FOOTBALL.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9136, 4 May 1908, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

, .THE NEW ZEALANDERS IN AUSTRALIA. DEFEATED BY NEW SOUTH WALES. Press Association —Copyright. Sydney, May 2. There was glorious weather when the All Blacks mec New South Wales under Northern Union rules on the Argicultural Ground. About 15.000 people wore present. Following were the teams:—

New Zealand. —Back, Turtill; three-quarters, Tyne, Rowe, Kelly and Wrigley; Halves. Barder and J. Wynayrd ; forwards, Mackerill, Lile, Johnson, Cross, Pearce and Wright. N.S.W.—Back, Hedley ; threequarters, Stuntz, Messenger, Devereaux and Cheadles ; nalvea, Roseufield and Butler; forwards, Graves, Hennessy, Lutge, Rosewell, O’Malley, Davis, Moir and Holloway.' “ iMn the first spell the Welshmen played the better game, showing more dash and fire in their work. In the first 15 minutes the All Blacks kept the plav in their opponents ’ ground, Barder drawing first blood with a pretty drop kick, which sailed over the bar. This aroused the Welshmen, who with a fine passing rush, carried the hall into New Zealand’s 25. Messenger marked and kicked a good goal. The local men were not long in following up the advantage, and a fine combined rush ended in Stuntz crossing. Messenger added the extra points. A few minutes later New South Wales were penalised in a scrum. Turtill took the shot at goal, hut the ball rolled over the right side, and New South Wales again had the All Blacks bustling. Cheaales got away with a feinting run and crossed, Messenger converting. After an interval of good play on both sides a penalty for interference resulted in Messenger again scoring. The All Blacks made a good rush, and fought it out on the home line. Barder got the ball from Wynyard and scored, but the angle was too difficult for Turtill to make anything of it. The score at half-time was —N.S.W. 14; New Zealand, 78.

In the second half New Zealand played against a breeze, but did not show any form. Messenger, off a mark, added a goal. His kicking was splendid. The Blues were down on the Blacks continually, running all over them. The Now Zealanders were slow in handling the ball. Off a penalty, Messenger, with a great kick from over half-way, added another couple of points. In passing the Blacks were outclassed by their opponents. The Blacks fought hard in the last few moments, and in a rough and tumble rush, during which the Blacks displayed some roughness, Kelly managed to get over in a corner. The angle, however, was too awkward for Turtill to convert, and the whistle sounded. N.S. W. 18., New Zealand 10. OPINIONS ON THE NORTHERN GAME. Sydney, May 3. Critics approve of the Northern game. The opinion is expressed that from a spectator’s point of view the game outclasses the old Rugby game. There can be no waste of time on the part of the leading team. In connection with vicious play yesterday, the referee is considered to bo more to blame than the players for allowing the outburst to go unchecked. 4, 9.3 a.ra. Sydney, May 4. The Herald says that many went to the match out of curiosity and remained to applaud. The differences between'the old and new Rugby codes, are in favour of the latter. They all make for pace and attractiveness. Both papers attribute the New Zealanders’ defeat chiefly to want of condition after the voyage. OPENING OF AUCKLAND SEASON. Press Association. Auckland, May 2. The Rugby football season opened here to-day in glorious weather, and the following are the results-City beat Parnell 16points (two goals and two tries) to nil. Ponsonby beat Grafton 36 points to nil. North Shore and University drew, 5 points (one goal each). The following team will represent Marton Seniors against Hnnterville Seniors at Marton on Wednesday on Marton Park Signal, Broderick. Mclntyre, Henderson, McGuirk, Kelliher, Riokelben, Podjursky, Hunt,“Mclndoe.fiMarchant, Dowdall, Green,'Train, and Northover. The following will represent Bulls against Marton Juniors on Wednesday, May 6th,- at Bulls:—Flower, H. McGregor, Hinkley, Nicholson, A. Jenkins, J. ‘ McGregor, L. Oapstick, H. Green, L. Jackson, B. Signal, Garrity, Valpy, Lawson. Emergencies: Forwards, Lineman, Paul; backs, Richardson and Duncan. Scrum practice to-night. The first senior match in Rangitikei Union was played at Bulls on Saturday between Excelsiors (Marton Fire Brigade Glnb) and Bulls and resulted in a win for Bulls by 19 points to nil. In the first spoil only 3 points were scored against the visitors. Seyeral promising players belong to the new club and no doubt with a little more practice and combination the team will give better results. Mr Hinkley refereed. Notes on the game by “Muddied Oaf” wilUappear later in the football column.

The following will represent Marton juniors against Bulls on Wednesday next: —A. Signal, Scholes, Toy, Simpson, Hunt, Marr, Lawrence, Scryuigeour, MoGhesn«y, Lynch, Brock, Dutton, Harris, Miles and Sandall.