Waratahs Suffer Their First Loss

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 187, 28 October 1927, Page 1

Waratahs Suffer Their First Loss

DEFEAT BY OXFORD UNIVERSITY’S FINE GAME By Cable.—Press Association. — Copyright. Reed. 12.10 p.m. LONDON, Thurs. THE New South Wales Rugby team suffered its first loss today, Oxford University inflicting a 3—o defeat. The Waratahs ran a risk, by including only four of - the team that drew with London in the pi-evious match. On the whole, the Waratahs were disappointing, particularly the backs, who, through faulty handling, very often failed to make much ground, even before Malcolm went off with a dislocated shoulder just before Oxford scored. The team failed to produce its best, though at the finish it made a desperate effort to save the game. Flaws In its attack are still noticeable, and the men appeared to be too anxious, considering the heavy ground and the wet ball. Their handling was at times good, but the centres made the mistake of going across too much, and Oxford’s relentless tackling nipped every opportunity in the bud. The forwards would perhaps have been well advised not to heel so often, as when they chose to use their feet, they always looked dangerous. Malcolm played a distinguished game, varying his work cleverly. Ross was very safe. The only try scored was in the last quarter hour, and by Marshall, the Oxford right wing. Probably the Waratahs were disappointed with their own play; but Oxford put up a surprisingly good fight. Its tackling was immense.—A. and N.Z.