Maoris no match for youngsters

Press, 21 April 1986, Page 27

Maoris no match for youngsters

A youthful Cantabrians rugby team, playing with zest and sparkle gave Canterbury Maoris more than a useful work-out at Linfield Park yesterday — in fact, it thrashed the Maoris in a rousing display, 38-6. Playing a wide-ranging game and attacking at every opportunity, the Cantabrians scored six tries to the Maoris’ one, with the bullient halfback, Jamie Flynn, scoring two in spectacular fash ion.

For his first stunning effort, Flynn bolted 30 metres, twice completely wrong-footing defenders by moving sharply off his right foot. There was a neat,

heady display at first fiveeighths from Jon Preston, while Scott Kilworth ran powerfully and well at centre, Michael Reeves, who handed over the goal-kicking duties to Preston after the break was successful with all of his five attempts at goal in the first half.

Outstanding in the Cantabrians pack were the strapping Tala Kele, a formidable figure on the charge, and the rangy No. 8, Nigel Ward, whose pace to the breakdowns and telling support play were of tremendous value.

If prospects for Canterbury Colts this season look bright, the situaton is not nearly as good for the Maoris, as they approach their next fixture, against

Canterbury Country next Sunday. Yesterday, the Maoris were at their best in driving forward play, where the close support and continuity were occasionally first class. But there was not quite enough pace or purpose in the backs to finish what the forwards had started.

With a re-arranged pack in the second half, the Maoris sought to grind even more forcefully up front in a bid to gain some respectability but the Cantabrians pack held admirably against the pressure. The side added 14 points in the second half after leading, 24-6 at half-time.

The outstanding individual in the Maoris per-

formance was the loose forward, Na Katae. Bruce Amai gave almost as much in commitment and resolve.

The pick of the backs was the full-back Lee Seymour, a tall, imposing player who ran with spirit and strength from the rear.;

For Cantabrians, Jamie Flynn (two), Mark Shallard, David Ellis, Andy Borland and Jon Preston tries; Michael Reeves three conversions and two penalty goals; Preston a conversion.

For Canterbury Maoris, Adrian Boyd a try, and Lee Seymour a conversion.

After the match the Canterbury Maoris selec-tor-coach, Mr Bill Bush,

named his side to play Canterbury Country in the curtain-raiser to the Can-terbury-Queensland game at Lancaster Park on Sunday. The team is:

Lee Seymour; Richard McDonald, Nigel Tawhai, Ned Tamatea; Sam Hale, Duke Jones, Vance Winiata; Lamen Hohaia or Theo Gomans; Na Katae, Mike Fransen or Theo Gomans, Hud Rickit, Derek Lardelli; Ross Tarawhiti, Alistair Bolt (captain), Tahu Williams. Reserves: Adrian Boyd, Jerry Haapu, George Poutu, Ralph Robertson, Ernie Goodhue; Merv Aoake, Brent Whakataka, Bruce Amai, John Robbins.

Training at Malvern Park, Friday April 25 (Anzac Day), 10 a.m. sharp. —Advt.