FOOTBALL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 9015, 28 December 1907, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

TOUR OF THE "PRO-BLACKS." THE MATCH AGAINST LEIGH. ENGLISH PRESS COMMENTS. By Telegraph—Press Association. Received December 27, v 7.54 a.m. SYDNEY, December 27. Comments by the English press on the match between New Zealand and Leigh are to hand. The "London Daily Telegraph" states:—''The record of the New Zealand team is rapidly being spoiled. The third reverse was sustained yesterday, when they were decisively beaten by Leigh, who from start to finish played resolute football, indicating a keenness to lower tho. colonials' colours. The form* of the? latter was disappointing, weakness being shown both in attack and de-, fence. The game provided some fine outside movements,™ which the Leigh players showed to greater advantage by reason of their superior accuracy in passing and stronger running:* The opening stages were even, the first score being a goal for the all Blacks, kicked by Messenger. The home side, however, soon took the lead, the interval were leading by 7to 4. The colonials, did not add to their score until tw,b minutes i before the close of the game, when Rowe got over and Messenger con-, verted. Meanwhile Leigh had added eight points, the final score beingLeigh 15 points, New Zealand 9 points." The "Daily News" says:-"The. opening play was contested in midfield, neither side for a time gaining anv particular advantage. Eventually from his own mark, Messenger kicked a fine goal "for the visitors. Afterwards the home forwards made a long dribble, but Turtill saved by kicking into the dead ball area. Later Turtill saved finely after another long rush by the Leigh forwards. However in another rush Webster scored, and Molyneaux placed a goal. Afterwards from a mark by Bennett Molyneaux kicked another goal. Towards half-time the New Zealanders attacked strongly, and from a mark' Messenger kicked a goal. After changing ends Neville crossed the New Zealand line, and later from Whittaker's mark Molyneaux kicked another goal, while before the finish Neville gained a further try. In the last few minutes McGregor obtained a try for the visitors, and Messenger placed a goal." The "Chronicle" states:— "Leigh won on their merits. This is all the more surprising in as much as Leigh is not considered a strong team."

MATCH WITH HUNSLET DRAWN. BV TELEGIUrH- -PRESS ASSOCIATION. Received December 27, 10.25 a.m. LONDON, December 26. The New Zealand team played a drawn game with Hunslet. Each team scored four goals and one try. Hunslet's score was all amassed m the second half, the New Zealanders leading at half time by 9 points to nil. The final scores read:— New Zealand 11 Hunslet ... ••• H.