FOOTBALL.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXII, Issue 9017, 3 December 1907, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

THE LEEDS MATCH. Press Association—Copyright. Received Doc. 3, 5.34 p.m. Sydney, Dec. 2. Commenting on the Leeds match the Chronicle, says-.—" With all their stars out, the New Zealanders had stiff task to defeat the strong side which Leeds put in the field, and though they won by eight points to two, they had to strive their hardest. There is still something faulty about the Colonials' play, which the matches they have played so far have not eliminated. They do not command the ball in the scrimmage and their passing is far from perfect. The forwards are good in the open, but they are always striving to handle the'ball, instead of at times relying ou an effective dribble. The result is that the man fails to recover his balance and cannot see where he is passing the leather. The passing forward spoiled many chances, and inaccurate handling negatived several openings even with a clear field. The combination was indifferent, and Wrigley was a great sinner in this regard. Judging from form against Wakefield, lie seems' to be a better man on tjhe wing than Wrigley." The Telegraph says:—" The New Zealanders did not hold a particularly strong advantage, but their form was superior to their opponents. Towards the finish the colonials returned to the attack, but their passing was faulty, and they were unable to increase the lead winch they had already established." NEW ZEALAND TEAM. HIGH PRAISE FROM CRITICS.

Received December 3, 7.30 a.m. Sydney, December 3. The Daily Chronicle (Loudon) writing on the match against St. Helens, says that the "All Blacks" made no mistake in selecting the team to meet St. Helens. Having been made welcome by the Mayor and corporation they went to the football field with a side which included all their star players and won handsomely by 24 points to o, after an exposition particularly in the second half that was positively exciting. The Colonials did not start too well and for twenty "minutes the game was of an evon character, the home side, like every other home side met yet, rising to the occasion and giving the visitors a warm time. Then Wright opened the scoring and Messenger enhanced the value of a try. This was succeeded by the home team smartly beating the defence through a cross kick and cleverness on the part of C. Creeney, who registered a try and placed a goal. Pretty combined play by the visiting backs ended in another try and goal. A.t half time the New Zealanders led by ten to five. The second half opened with a sensational dodging rim by Messenger, avlio eluded several opponents and put a try to his credit as well as resulting in a goal. The home team continued to resent a bold front but coula not penetrate the defence and the Colonials, playing an exceedingly fine game, overcame all opposition and tries wore scored by Smith W. Wynyard and Wright, none of the place kicks succostliuffThe final results were :—New Zealand three goals and three tries; St. Helens one goal. The Daily Telegraph says the Now Zealanders gave a fine display of running and passing. During the first half the'Lancashire maintained an excellent defence and occasionally turned the attack upon the Colonials, but the latter were apparently much smarter, especially behind the scrummage. The way the colonials had forced the pace had its effect on the homo team after tho interval their defence being much weaker than previously.