MAORI PIONEERS AT DUNEDIN

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 206, 26 May 1919, Page 6

MAORI PIONEERS AT DUNEDIN

WIN FOR LOCAL MEN. B.t Telenraflh—Press Association. Dunedjn, May 24. The Maori Pioneer Battalion team met the Otugo team to-day nt Carisbrook in perfect weather. There was no wind. Great, interest had boon aroused by the match, and about SGDO people were prosent. The Maoris save a thrilling hiika before the kick-oft. Tho Maoris attacked strongly, beating the local team ba.dly ou tho lino-outs, but their passing was .erratic. Half-way through the first spell tho ball went out from tho centre to O'Connor, Otago's. wing three-quarter, who made a great dash and passed to Mackereth, who ran round Wilkinson and scored for Otago. No goal resulted. The Maoris again attacked strongly and Rogers almost got over. Then Wilkinson made a big effort along the iino an.l scored; no goal. Hutchison, tho Otagn captain, snowed up in a good run to the centre, and passed to Holmes, wins threequarter, who badly beat tho Maori fullback, Edwards, running from half-way, and scored a great try. No goal resulted. In the second Half tho Maoris continued to break away from the line-outs, ■but their passing always broke > down. Anliana and Teurupu showed up in Rood plav by the visitors. Mulling by Stevenson', tlic Otiifro full-back, and Holmes, let the Maoris into an attacking position. From ii scrum in front of the Otaso goal the ball went out to the Maori cawtain, IFall, who scored an easy try. No l?Oiil resulted. The Otago men then commenced to throw the ball about, and O'Connor beat several men and scored near (he corner. No soal resulted. Shortly after, O'Connor almost got over again.' A free-kick to (he Maoris in a favourable position was taken by Hall, without result, and the game ended in the local team winning by 9 points-to 6. The visitors have a strong forward tenm. and are particularly, good in hncout.work, but their backs lack finish n\ the passing game.