeated by 18 points to fi. The New Zealanders ’fielded a weak side in addition to which they had been given a “black draught" by manager Dean. The score was 8/nil at half time. After the interval the All Blacks added five more unconverted tries while Cheshire scored a goal, i.e. a converted try. There was an attendance of 12,000 spectators. It was reported that 15 members of the visiting team were suffering from ptomaine poisoning, but the trouble was not serious enough to require medical attention, though some changes were necessai'y in the team, which lined out as follows: — Fall-hack: ft. Nepia; three-quar-ters A. TI. ITart, IT. W. Brown, .T. Steel; five-eighths: N. P. MefJregor (2), L. Pnewai (1); half: J. Mill; .winger: C. ft. Porter (captain)j back row: A. 11. West, R, L. Stewart; supports: -T. Richardson, C. J. Brownlie; lock: Rj R. Masters; hookers: W. E. Irvine, B. V. ArcClear v.

The New Zealanders opened with an a I tael;, which pushed t hrough till Gracia saved on Cheshire’s line. The county hacks then initiated some fine passing bouts, Hobday ic.nning well in and transferring to Richardson, who almost dropped a goal. Hard rucking play by Cheshire forwards carried play to the N.Z. line, where the game became very close and of a .scrambling character, both sides obtaining about the same amount of possession from I he serums.

Both McGregor and Pacwai, playing live-eighths, were knockiiig-on repeatedly, while the county men were playing a hard, spoiling game, and Gracie intercepted several New Zealand passes. For thirty minutes play continued of a nondescript character on hot Insides, then Mill initiated a passing rush, the ball going to Hart, who lmrdled over the opposing full-hack’s head and registered the first try. Nopia's kick at goal failed, and the spell ended wit limit furl her score. N.Z. 3, Cheshire nil.

The New Zealanders began ilio •eeond half brilliantly, the men ’landlitig the hall with more certainly, and within three minutes three ries were added (scorers names •milled). N.Z. 0, Cheshire nil. Porter then crossed at the corner at Nepia was again unsuccessful •.itli the kick for the third time. Reel was the next to score a try .vliieli was also unconverted-. N.Z. 15, Cheshire nil. The. Cheshire forwards again liv- . nod up, and made rushes on the N.Z. line hut their attempts lacked umility till Locke got through the defence owing to weak tackling (at least six New Zealanders should have tackled him) and crossed the hue. Richardson added the major points. Cheshire 5, N.Z. 15. On resuming the New Zealanders indulged in some line passing from which Jin i f secured the hall, and, uftcr a brilliant run, scored in the. corner. Steel’s kick al goal failed. N.Z. IS, Cheshire 5. The New Zealander’s superiority was most pronounced in tile hack division. The game generally was the poorest exhibition the Alt Blacks have yet given. Cheshire's loose, single-handed passing offered innumerable opportunities to intercept. The New Zealand hacks were continually using the line, even when thev It ad a big lend. Ilart alone deserves special mention for his de--Ict mined miming and wonderful pare.