NEW ZEALAND v. MIDLAND COUNTIES.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XLIX, Issue 12640, 30 October 1905, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND v. MIDLAND COUNTIES.

A GREAT GAME

THE HOME TEAM PLAY A WING

FORWARD

United Press Association—Copyright

Received October 30 3 0.31 a.m. LONDON, October 29. Yesterday's ma/teh against the Midland Counties attracted another record attendance, 20,000 bein gpresent at the Leicester ground. The Midlands team was fully representative. The Midlands, impressed apparently .by the visitors' superiority over all the teams they have met to date, copied a leaf out of the New Zealanders book, and played a wing fonvaa'd. Despite the change of tactics, they failed to hold their own, and were defeated by 21 points to 5.

As soon as the ball was in play the Colonia-ls took up the offensive, and making the game very fast at once rushed into their opponents' territory. Their passing and running completely disconcerted the Counties team. In quick time tries were obtained by Smith (Auckland) and Mynott (Taoranaki). In each instance Cunningham (Auckland) was entrusted with the kick at goal, and sent the ball over the bar. Before half-time Stead (Southland) added another try, which Gillett (Canterbury) failed to convert, and at half-time the score stood—New Zealand 13, Midlands 0. The Counties team began well in the O3oond 'hall', securing a. goal shortly after play was resumed, which was replied to iby the New Zealanders with a series of hurricane attacks. Showing excellent combination they swept down into their opponents' country, and by fine dash breaking down the defence, Roberts (Wellington) cross>ed the line, and a little later Harper (Canterbury) whipped across. Cunningham took both kicks, and •converted one. The game ended New Zealand 21, Midland Counties 5.