VICTORY FOR THE MAORIS

Taranaki Daily News, 22 November 1926, Page 6

VICTORY FOR THE MAORIS

DEFEAT OF BLACKHEATH VISITORS’ FINE FORM’ARD PLAY. CONDITION TELLS ITS TALE. By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright. Received Nov. 21, 5.5 p.m. London, Nov. 20. The Maoris’ touring team defeated Blackheath by nine points to five. The Prince of Wales was present and shook hands with the teams. The Hou. J. G. Coa,tes also attended. Haupapa, although not playing, changed into football clothes and led the war dance. Rain all night had soddened the turf, resulting in a very greasy ball and making the handling most difficult. The teams were: — Maoris. —Potaka, Falwasser, Pelham, Phillips, Kingi, Wineera, Love, Bell. Olsen, Dennis, Rika, Wilson. Tatana. Manihera, Robinson. Blaekheath. —King, Turner, Sir Tho. mas Devitt, Kendal, Bishop, Wynne, Young, Kemp, Chichester, Bonaventura, Ryder, Pratton, Gwynne, Haslett, Brashier and Redham. The Maoris started shakily, Blaekheath pressing for the first quarter of an hour and once crossing the line, but the. referee ordered a line-out. Subsequently Rika broke away and Tatana carried on a good run, but his pass was intercepted. The Maoris’ again forced play and although they made several breakaways, in one. of which Falwasser got in a sixty yards run before being thrown into touch, with several colleagues waiting to take his pass. Phillips started a 'Maori offensive from a serum and continued attacking until a free kick relieved the pressure on Blackheath’s defence. Love spoiled a chance to score by hanging on to the ball. Young broke through the Maoris in vigorous style and passed to Pratt, who scored a trv which Kemp converted. Half-time found the scores:Blackheath 5 Maoris 0 Immediately play was resumed for the second spell the Maoris attacked, Robinson, Bell and Falwasser combining in an excellent dribble till Phillips picked up and beat several opposing players, only to be tackled when within inches of the line. Manihera secured the ball from the scrum, put down his head and forced his way across, Potaka failed with the kiek. The Maoris continued to press, but their passes went too often at random. Falwasser got over the line but the referee ruled that the pass from Pelham had been forward. Kingi dashed round the serum and sent the ball in to Dennis, who scored, but Potaka was unable to add a goal. Devitt made a great run. but was grassed opportunely by Bell with a magnificent tackle. The Maoris’ better condition enabled them to continue their attacks and Rika forced his way over the line. Potaka's kick, however, was a failure. The Maoris’ victory was due to their great forward play. Bell. Kingi. Pelham and Love were also excellent. The final scores were: Maoris 9 Blaekheath fl RESULTS OF THE TOUR. FINANCIAL SUCCESS EXPECTED. London, Nov. 19. It is expected the Maoris’ tour will 'be a financial success. The gates have been fairly good, despite the coal strike, though the Welsh gates were affected. The French Federation anticipated that the tour would cost between £12,000 and £13,000. The first half in France realised £4OOO, and the games in England and Wales are expected to realise £6OOO. Thus, with the improvement in the exchange, the federation should make £lOOO profit. Much depends on the final match.