RUGBY

Evening Star, Issue 22452, 24 September 1936, Page 4

RUGBY

WALLABIES WIN LAST MATCH MAORIS DECISIVELY BEATEN [Per United Press Association.] PALMERSTON N., September 23. If the Maoris had played in the first half as they did in the second! there would have been a different tale to tell of to-day’s match against Australia. However, they were an almost hopeless side till the interval, the Australians running through their ranks whenever it pleased them. The second spell saw a definite change for the better and the Maoris were on the verge of scoring a number of times. The weather was ideal for the occasion andi there was a tremendous crowd. Hodgson played a magnificent game for the visitors and was the outstanding man on the field, but he was inclined to play at times Rugby that was unorthodox, spoiling the impression he created. All the Australian backs were prominent. Hellish was outstanding at half for the Maoris, while O’Connor was safe at full-back. Scores came rapidly in the first half. Rankin opened the account _ with a penalty goal after seven minutes of plav. Then Kelaher made an opening for* M‘Lean to score, Gibbons converting. This try came like a bolt from the blue while the Maoris were attacking. Richards next “ dummied ” over from a line-out and Rankin converted, the score being 13-0 after 15 minutes of play. Four minutes later Bridle got away from a scrum, M'Lean scoring an unconverted try. Then Kelaher got away from a scrum anti the ball passed along all the backs for M'Lean to score. Rankin converted, and after 24 minutes of play the score was 21-0.

Mason was hurt and was replaced by Phillips. From a line-out Walden sent the Australian backs away, Kelaher scoring and Rankin converting. Five minutes before half-time Pepere kicked a penalty,goal for the Maoris from near halfway with a fine kick. The halftime scores were: Australia ' 26 points Maoris 3 points The second half was opened with a series of penalties, Rankin twice failing for Australia and Pepere for the Maoris. Mellish raised a roar of encouragement when he zig-zagged in and out among the Australians and put the Maoris on attack for a considerable period, with the visitors hard pressed. Finally Bridle broke away, but spoilt a scoring chance by not passing. Gibbons also staged a solo run, which he spoilt by a bad pass. Reid, the Maori captain, was the next to electrify the crowd by driving through again to place the Maoris on attack. The ball shot from, one side of the field to the other, but the defence held till Mellish, Kotua,. and Phillips outpaced the > opposition, the last-named scoring. Reid missed the kick at goal. With a minute to go the Australians broke through the defence to get their first score of the spell. Rankin converted, making the final scores: Australia 31. points Maoris 6 points

THREE WINS IN NINE GAMES TOURISTS’ RECORD The Australian team has won only three of its nine games to date, ft was successful against ' Wanganui, North Otago, and the Maori team. Its record is as follows:

Australia. Opponents. Auckland 5 8 Wanganui Hawke’s Bay ... 22 12 14 20 Wairarapa-Bush 13 19 New Zealand ... 6 11 North Otago ... 16 13 New Zealand ... 13 38 Southland 6 14 Canterbury 18 19 Maori Team ... 31 6 111 160