DARING RUGBY

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 255, 25 July 1935, Page 9

DARING RUGBY

Maoris Beat Far West at Dubbo

PERFECT HANDLING

Team Throws Ball About In Reckless Style

11V Telegraph.—Press assu.— Copyright 1 Received July 24. 10.35 p.m.) Dubbo. July 24. Without taking their opponents cheaply, the -Maori Rugby team adopted an unorthodox style against the l ar West to-day and threw the ball about in dangerously reckless fashion to thrill 2001) spectators on the showground and win by 38 points to 3. The teams were: New Zealand. —Nephi: Phillips, Ngaia, Ilemi; Chase, J- Reedy; Jlellish; Kershaw, Jlitchell, K. Reedy, Cooper, Ktiwe, Partita, G. Harrison, Broderick. Far West.—Ryan; .1. Whale, Hickey, Osborne, V. Whale: E. Lay; Wheeler, Kierath, L. Lay, Kelly, Booth, Anderson, Bright, Masterton, Keane.

The game commenced at hurricane speed, and although tlie Maoris were losing the majority of set scrums the perfect handling and uncanny anticipation of all, particularly Ngaia, Mellish, Harrison and Nepia, enabled them to whip the bull across the field and back in dazzling movements.

Tlie game was played on a grassless ground. The weather was fine and sunny, with a slight wind. Although the score mounted steadily, tlie Far West nevertheless provided stern resistance, and were dangerous during many periods in the first spell. Territorially the game was even in the first half. Despite thrusting backs, the Far West lacked understanding, and their only points came from a penalty goal in the first, spell. After half-time the Maoris adopted even more exciting tactics. The ball darted from hand to hand, whether the .Maoris were on their own goal line or within an inch of scoring. The Western people, having their first taste. of international football, showed their appreciation and admiration more by gasps of amazement than their vociferous cheers.

A disappointing feature of the play was the inability of Hie Jlaoris to hook from set scrums, lint, their tactics wore so unorthodox and “nn-New Zealand,” yet so pleasing, that they generally made capital from their own failings. The line kicking was of a high order, international rules being played, hut the goal-kicking was poor, Ilemi converting only two our. of the nine tries scored.

For the Jlaoris the scorers were J. Reedy, Harrison, Nepia, Jlellish, Ngaia. Broderick and Phillips, one each, and Cooper two trios. E. Lay kicked a goal for the Far West.

During the play Bright and Keane were injured ami went. off. Ngaia hurt a knee, and although he played on he will need a rest. He played brilliantly.