RUGBY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 13 December 1926, Page 11

RUGBY.

THE MAORIS’ TOUR. .MATCH AGAINST PERPIGNAN. DETAILS OF PLAY. BY CABLE—PEESS ASSOCIATION—COPYEIGHT. Received 12.50 p.m. to-day. PARIS, Dec. 12. Tiie Maoris scored three tries and Perpignan a try and a goal. The match wa,s played in brilliant weather before a huge crowd. The Maoris attacked from the outset. The backs immediately found form. A fine bout of passing resulted in Grace securing and scoring after a fine run. The Maoris continued to press, and a fierce forward rush enabled Rika to add a try. Neither try was converted. The Maoris’ opponents were drawn from the Pyrenees. Tlie team attacked vigorously and crossed the Maori line under the posts. The try was unconverted. The Maoris re-attacked. Phillips made a magnificent run from half-way, but failed to score. From; then on unti 1 , the interval the Frenchmen had the, best, of the play. They seemed to have their opponents’ measure, but did not score. At half-time the scores were: Maoris 6, Perpignan 3. After the interval, midfield play predominated, and neither side was able to make headway. Eventually Phillips initiated a clever attack, but did not score. The French attacked desperatelv, threatening the Maori line, when Gemmed intercepted a pass, running well and skilfully and scored. Tlie Pvrennes struggled dourly find met with a redoubtable defence, of which Phillips was the most prominent. Finally, almost on the call of time, he scored amid the greatest excitement. The. trv was converted. The Maoris owed their win to their defence and the rapidity -with which they turned their opponents’ attacks to their own advantage, wherein Grace, Barclay, Rika and Mateno were the most, prominent. Tlie team comprised : Phillips, Grace, Falwasser, Pelham, Barclay, Potaka, Shorbla’nd. Bell, Dennis, Olsen. Rika., Robinson. Matene, S. Gemmell, and Manihera.