MAORIS IN ENGLAND

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 78, 27 December 1926, Page 3

MAORIS IN ENGLAND

DRAWN GAME AGAINST , EAST MIDLANDS

MATCH OF MISSED OPPOR TUNITIES

(Specially Written for The Dominion by E. E. Booth.)

London, November 19. Like the Gloucester and Llanelly matches, the game at Northampton against East Midlands may well be described as a match of lost chances. Probablv the Maoris treated the Midlands with too much respect, and had they launched out more confidently in open attack in their own way they must have won handsomely. Thev were, if anything, the best team of the two on the day’s play, _ but their wasting of opportunities quite merited their suffering another defeat. As it was, Falwasser’s final, equalising try , was only got just on time. It was Lis greatest effort of the day, a 50yds. run. He flitted along the lino like a black shadow in the intense darkness and gloom prevailing. Added, to other chances, the Maoris had quite four excellent chances of goaling, all missed, one by Phillips going close. Still, the game was not all faults. Both sides played at top pressure, and the plav was very interesting, most particularly the duel between the two vanguards. Midlands’ pack were all young and heavy (average 13st. 101 b.). They were tall, fast players, solid ruckers and scrummagers, showing most dash in the open, breaking quickly, and stung with the thought of another defeat. Whilst the Midlands won the scrums usually, the Maoris were best in the open. The tackling on both sides was a feature of the match, but the one great lapse in tins respect on the Maoris’ part was Birch’s try, which was a gift. It seemed as if Kingi, Bell and Pelham should all have taken this young junior colt, tried in this match as an experiment. In reality the Maoris’ opponents were a seasoned, experienced combination, being, with three exceptions, all Northampton club men. Their pack averaged 6ft. in height. Four forwards, T. Harris, R. Webb, Luck and Fidgett, are splendid specimens of forwards. The “gate” (5000) was the smallest on the English tour. The match was played on the Association ground, owing to its sandy formation and quick drainage. Rain fell steadily, except, curiously enough, during the progress of the game. Of this Midlands’ team, probably not more than three played against New Zealand in 1924. Taken all round, they might be classed as a better combination and more cohesive. The game finished in almost inky darkness, players on tbe field moving "ike shadows. Falwasser has certainly proved himself a match winner. The Maoris’ finest piece of .play led to Lockwood’s try, the ball flying from. Love, at the base of the scrum, and Kingi, Bell and Pelham all making grojind, all from midfield, quite the best instance of correct combined play. Fensome got his try through sheer pace, following a kick through, Phillips.(back) being a bit out of place. Within ten minutes of time four Maori passing rushes failed in a most unaccountable and disappointing manner on the rightwing, where, Bell, Pelham and palwas-' Ser were operating. It .was impossible to see, but probably the extremely bad light and a heavy, greasy ball affected these players. All the latter stages of play were in Midland territory. The ' game was without a single suggestion of unpleasantness, singularly free from penalties either way, there being only eight during the whole game, which was well controlled and enjoyed by all concerned.

In this game it is difficult to individualise any forwards, Olsen, Rika, Dennis, Wilson, S. Gemmell, Manihera, Talaua and Haupapa all contributing their full quota of hard, strenuous play. It was a great test of stamina, and this pack practically outlasted their opponents, which speaks volumes itself. Love, for his plucky stopping of rushes and tackling, has been allotted a position as scrum-half, where he has acquitted himself fairly well. He plays keenly and is learning this new position. Haupapa, during Barclay’s resting, is now quite a recognised "rover,” and is also fitting in well. Kingi showed something of his old cleverness in this game, and but for a few lapses played well. The same might be stated regarding Bell, who seemed to flit everywhere, doing quite two men’s work in attack and defence. Lockwood finished his try well, but otherwise was not impressive, seemingly lacking pace and determination. . Pelham is blamed for much, but, being somewhat new to his place in the centre accounts for a lot of this. He did not play badly, his kicking twice saving scores. Falwasser was the best of the backs, and twice at least had he relied on his own pace and straight running might have notched tries. Phillips seemed new to his position at fullback, and allowed the ball to bounce far too much (four times on one occasion) before fielding. His kicking was excellent.