Maoris No Match For Canterbury Colts

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31144, 22 August 1966, Page 15

Maoris No Match For Canterbury Colts

A marked superiority in almost every facet of play gave Canterbury colts a handsome 31-6 win over Canterbury Maoris in the main Rugby match at Lancaster Park on Saturday.

The colts scored seven tries, many coming after some excellent team work. Tries for Canterbury colts were scored by R. Barber (3), M. Brown (2), G. Walkinshaw and K. Cochrane. G. Wallace kicked two goals from penalties and converted two tries. For Canterbury Maoris R. Waitoa and R. Wards scored tries. The teams were:— Canterbury Colts.—D. Papps, G. Walkinshaw, M. Brown, G. Wallace, D. Beardsley, B. McLean, A. Jones, G. Henderson, K. Cochrane, R. Field, G. Garlick, P. Mahan, L. Mclntosh, D. Smith, R. Barber. Canterbury Maoris. —K. Nicholas, J. Toki, G. Watterreus, R. Wards, S. McGregor, W. Tapsell, R. Waitoa, L. Berghen. K. Waapa, P. Riddell, P. Rang!, H. Stuart, R. Wikaira, W. Wilson, D. Couch.

However, the Colts’ pack gradually started to assert itself and R. Barber, who was in outstanding form, crashed through for the first of his three tries. The Colts continued to apply the pressure for much of the spell with R. Field and G. Garlick gaining a lot of possession from line outs. Some good Maori defence stopped many likely movements. The Colts held a comfortable 14-0 lead at half-time. The Maoris were quickly on to the attack after the break with their forwards playing with more purpose and obtaining cleaner possession for their backs. The Maoris pressed hard for about 15min and then the superior fitness of the Colts became increasingly evident In the latter stages tries were scored almost at will by the Colts. In the Colts’ pack Barber and L. Mclntosh were in excellent form. Mclntosh was often to the fore and Barber’s form must certainly give the Canterbury selectors something to think about. M. Brown impressed at centre for the Colts. He ran strongly and produced an excellent swerve which often took him into the clear. In the Maoris team R. Wards looked dangerous on the few occasions he received the ball and W. Tapsell tried

hard to get his back-line moving.

P. Riddell and H. Stuart were the pick of the forwards. Referee: Mr A. G. Duckmanton.

Lancaster Park was rock hard and both teams endeavoured to throw the ball about at every opportunity. The Colts received good clean ball and their back-line ran with speed and purpose. Maoris’ back-line rarely functioned smoothly, making many elementary errors. Both teams took time to settle down and the early exchanges were fairly scrappy.