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New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12609, 20 November 1926, Page 6

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MAORIS AND EAST MIDLANDS HARD. THRILLING STRUGGLE FORWARDS WELL MATCHED « Bv Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, Novfember 18. A hard, thrilling struggle at Northampton between the Maoris and East Midlands ended in a draw— two tries apiece—after East Midlands had held the lead for the greater part of the game. The team was: Phillips, Falwasser, PelTiam, Lockwood, Kiugi, Bell, Love, Olsen, Dennis, Gemmell, Tatana, Rika, Nelson, Manihera, and Haupapa. The Maoris, territorially, had more of the play, but their backs, though faster than their opponents, finished badly. Their combination repeatedly broke down at critical moments. There was little to choose between the forward divisions, for if the East Midlands had more often the better of the scrums the Maoris were frequently dangerous in the open. East Midlands opened brilliantly, and at half-time deservedly led by 6 points to 3, Fensome and Birch scoring tries, which were npt converted, after Lockwood had opened the score for the Maoris. In the secend spell the Maoris played with desperate vigour, and for long stretches kept East Midlands on th<j defensive, but the Midlanders’ great tackling and tho Maoris’ own poor finishing prevented the Maoris from equalising the scores until the close of time. Falwasser then crossed the line, following a good passing bout. Had the Maoris’ mid-field promise been rounded off near the line they would have won, but the gallant defence of the Midlanders secured a draw. Phillips was a good full-back, but Pelham was the soundest behind the scrum, although Falwasser proved a strong runner, difficult to stop. Olsen, Gemmell, Wilson, and Haupapa acquitted themselves well among the forwards, who, like their opponents, revelled in hard work.