FOOTBALL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9017, 2 January 1908, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

THE TOUR OF THE "PROBLACKS." MATCH AGAINST OLDHAM. BY TELECIIUPH TUESS ASSOCIATION". SYDNEY, December 31. jNews by mail gives particulars of the New Zealand football team's match against Oldham on November 23rd, which provided the fourth reverse for the "All Blacks." The home team was one of the finest in the Northern Union, but the conditions under which the match was played were unfortunate, heavy rain havjng done much damage to the ground. The colonials were not represented by their best side, hut they played-with more dash than in the preceding engagements. They were, however, equal to their opponents. Oldham were stronger in the scrummage, and at the same time showed greater adaptability to the. heavy going. In these circumstam.es the 1 character of play, on the treacherous ground was a good deal bfetter than might have been expected. The contest immediately after the start favoured the home side. There was a particularly good movement on .the part of the colonal backs, which was only check-mated in time to prevent them from scoring. By dint of perseverance the visitors reduced their opponets' lead, Messenger kicking a penalty goal. Rain fell incessantly during the spell. After the interval Oldhqm quickly broke, , through and scored. From this point to the finish th 3 New New Zealanders pressed considerably, and had the better of the play. Wright scorekl a clever try, which Messenger converted. Oldham, however, held their lead of one point to the finish.

MATCH AGAINST RUNCORN. Received January 1, 10.8 a.m. SYDNEY, January 1. The New Zealanders sustained their fifth defeat at Runcorn. A determining factor was the superiority of the Runcorn forwards, the folonial backs beingafForded few opportunities of showing their usual combination. Rain fell heavily before the game started, and much of the ground was under water. The home team attacked from the outset, and victory was never in doubt. The New Zealanders for the greater part of the game had to be content with defensive tactics. Excellent as was the manner in which they opposed the Runcorn attacks, the All Blacks were unable to prevent their line being crossed, and did their best to recover lost ground but without success.