FOOTBALL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8985, 20 November 1907, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

THE "PRO-BLACKS." THE MATCH AGAINST WIDNES. .Received November 19, 7.3.1 a.m. SYDNEY, November 19. Commenting on the Widnes match, the London Chronicle says that the New Zealanders' victory was all the - .more creditable asMessenger, Smith, and Todd wore a blent from the team. The visitors were the first to become really dangerous. Some pretty work by Kelly ended in Wrigley crossing the line, but the latter failed with the kick at goal. After some midfield play, Wynyard got another grand try after a splendid run along the touch line, Wrigley again failing to convert. Widnes now showed better form and biought off several neat passing movements, from one of which Davies kicked a goal. Just before the interval Widnes were penalised close iiv and Wrigley kicked a goal. The Nnw Zealanders crossed over with a Jead of a goal and two tries to a goal and a try. In the secomf half the New Zealanders showed much bettep form. Rowe sosn broke away, and after beating r several opponents gave the ball to McGregor* who crossed the 1 line. Wrigley placed a goal from a difficult position. Then came one of the best pieces of play in the matc'i. Davies snJ Taylor got away abng the touch line, an 4 after pi ss ng and re-pass-ing Taylor got the corner. Davies failed \at the kick at goal. The play of the colonials was very .good, the forwards frequently bringing "off bouts of passing; and the home defence was often in difficulties. Prom some scrambling play in midfield, Rowe picked up and after a gobd run passed to Wynyard who gained a try. Wrigley failed to convert. A fine piece of individual play by Wright followed. Breaking away, Wright ran clear through his opponents, and obtained the fifth try. Wrigley failed to convert. A mistake by Barber gave Tyler a chance, and fne colonial crossed the line. Turtill converted. The latter also kicked a penalty goal. Just before the finish Taylor obtained a "try for Widnes. The final scores were^ —New Zealand, four goals and six tries; Widnes, one goal and three tries. The Mail says that the New Zealanders played a great game, always interestirg, and at times absolutely •enthralling, but t'iey lose m the scheme of operations and at times indulged in "fly kicking,which would have discounted them in the •eyes of any critic of the game. The Telegraph says that it is noteworthy, as in previous ontests, that the colonials were able to claim no material advantage up to half-time, •despite the fact that the backs had ample opportunities for showing their cleverness in passing and have a fine turn of speed. The constant pressure, however, put upon the •" home defence had effect in the later stages, when the colonial bac'ks scored freely. Altogether, they ga\e a fine display.