FOOTBALL.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 January 1927, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.]

AI AO It IS WIN. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) VANCOUVER, Jan. 29. Making their first appearance in Canada the Afi.iori Rugby fifteen gave a most finished display of the English handling code, scoring thirty-three points to nine against Vancouver. The tourists were vastly superior in all departments with tiie possible exception of tackling. The Maoris were slow in starting, being held down to 11 to 3, the count at half-time, but in the second spell the visitors ran riot scoring three tries in five minutes. 3’lie pace was very fast, 'abounding in kicking and runs by the three-quarters, lfobinson was the star New Zealander, being almost unbeatable whenever be got any kind of a chance. He scored three tries. Phillips and Falwasser were mell marked by Vancouver’s backs each scoring a single try. Players on both sides tackled hard but there was only olio slight 'accident, when Pinkhnm tho most effective in tho homo machine was kicked on the chin and was carried oil' tho field. Altogether the Maoris impressed the crowd with their fast running and clever passing showing wonderful ability in Handling and hard thrusts at more or loss close range. 3’he forwards packed well and tackled hard. Tho ground was perfect for rugby. 3’ries were obtained by Robinson (3). Pelham, Phillips, Sliortland, Llalwasser and Rick, Potnka converting two and Matene one. The last named also kicked a penalty gild. For Vancouver Crone kinked a penalty goal and Bock and Farmer scored tries which were unconverted.

RUGBY FOOTBALL. (Received this day at 3 a.m.) LONDON, January 23. Speaking at Kusslyn Park Football Club dinner Baxter (President of the Rugby Union) said South Africa, New Zealand and New South Wales wore desirous of having some say in the government of the game. "Your first natural thought is that we will have none of it. It is our game, we breed the players and we will stick to it.” But if we take a large view we can say wc are right. Ido not agree with the sacrifice of a birthright. It is our game and we must have supreme control. Nevertheless we want to keep these great countries with their thousands of players in the game and if so we must give them a say in the government.” -Mr Baxter said the Rugby Union to be perfectly fair must wait for the considered opinions n! its clubs. If the clubs say nay, that's the finish, if they say go on and produce a scheme, which will give added interest, the Rugby Union will support it and see it goes through.”