Part two of a historic Great Britain Rugby League tour. Having wrestled the Ashes from Australia we look at the teams progress in New Zealand.
The first Test was played at Carlaw Park in Auckland on the 30th July 1932 in front of 25,000 Kiwi fans. The tourists looked jaded in the first half from their exploits in Australia and the New Zealanders went in at half-time 9 points to 6.
The second half was all Great Britain as they regrouped and ran in six superb ties. The pack laid the foundations, but it was GB backline which outclassed their hosts.
A brace a piece for Castleford’s Artie Atkinson and St Helens powerhouse Centre Alf Ellaby and the other scores from Leeds Flyer Stanley Smith and Widnes Forward Nat Silcock. The game finished 9-24.
The 2nd encounter in Christchurch took the same path as the first Test with New Zealand getting the better of the exchanges in the first half. Kiwi winger Victor List along with sound goal kicking from Loose Forward Jim Amos ensure the home team entered the changing rooms 12-10 in front at the break.
However, the New Zealanders were unable to maintain their efforts and the Great Britain team proved too strong, running in five great tries in total.
Once again Castleford’s Artie Atkinson scored two tries, Leeds Winger Stanley Smith, Huddersfield’s Stan Brogden operating at Stand-Off and Lock Bill Horton of Wakefield Trinity completed the try scoring. Skipper Jim Sullivan kicked 5 goals.
The final game and the Third Test was a much closer affair. Great Britain were without a number of players, including Saints Alf Ellaby, replaced by Salford’s Barney Hudson and a number of players from the Pack.
As usual New Zealand started well, but the Lions pegged them back. At half-time it was all square 8-8. In a nail biting climax, both teams scored three tries each, but it was somehow fitting that Jim Sullivan the tourists inspirational captain and place kicker would have the final say – kicking the extra conversion to make it 18-20 in favour of Great Britain.
The tourists ‘Whitewash’ of the Kiwis added the ‘Icing on the Cake’ for the tourists on what had been a remarkable tour.
Jim Sullivan’s team of 1932 provide the inspiration for this collection, featuring the iconic GBRL jersey, along with vintage Polo, Zipper and T Shirts. This collection will appeal to all Rugby League supporters.

Celebrate the heritage of international rugby football with our vintage collection, including ruggers, polos and t-shirts, visit ellisrugby.com