FOOTBALL.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9088, 5 March 1908, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

THE N.Z. PROFESSIONALS AT “ HOME. THE FIRST TEST MATCH, Press Association—Copyright. Received March 4, 10.5 p m. Sydney, March 4. The “All Blacks” played the first test match against a picked Northern Union team at Leeds, suffering defeat by a goal and 4 tries to 2 tries. The Sportsman says: The ground being protected, was in excellent condition for play, which seldom rose above the commonplace. The New Zealanders missed the services of Messenger, who was suffering from a cold. Almost from the start the local side were superior, but their tactics were painfully crude aud slow, otherwise they must have scored heavily. There was 25 minutes’ play before Jolly dropped a clever goal, which was followed by a try. At half-time the Northerns were leading by 8 to nil. Crossing over, the home side were again painfully slow in taking opportunities, but, following a arousing run by Todd, on the other side, they put more sting into their play. The New Zealanders then rallied a little. Tries were scored by Todd and Wynyard, the kicks at goal failing. This brought to a close a disappointing aud uninspiring match. The Daily News says the “All Blacks’ ’ had to play against a strong wind in the first half, hut they were nearly always defending, and were clearly out-classed.

MORE COMEMNTS. Received March 5, 10.15 a.m. Sydney March 5. Referring to the Reeds match the Daily Chronicle says that in the opening stages the Row Zealanders pressed'"but their"'attacks lacked force. The. second half was keenly contested in the latter stages and the Blacks were quite the aide,. Wynyard scoring a clever try in the final minutes. The Sportsmn says: In the York match -where the home team gained the narrow victory of a goal and a try to a try, the conditions were in favour of the Colonial methods. The Blacks commenced in promisingstyle and Todd an excellent chance of getting over the line. Maintaining the pressure, however, Rowe crossed, Turtill failing to convert. Before crossing over York secured a goal. The second half was pointless, the home team often strongly attacking the position, but it was not clever enough to break down the fine defence of their opponents.