EX-KIWIS BEAT MAORIS

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31090, 20 June 1966, Page 16

EX-KIWIS BEAT MAORIS

A greater concentration on the fundamentals of the game led to the Ex-Kiwis scoring their second win in as many when they defeated Canterbury Maoris, 32-23, at Murphy Park, Kaiapoi, yesterday.

The passing of the Maoris was not always accurate, handling lapses occurred and possession was lost in the tackles with too much regularity. The Maoris. however, matched the Ex-Kiwis in open football and the game was entertaining with several fine tries being scored. The Ex-Kiwis had complete domination in the scrums where D. L. Blanchard out-hooked J. K. Keremeta and J. Fonatea. Several of the ex-Klwis team illustrated that they had lost little of their guile although In some cases speed was lacking. The return of A. A. Smith to kick six goals was a feature of the match. Several were from quite difficult angles. Blanchard assumed the role of ball distributor and took J art In many switches of play. . E. Bond and G. H. Turner did a lot of work up front, while P. J. Creedy gave his backs good service and N. K. Roberts and J. M. Bray made many holes in the Maoris’ defence.

The nippy running of J. C. Hawthorne and the strength of

B. Williams provided the exKlwis with a few problems In the centre. Hawthorne’s fourth goal brought up his century of points In all matches this season.

D. R. Barton and R Cotter were the most prominent of the Maori forwards. For the ex-Klwle. I. D. Anderson, B. W. Langton. Bray, Roberts, K. C. Pearce and Turner, scored tries, while Smith (six) and Creedy kicked goals Williams, D. Carrol), J Nelson, E. Kereopa, and Barton scored tries for th* Maoris with Hawthorne kicking four goals. Referee: Mr T. C. Houston.