Maoris defend league cup

Press, 15 September 1977, Page 28

Maoris defend league cup

PA Hamilton New Zealand Maoris and Western Australia both had big wins in the first round of the Pacific Cup; rugby league championships at Huntly yesterday. Both sides had to struggle to edge ahead of their opponents just before half-time before launching their second-half romps.

The Maoris beat Northern Territory. 27-10, and West-, ern Australia overwhelmed i Papau New Guinea, 33-19. The cup holders, the) Maoris had a shaky start to their match and surprised everyone by trailing, 10-0, after 20min. But 3min later the first Maori try came from the full-back, Reg Tamihere. after some fine work by the second rower. Josh Liavaa, who had a

great first half before being, replaced. The points gave the [ Maoris the incentive they! needed and they managed to’ score two more tries to be) ahead. 13-10 at half-time. It took half the second; [spell before further points> were scored by the centre, [Pesa Sua, with a brilliant! corner-flag try. From then) lon, the Maoris never looked) back.

I Western Australia dominated the first 20min of its ■ match and led, 11-0, before i Papua New Guinea suddenly turned the game upside down and raced to a 12-11 lead. The prop, Len Castle, scored to put Western Aus- ; tralia ahead, 14-12, at half- > time and the Australians then went on to score five ; more tries in the second half

before Papua New Guinea! could add to its tally. Results: New Zealand Maoris 27 (R. Uluave 2, R. Tamihere, C. Morgan, W. Rangi, P. Sua, J. Leuluai tries; Tamihere 3 conversions), Northern Territory 10 (G. de la) [Cruz, B. Rogers tries; 8.l Allia a conversion, R.i ■Walker a penalty goal).

| Western Australia 33 (A. Dixon 2, J. Fielding 2, L. Castle, I. Walls, M Ridley, A. Mitchell, P. Kennedy tries; R. Rice 2, 1. Walls conversions), Papua New Guinea 19 (P. Tore, P. Bais, D. Boge tries; I. Geni 2 conversions and a penalty, P. Kombinari a conversion and ia penalty). Victoria had a bye.