Country Pack Too Good For Maoris

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31378, 25 May 1967, Page 15

Country Pack Too Good For Maoris

Country won its opening Rugby match of the season when it convincingly beat Canterbury Maoris, 32-5, at the Rangiora Showgrounds yesterday.

Although the game was entertaining, handling lapses by Country and the poor combination and cohesion of the Maori team lost many scoring chances. Country was well on top during the first half, compiling 21 points, which included three converted tries. However, Maoris came back after half-time and play brightened a little, with more aggressive football. Superior weight in the scrums gave Country a definite advantage in this phase of play, although its hooker, J Sheehan, was inclined to be too keen and was penalised for Illegal 'hooking. Line-outs were evenly shared, especially In the second half. Country gained its first points when A. Wyllie scored between the posts from a quick break after only three minutes. This, and two tries by the winger, P. Kininmonth, were converted by I. Doody, to give a lead of 15-0. Doody, Country’s full-back, kicked his side further ahead with two penalties, the second of which was a long and difficult shot Maoris Pushed Back With the resumption of play after half-time, Maoris attacked and bustled Country and the first few minutes Country spent on its own line. However, the greater strength of its forwards pushed Maoris back. Doody kicked a third penalty, and F. Fowler, playing at second five-eighths, scored twice, one try being converted. V. Baker scored Maoris' only try. which K. Nicholas converted. Playing at his new position as a prop, N. Cornelius was always in the thick of play, leading his team well. His play overshadowed that of the other prop, A. Hopkinson,

who was often left far behind. J. Francis and M. Perkins gained much ball for Country from the line-outs, while A. Wyllie was a fast-breaking forward. G. Dunster worked hard. Gave Good Service B. Maxwell gave his backs good service from the halfback position, but D. Wyllie, the first five-eighths, often held the ball too long. Fowler was the most impressive and attacking back on the field. The Maori captain, R. Wainohu, was always a dangerous force to Country, making several profitable breaks and always toiling in the tight. R. Tuhuru jumped well in line-outs, while Baker harassed throughout and was well rewarded with a try. In the backs, K. King played well at half-back in the second spell, and G. Waterreus was always a safe full-back. The backs lacked penetration and lost many chances through lack of back-ing-up. Five Chang** Made The Country team to play Mid-Canterbury at Ashburton on Saturday includes five changes. G. Dunster, F. Fowler, J. Gardner, M. Boyce, and R. Ward have been omitted. The team Is: Forwards. N. Cornelius (North Canterbury), J. Sheehan

(Eneimere), A. Hopkinson (Hurunul). M. Perkins (Ellesmere). J. Francis (Hurunui), A. Wyllie (North Canterbury), I. Kirkpatrick (North Canterbury), G. Henderson (Hurunul). Backs.—B. Maxwell (Hurunul). D. Wyllie (North Canterbury), G. Benny (North Canterbury), R. Phelan (North Canterbury). P. Kininmonth (Hurunul), S. Wyllie (North Canterbury), I. Doody (North Canterbury). Reserves.—Forwards: W. Scott (Ellesmere), C. Heslop (Hurunui), H. McDonald (North Canterbury). Backs; F. Fowler (Hurunul), M. Boyce (North Canterbury), P. Sheehan (North Canterbury). Players are to assemble at 12.15 pm. sharp on Saturday at Days Motors, Christchurch. —Advt.