FOOTBALL.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9071, 11 February 1908, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

Press Association. —Copyright. Received Feb 10.11.2 p.m. Sydney. Last Night. The New Zealanders defeated Kingston Rovers by a try and the result fairly reflected the merits of Hie teams. With, perhaps, the exception of dribbling, the Colonials held a slight advantage through every phase of the game. Their 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 sound defence, but by straighter running the tourists managed to break through twice. The Blacks commenced in most promising fashion, and immediately took the ball to their opponents’ line,' and Wrigley, making a cleverly conceived pass to Tyne, the threequarter went over. Messenger’s kick at goal touched one of the posts and went outside.

The home players managed to get a batter share of the play subsequently. and before the interval, from a cross kick, West ran in unopposed and equalised. The Rovers, after the change of ends were uneven, and, failing once badly. Messenger, as the result of a brilliant effort, gained the winning try for the Colonials. Received February 'll, 9.7 a.m. Sydney, February 11. The New Zealanders suffered one of the heaviest reverses of the tour at Workington, when opposed to Cumberland, by three goals and five tries to three goals and one try. The Blacks had practically lost the match in the first half. The home men were playing with judgment and skill, there being capital understanding between the backs and forwards. Directly after the change of ends Cumberland were twice penalised, and on each occasion Messenger landed a goal. Cumberland then tackled strongly, and after repeated failures crossed their opponents’ line, though they were generally unable to make much headway. The visitors managed to secure a try, WarwicK charging down Ridley’s kick and taking the ball with him. Messenger again kicked a goal. Cumberland were masters of the situation for the rest of the game, and added another try, which was not converted.