MAORI TEAM DEFEATS VICTORIA.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3519, 3 August 1926, Page 1

MAORI TEAM DEFEATS VICTORIA.

BY 30 POINTS TO NIL. Melbourne, August 1. The weather was showery when the Maoris defeated Victoria by 30 to nil. The Maori team was as follows :—Potaka, Phillips, Barclay, Falwasser, Love, Beera, Shortland, Bell, Olsen, Stewart, Matene, Rika, Wiilson, Gemmell, Haupapa. The attendance was 5000. Victoria won the toss. The Maoris attacked, but were penalised for a forward pass. Phillips scored a try, but Matene failed to convert. Victoria kicked over the ball going into touch. The Maoris advanced from a break away, and Phillips again scored a try, which Matene, was unsuccessful in endeavouring to convert. A penalty against Victoria followed off-side play, from a forward movement after repeated attacks by the Maoris. The home side seldom took play into the opposing territory. Matene and Wilson were instrumental in initiating several forward movements. A Victorian pass was intercepted by Falwasser who sent Phillips away to register a try, without further addition. Falwasser was again prominent in a great run, which resulted in an unconverted try. After a spell of midfield play, Barclay scored three points. The Maori defence was seldom troubled in the first half. At half time, the Maoris were 18, Victoria nil. On the resumption of .play Victoria assumed the offensive. Potaka was forced to retire injured, Bell assisting the defence. Victoria was still attacking but were unable to pierce the Maori defence. A sharp attack by the visitors gave Phillips a chance to score a try. Stewart was prominent in midfield play, then Victoria made a great effort to open their account through the agency of Wluckett and Smith. Falwasser then gained possession, passing to Martini, the latter obtaining a try. The Maoris showed fine systematic passing. The visitors attacked strongly, but several attempts to increase the score were nullified by the Victorian solid defence. Rue, the home side fullback retired injured. Each side was now one man short. Lane made excellent progress for Victoria, but ran the ball into touch. Lockwood, w ho later replaced Potaka scored a try. Love’s resultant kick just grazing the post. The visitors advanced again, but Ewan saved the situation with a timely kick. The final score was: Maoris ten tries, Victoria nil. The best players for the Maoris were Potaka, Phillips, Shortland, Falwasser, Wilson, Stewart and Love and for Victoria, Abbot, McCausland, Smith, Lane and Ewan.