NEW ZEALAND v. KINGSTON ROVERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2813, 12 February 1908, Page 58

NEW ZEALAND v. KINGSTON ROVERS.

SYDNEY, February 10. The New Zealanders defeated the Kingston Rovers by a try, and the result fairly reflected the merits of the teams. With perhaps the exception of dribbling, the colonials held a slight advantage in every phase of the game. The forwards packed better than usual, and gained possession of the ball readily, -whilst the hard, dry ground seemed to suit the-three-quarters. The latter were opposed to men who tackled keenly and generally maintained a sound defence, but by" atraighter running the visitors, managed fctv break through twice. The' Blacks commenced in a most promising fashion. They immediately took th« ball to theiropponents line, and Wrigley, marking cleverly, conveyed a pass to Tyne, the three-quarter, who went over. Messenger's kick at goal touched one of the posts and went outside. The home players managed to get a better share of the play subsequently, and before the interval, from a cross kick, West ran in unopposed and equalised scores. The Rovers after the change of ends wer« uneven, and failing once badly. Messenger, as the result of a brilliant effort, gained the winning try for the colonials.

NEW ZEALAND v. NORTHERN"

UNION. LONDON, February 8.

The New Zealanders, giving the best display of their tour, beat the Northern Union by three goals and four tries (18 points) to two tries (6 points.). The play was even in the first half, but New Zealand lead at half-time by 5 points to 3. After 20 minutes' even play in the second half the New Zealanders scored thrice in rapid succession, and the Northern Union scored just on time.