NEWSPAPER COMMENTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2811, 29 January 1908, Page 37

NEWSPAPER COMMENTS.

SYDNEY, January 24

Commenting on the Yorkshire match, the London Telegraph says: "The recent experiences of the New Zealanders led one to expect that they had a poor chance of winning any of the matches against representative teams, but in meeting Yorkshire at Wakefield the visitors gained a handsome victory, which was deserved from every point of view. The aplendid kicking of Messenger was largely responsible for the substantial margin in their favour. "On the other hand, theexhibition of their backs was a vast improvement on their recent displays. Success attended the colonials in the first two minutes, Messenger dropping a goal^ Subsequently, Sui-man and Bradford, the half backs, kicked two goals, but before half-time tries had been added by Able and Wynyard, both' of which Messenger converted. The second half resulted in a succession of brilliant achievements for the New Zealanders. Great cleverness was shown by the backs, both in passing and running. Another try was added by Eowe, wliile Messenger put on four goals. Making full allowance for the good play of the visitors, Yorkshire's play was extremely disappointing. The Chronicle remarks that the teams were thoroughly representative. Wright,, tli© * colonial captain, turned out once more after his injury. To Messenger, by whose consummate kicking abiljty seven goals were secured, the major honours belonged, but the New Zealanders, from the forwards to the full back, played in their happiest mood. Their splendid combination and brilliant individual efforts completely overcame th« opposition.

The Manchester Guardian says that the WakefieJd ground was the first in good

condition that the New Zealanders ha<l played on for some time. For the last dozen matches or so they had to playi in rain and mud. How much difference was made in them by playing on a; ground in good condition was obvious in the result of " this match. They played^ a better game almost from the start.