MATCH BETWEEN MAORI FIFTEENS.

Shannon News, 7 October 1924, Page 3

MATCH BETWEEN MAORI FIFTEENS.

WELLINGTON OUTCLASS HORO WiHENUA, A (fast and exciting encounter resulted Rom jtte meeting of the Wellington end Horowhenua Maori representatives at Athletic Park (Wellington) qn Saturday. Although play was inclined to' he uninteresting in the opening spell, it was frequently punctuated with attractive back movements in the second half, during which. the jliome team assorted its superiority and obtain- the decision by' 15 points to 5. A feature of the game was the deadly tackling ol Doth sides.

The teams lined up as follow; Boitowhenua.-HJohnston, Einoka, Tahiwi, StQker t Nicholson,' Hakaraia, Wimata, Jacob. George, Bevan, Gardiner, Tana, Koro, .Teitana, Heremaia.

Wellington.—Rene, T. Katene, T. Moore, Tetley, T. Lov.e, D. Wi Neera, Chambers, M. Love, Takarungi, Piri, Ririti, J. Rene, R. Wi Neera, R. Love, Poinare.

Led by the veteran wing-forward Jacob, the visitors became aggressive from the kick-off, and Wellington had their hands full in keeping toeiiheuvier opponents away irorn • the gbal-line. T. Love and Roue were not found wanting, and their effective kicking, combined (with sound tackling by the other hacks, relieved the pressure temporarily. .The visitors returned to the attack, and a certain try was lost through Tahiwi’s retaining the ball when .his winger was unmarked. 'Through me agency of LQV-e and -Katene, Wellington embarked cm an expedition into opposition territory, , but the tables were turned in a twinkling by Nicholson, fhe visitors’ first five-eighth, who neatly - Anteroepjted *ai pass and set out at break-neck speed 10-r the Wellington line. When tackled he passed to Tahiwi, who sent the leather back to Nlch'oison, who touched do war. Jacob goaled with a beautiful kick. Despite the spirited •efforts, ol the home team the difference had not .been eliminated when hall-time sounded. ■During the course of play Tahiwi and Koro sustained injuries v which necessitated their retirement. They were replaced respectively by Wallace and Tohu. ' The second spell saw an improvement in every department, and before long the home team were fighting tootn and nail for supremacy. A neat field goal by D. Wi Neera inaugurated their account, and shortly afterwards Katene, who had been playing a fine game on the wing, dashed through the opposition anu registered a good-try, which T. Love converted: With a lead of four points, Wellington' continued the offensive and although the visitors made strenuous efforts to make up ■the leeway, fortune went against them|, add before the close or the game two more tries were hoisted by the home team. A clever passing 'bout in which Love, D. Wi Neera and Katene participated resulted in the laistmamed Player forging. his way across, and a solo dribbling effect enabled R. Wi Neera to score the final try hi the day. Neither try was converted, and the game ended with' Wellington the victors by 15 points to 5. - , Nicholson and Jacob were the most conspicuous units for the Horowbenua team, and'Rene, Katene, and the Love the leaders of the local side • Mr J. Mofftt carried the whistle.