Third Rugby Test Won By Maoris

Chronicle (Levin), 9 August 1948, Page 3

Third Rugby Test Won By Maoris

— v— — — — Eeceived Sunday, 7 p.m. SUVA, August 7. The Maori Eugby representative wou the third test and rubber, beating the Fiji jepresentative team 14 — 6. The ground, although sticky, was much improved and a hard and fast game resulted. Smith, Jacob at half-baek, and Cherrington on the wing, were otftstanding, with Blake, Marriner, Carrington and l. Hohaia tke best forwards. Blake partieularly was outstanding. The first try caine from Johnny Smith who secured from a forward rush, sold a durnmy apd scored in the corner. Ivenny missed the kick. The next Maori try came when Smith passed in to Blake and the tall forward" went over for a certain try. Kenny converted. — Maoris 8 — 0. As well as playing hard in the tight, Blake was always in the offing when the backs weie i-n motion and on many occasions broke up the Fijian passing movements. Just before half-time Atunaisa scored from a forward rush. The Maoris attacked fiercely in the second half and on several occasions were nearly over. Cherrington, playing with dash and determination, scored the next try in the- corner. Kenny failed to convert. — Maoris 11, Fiji 3. From a penalty Veikose kicked a fine goal. — Maoris 11, Fiji 6. Just before time Smith, who had consistently sold a dummy, made an opening for Cherrington to score. Kenny failed to convert, the game ending Maoris 14, Fiji 6. The Maoris' knowledge of the game was' the deciding factor. The backs eonsistently varied'play, time and again sending the ball infield to confound the Fijian backs. ' .■ .