LEAGUE TOURING TEAM

Taranaki Daily News, 19 November 1926, Page 9

LEAGUE TOURING TEAM

WIGAN SIDE DEFEATED CONDITIONS UNFAVOURABLE. THE BETTER SIDE WINS. By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright. Received Nov. 18, 5.5 p.m. London, Not. 17. The New Zealand League team d* feated Wigan Highfield by 14 point* to 2.The game was played under the molt unfavourable conditions, the ground be 4 ing of the heaviest. Nevertheless both sides played excellent football. It vm wonderful how the New Zealander*’ took passes, being much the cleverer side, but they had a trying time in the first half. Highfield was constantly attacking, and only New Zealand’a fine defeuce prevented them from scoring. The New Zealanders started with the advantage of a slope. They showed good judgment with clever passing, their ability often bewildering the Highfielders, while their keen backing up proved a great factor in their victory. Occasionally Highfield were near the line, and with a trifle more judgment would have been over. The brew Zealanders played six out of seven of tho forwards who were engaged in the recent dispute. All played well, but Dufty, as full-back, was the star of his side. Desmond and Gardiner were good, the former taking a lot of stopping. Osbaldcston for Highfield played a splendid game. Gardiner secured a try in the first half; and auotlier in tho second. Desmond and Carroll added a try apiece, one of which was converted by Mouat. Osbaldeston replied with a penalty goal.

The New Zealand team consisted of Dufty, Sanders, Desmond, Kirwin, Gardiner, Brisbane, Webb, Carroll, Devine, Henry, Peterson, Singe, Mouat.