Maoris Win First Match In Tonga 26-8

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29205, 16 May 1960, Page 14

Maoris Win First Match In Tonga 26-8

(N-.Z. Press Association—Copyright) NUKUALOFA (Tonga), May 14. Before a large crowd at Nukualofa today the New Zealand Maori Rugby team defeated a town XV by 26 points to 8.

Tries for New Zealand were scored by W. Wordley, H. Phillips. M. H. Raureti (two) and M. H. Davis. E. H. Whatarau converted four of the five tries and kicked a penalty. The Tongan side scored two tries early in the first half, one of which was converted. The ground was extremely haj;d and dry and tjie game was played at a very fast pace throughout. The Maori team was: M. Walters, T. Reedy, Phillips, E. H. Whatarau, E. J. Thompson, S. Rutene, J. Brbich, H. Paiaka, M. V. Bevan, Davis, Raureti, J. Porima, A. Pryor, R. Wirepa, Wordley.

The Maori forwards played an exceptionally fine game and were ably led by the captain, Bevan. They dominated scrums and lineouts and gave their backs a feast of the ball. Whatarau was inclined to be flat-footed but Thompson and

Raureti showed great form and initiated most movements. Phillips had little to do but looked dangerous when the ball came to his wing. M. Walters at full-back put in many 40-yard line kicks and was found in all departments of play.

J. Grbich caused havoc amongst the Tongan backs and featured in most attacking movements. The Tongan forwards provided solid opposition and although outplayed in set play were dangerous in the loose, i. The Maori players found the ground too hard for their liking and lost some skin, but there were no casualties. Most players lost sprigs and T. Reedy lost a boot and delighted the crowd with a fine burst with one bare foot.

The score at half-time was 8-8, but after the interval the Maoris took control and delighted the crowd with a series of spectacular back movements.

The most exciting movement came when, from a quick heel just outside the Tongan 25, the ball sped along the line ta Thompson who kicked over the heads of the Tongans, who were standing close up. He recovered the ball, sent it on to Reedy who sped for the corner where he was grounded inches short of the line. Raureti took the bouncing ball. in a flash, to go over for his second try and the final score of the match.