RUGBY LEAGUE New Zealand Maoris Outplayed

Greymouth Evening Star, 1 August 1946, Page 5

RUGBY LEAGUE New Zealand Maoris Outplayed

England’s Easy Vicdory al Wellington ,

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, July 31.

New Zealand Maoris were completely outplayed by the touring English Rugby League side at the Basin Reserve to-day, the Englishmen winning by 32 points to 8. Conditions were ideal, and the attendance was 12,00’0. It was clear early that the visitors were much more at home on the firm surface than under the sodden conditions when they were beaten by the West Coast. They also took no chances of a second defeat in New Zealand, six of the best players being included in the side. Crisp Handling.

The Englishmen won most of the scrums and handled crisply and accurately from the outset. They were also assisted by some poor defence among the Maori inside backs. The English forwards’ positional play was excellent, and their handling was also first rate. It was only possible on the day, however, to assess the merits of the Englishmen on attack, as they were rarely tested in defence, Maori passing rushes being easily thwarted. La attack the visitors were brilliant at times. Outstanding were Jenkins, the scrum half, who varied the play cleverly, Knowelden, the strong-run-ning centre, who scored the most brilliant try of the match, first selling a dummy in his own half, then changing direction to find a big gap

in the defence and race GO' yards to score tinder the posts. In marked contrast with the Maoris, the visitors rarely kicked. They also exploited the reverse pass cleverly. The forwards also fanned out to give support. Maoris Not Dangerous. The Maoris lacked the sparkle usually associated with their performances in passing movements. They never looked like penetrating the defence. Mr. Popplewell, ' manager of the English side, said after the match that the Maoris had caught his boys at the top of their form. Hemi, captain of the Maoris, said the visitors had played great football. He believed, however,, that the Maoris could have played more impressively had they had more opportunity to develop teamwork and team understanding. England led 19-2 at halt-time. Tries were scored by Ward, Gee, Johnson, Lewthwaite, and Knowelclen, Ward converting two. Hemi kicked a penalty goal fbr the Maoris. In the second spell Johnson, Ward, and Knowelden scored, Ward converting two. Bramley and Thompson scored unconverted tries for the Maoris. The referee was Mr. G. Kelly (Auckland).

Visiting English Captain’s Plea

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, August 1. A plea for the settlement of the differences existing between the two Rugby codes was made by the captain of the visiting English Rugby League team, Gus. Risman, at a reception to the team at Parliament House to-day. “Whether it is Rugby or Rugby League, the game is the thing, and, if the opposition that, there is between the two games can be broken down, I, as a member of the League party, would feel very much gratified,” said Risman. The visitors were cordially welcomed by the Prime Minister,. .Mi JTaser, the Leader of the Opposition, Mr S. G. Holland, and the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr W. E. Parry. The manager of the team. Mr W. Popplewell, said the tour had been very successful. The team which had beaten them on the West Coast had risen to great, heights. Every credit was due to them for their victory, and he would not detract from it by trying to make excuses. .He thought his team had struck the height of its form in the match against the Maoris yesterday. Mr Popplewell said it was hoped that in the very near future a- New Zealand League team would be received in England. In view of the fact that the 1939 tour was cut short by the outbreak of war, it was recognised that New Zealand should have the first invitation if she had a team strong enough to make the tour. As a gesture of appreciation, Mr Fraser was presented by the visitors with an emblem in the form of a British lion. Club Matches Arranged for Week-end The following club fixtures have been arranged by the West Coast PtUgby League for the coming weekend: — •Saturday, Schoolboys: Under 9st Grade: —Town v. Country (same teams as last week) at Victoria Park, 2.30 (J. Griffen). Junior Grade: Blackball v. Ngahere, at Blackball, 10.30 (E. Bassett); Brunner v. Runanga, at Brunner, 10.30 (C. Fisher); Kumara v. Marist, at Ktfrnara, 1 ' p.m. (AV. Bell). .

Sunday, Senior;—Runanga v. Ngahere at Wingham Park, 2.45 (J. Griffen); Marist v. Brunner at Brunner, 2.45 (J. Mathews); Hokitika v. Blackball, at Hokitika, 2.45 (J. Williams). Junior: —Runanga v. Blackball, at Runanga, 2.45 (R. Baird); Ngahere v. Kumara at Ngahere, 2.45 (A. Kennedy); Rapahoe, a bye. Third Grade; —Brunner v. Runanga,at Brunner, 1.30 (C. Fisher); Blackball v. Marist at Blackball, 2.45 (L. Kinsella); Kumara v. Kohinoor at Kumara, 2,45 (H. Bassett).

Fourth Grade:—Marist A v. Brunner at Wingham Park, No. 2, 1:30 (W. Moore); Blackball M- Runanga, at Blackball, 1.30 (J. Neilson); IVlarisl B a bye.