MAORIS BEAT WARATAHS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 226, 24 September 1928, Page 14

MAORIS BEAT WARATAHS.

SINGLE POINT MARGIN. NEPIA’S HAT TRICK. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Saturday. A heavy, greasy ground—the result of rain overnight and preceding the match—made conditions trying for the game between the Maoris and New South Wales, which was played before a crowd of GOOO. A few minutes after the start Burge replaced Bull. Nepia missed the ball and Ma’colm snapped up and passed to Rosenblum, who scored. Towers failed with the kick. New South Wales 3, Maoris 0.

As the result of a cut in by Shortland, who punted, New South Wales were hard pressed, but a force down saved them. The Maoris were now attacking. Twice Falwasser went within inches of scoring on the blind side. In spite of a slippery ball and sodden ground the game was bright and fast. Cerutti was caught offside, but Nepia failed at goal. Malcolm started a passing rush, in which Croft, George and Louden figured, but the last named was tackled in possession. The Maoris retaliated with a dribbling rush, from which Westfield, who was playing a great game, savea. Nepia had another shot, and this time it was successful. Maoris 3, New South Wales 3.

O’Donnell was injured, and was replaced by Bardsley. Towers made a fine run of 30 yards, until he was upended by Nepia. The Maori forwards came back, and a free kick saw Nepia kick his second goal. Maoris 6, New South Wales 3.

Just before half-time the Maoris were almost over. Paewai was replaced by Turei.

The second half opened with forward attacks by each side. Croft failed with a penalty. New South Wales were now having the better of the play. A good kick by Nepia gave temporary relief. He broke through a minute later, and led a dribbling rush to the visitors’ line. A free kick was awarded and Nepia goaled splendidly. Maoris 9, New South Wales 3.

New South Wales swept down with a dribbling rush, but were checked on the line. Rain was now falling in the faces of the Maoris, the - ball was almost unhandable and the forwards slithered through slush, the jerseys being all of one colour. Tata was injured, and Malcolm was applauded for allowing Porata to replace him. A poor kick by Nepia was fielded by Towers, who went within inches of scoring. A force-down saved the Maoris, and they attacked with dribbling rushes. Nepia was not confident but Westfield was fielding and kicking beautifully. The game now degenerated owing to the condition of the ground into a scramble, although occasional dribbling rushes by both sides were very fine. Malcolm kicked through, and White carried on. He dribbled over the line, and George scored. Croft kicked a magnificent goal from the side-line. The game ended without further incident. Maoris 9 New South Wales 8