English Footballers.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 43341, 23 June 1908, Page 2

English Footballers.

MATCH AGAINST NELSON AND MARLBOROUGH. VICTORY FOR VISITORS. NELSON, June 20. The Anglo-Welsh team played the combined Nelson and Marlborough reps, here to-day in glorious weather. The ground was in excellent condition. The attendance was 5000. The game was a very good exhibition of Rugby, played under excellent spirit, no rough play or any untoward incident occurring during the game. In the first spell the forwards fairly held their own, and in consequence for the greater part of the spell the play was in British territory. The local backs, however, were wanting in attacking power, and the defence of the British backs was so sound that though fully half the play was about the British 25 flag the Nelson team were unable to score, and the spell ended with no score on either side. The second spell saw a different complexion put on the game. The efforts of the Nelson vanguard apparently told. The British forwards almost invariably secured the ball in the scrums. Heeling out smartly the halves fed the three* quarter line (McEvedy, Gibbs, P. Jones, and J. L. Williams), who got off some splendid passing rushes. NelsoD, however, put up such a good defence that 15 minute? passed before J. L Williams scored. Gibbs took the kick, but failed. The home team responded with some good work, and Tuan Jones secured a good opening passed to J. F. Williams, who scored. Jackson failed at goal. Soon after Ponty Jones secured a mark right in front of the posts, and Jackson kicked a pretty goal. Nelson attacked, but the British defence was impregnable. The British forwards were now forcing the game, and from a throw in Ponty Jones secured the ball, and ran right through the opposing backs. Jackson again failed with the kick at a moderate (angle. Shortly after time was called, the game ending, Britain, 12 points ; Marlborough and Nelson, nil.