RUGBY LEAGUE AUSTRALIANS BEAT THE MAORIS 33-0

Grey River Argus, 29 September 1949, Page 6

RUGBY LEAGUE AUSTRALIANS BEAT THE MAORIS 33-0

(P.A.) NEW PLYMOUTH, Sept 28. Outclassed, outpaced, and in general completely outplayed the New Zealand Maori Rugby League team went down by 33 points to nil to Australia in a disappointing game at New Plymouth, before a large crowd today. The score consisted of seven tries five of which were converted and a penalty goal. Rain which had been falling just previously held off for most of the match, but a sodden ground and greasy ball were further impediments to bright football. From the kick off Australia asserted itself, and in the first spell rarely relinquished possession. Deadly tackling was the Maoris’ redeeming feature, but the Australians kept up attacks that probed continually for openings which sooner or later were found. The Australian forwards cleared quickly from scrums, in which they enjoyed a clear two-to-one advantage, and were always oq hand if the Maoris smothered up. It was not very often that possession was lost through lack of hands to take the ball. L. Cowie and J. Rayner, particularly, were prominent in passing rushes in which the inside backs and forwards co-operated. By contrast, the Maori team was sluggish in both movement and handling.. The backs were hardly seen until one or two openings were made in the second spell, and when they did make an appearance they were swamped by the defenders, who had ample time to sum up. the situation. The Maori forwards were an aggressive pack, who did most of the team’s work and made most of the advances. At no time was the Maori team able to sustain an orthodox passing attack, and any deep penetration was attained with loose rushes and kicking, and once or twice through Australian infringements. Australia’s first score came when Hawke streaked away in a 25 yard run, before passing to McMahon, who ran round behintT the posts for a try, which McCoy converted. Wright put his foot into touch when an opening for the Maoris seemed to be developing. Repeated attacks by Australia met a solid defence until the ball went swiftly out to McMahon, who flashed along th e sideline, but stepped into touch. The Australians worked the blind side from a scrum immediately afterwards, and after a scissors movement Grace went over for a try. Australian attacks went on without respite, and McCoy kicked a penalty goal. The Maoris up to this poinl had not made one serious movement but for a time they hammered on the Australian 25. Thompson sent the Maoris back when he sold a dummy and went through, and soon Graves scored near the corner, McCoy converting just as half-time sounded. A Maori attack was smartly repulsed, and then Thomson sent the ball to Rayner and on to Cowie. Rayner came round and took the pass and made a 30-yard dash to score under the posts. McCoy converted. A movement that started inside the Australian 25 ended in a try by McCoy, after O’Connell, Cowie, and Rayner had handled. McCoy converted. R. Hohaia, who had come down hard in a determined attempt to bring Rayner down, left the field injured. Australia forced after a Maori attack, following mid-field play. During a rain showed the Australian backs found an opening and Graves scored in the corner. Graves scored again under the posts immediately afterwards, and McCoy converted.