Wally Prigg unloads for Australia
The touring Kangaroos left the field of battle with their heads held high, despite a 7-5 loss to a Northern League selection at the historic city of York.
Australian journalist, Claude Corbett said the Kangaroos were ‘glorious in defeat’, against what was close to a Test side, with Great Britain selectors to choose their Ashes squad the day after the match. (Britain had won the First Test).
The conditions in York were “deplorable”, according to Corbett, with the Northern side’s only try coming after a dribbling rush (ball on the deck, kicked soccer style) which resulted in Tom Kenny, from Broughton Rangers, scoring in the corner.
“The Australians were the better team, beyond doubt, delving into the deplorable conditions of the ground with an abandon, which, accustomed as they are to them, had the Englishmen hard up against it,” Corbett wrote. “Many a time I was thrilled as Australia, after being behind again in the second half, came with a glorious attack, both with the ball at toe, and in handling.
“(Fred)Gardner, sidestepping perfectly in the mud, beat three men, and was finally brought down by the treacherousness of the ground. The forwards all stuck to their terrific task magnificently, with Arthur Folwell and Wally Prigg outstanding.
“Of all the great players among those Spartans, Bill Smith stood out, like a beacon. His catching of the wet slippery ball was really wonderful, from all sorts of angles. The crowd cheered every time he caught the ball.” Smith, nicknamed ‘Circy’ (why, I am not sure), came from the Starlights club, in Ipswich. Gardner, from St George in Sydney, scored Australia’s try.
Two remarkable goals from halfway, by Welshman, Gus Risman, proved the difference on the scoreboard. Centre, Dave Brown kicked a penalty goal for Australia, after he failed to convert Gardner’s try.
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