FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 64, 5 March 1908, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

"AU. BLACKS ■" FIRST TL>i' MAUH. NEWS BY MAIL. Received March 4, lU.ls> p.m. Sydney, March 4. The All Blacks played their lirst test match against a picked Northern Union team at Leeds, suffering defeat by a goal and four tries to two tries. The Sportsman says the ground, being protected, was in excellent condition for play, which seldom rose above commonplace. The New Zealanders missed the services of Messenger, who was suffering from a cold. Almost from the start the local side was superior, but their tar-tics were painfully crude and slow-. otherwise they must have scored heavily. It was 25 minutes' play before Jolly dropped a clever goal, which was followed by a try. and at half-time the Northerns were leading by 8 to nii. Crossing over, the home side was again painfully slow at taking opportunities, but. following a rousing run by Todd on the other -ide. they put more sting in'o their play. The New Zealander* i then rallied a little, and tries were I ~,-r.t-..,| by Todd and Wyiidham, the ;kik- at goal failing. I'hi- brought to '■ a r-10-e a di-appointing ami uninspiring nntch. The "Daily Sew- 1 ' -ay- the AU Blacks had to play against a strong wind in the first half, but they were nearly always defending and were clearly outclassed.

ENGLISH TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND. THREE TESTS ADVOCATED. Per Press Association. Dunodin. List Night. At .1 meeting of the committee of the <i< ago I'.ugl.y Union to-day. a resolution wa- pa—ed affirming the opinion that it was l,ighlv desirable that three t.-t : hutch.- -hoilld l»- played between lh" Knplirjh team and New Zealand, and urging that the Sew Zealand Union should xi arrange the Englishmen's pro. gramme as to provide for three test matches. The committee express the preparedness of the Otago Union to forego the South Island match at Dunerlin if necessary to facilitate the playing of three test*.