PAKEHAS HAVE ONE POINT WIN OVER MAORIS

Chronicle (Levin), 3 June 1947, Page 7

PAKEHAS HAVE ONE POINT WIN OVER MAORIS

The annual match between the Maoris and Pakehas, played at Otaki on Monday in the presence of a large gathering of spectators, was probably one of the best for some seasons. Both sides were in fine fettle and evenly matched in scrum and line-out work, while the strong running . of both sides

was very pleasing. The game was hard, but rough play was : conspicuous by its absence and neither side gave chances away. The Pakehas^ emerged victorious by only 9 points to 8. ' From the kick-oif the Pakehas attacked and within the space of minutes Galloway kicked a neat penalty goal. Pakehas 3, Maoris 0. Lay, the Pakeha half, continually opened up play, and with the two five-eighths, Cooper and De Castro, who fed the three-quarter line, the Maoris were often hard pressed. The Maoris continued in difficulties and had to accept two force downs. Then they broke away and by splendid combination worked the ball to the reverse end of the field. Jacob, the Maori full-back, was a tower of strength to 'his side, his fine handling and kicking being frequently applauded. The Maoris, by solid scrum work, again had the opposition in trouble on their line, and the Pakehas accepted a force to save. Then came a, for ward rush, headed by Ramsbottom, and this player, kicking high, saw the Pakehas again defending. Then a pass was sent to Galloway, who, after making a strong run, sent to Evans. He transferred back to Galloway, allowing the latter to score an unconverted try. Pakehas 6, Maoris 0. Play continued bright and interesting to the end of the spell. With six points down the Maoris set out to beat this deficit and their play was' of a bright and sparkling nature, causing many thrills. Ramsbottom worked strenuously, and had the backing of his team-mates, and their fine play oftimes had -the Pakehas sorely tried. The Pakehas were some time getting into neutral territory, but once there Galloway, ably assisted by a fast moving set of backs, gave the opposition some anxious moments. 'The Maoris, however, worked with a will and in the scrum work did splendidly, frequently getting the ball. While on attack they were awarded a free kick and Tom Gray landed a perfect goal from well out. Pakehas 6, Maoris 3. Later Webster wefit over for a good try, pushing his way through the ruck to

score. Again Gray added the extras. Maoris 8, Pakehas 6. The Pakehas were not to be denied, and before the spell ended Bet'oy went over for a well-deserved try. Galloway missed the uprights. Pakehas 9, Maoris 8. Play to the end of the spell was of a very determined nature, first one -side then the other holding the advantage. , Cup Presented The handsome Dewar Cup was then presented by Mr. A. Gillespie, on behalf of the union, who congratulated both the winners and the losers on their fine display, adding that it was very evident that Horowhenua football had made a comeback and that further fine games should be witnessed before the 'find of the season. Mr. McCashin accepted the * cup on behalf of the Pakeha team, thanking Mr. Gillespie and the Maori team. Horowhenua Thirds Beat Manawatu As a curtain raiser to the MaoriPakeha game Horowhenua thirds met and defeated Manawatu by six points to three. Infringements by both sides were numerous and spoilt what should have been a good game. In the first spell Rogers kicked a penalty for Manawatu, while Gwynn equalised in the second nalf with a 'penalty goal. Shortly after Gwynn again landed another penalty kick over to give his side a win. :