RUGBY CODE

Northern Advocate, 31 January 1927, Page 5

RUGBY CODE

SPLENDID EXHIBITION.

BY MAORI FIFTEEN,

VANCOUVER VANQUISHED,

VANCOUVER, January 29,

Making their first appearance in Canada, the Maori fifteen gave a most finished display of the English handling code, scoring 33 points to nine against Vancouver. The tourists were vastly superior in all departments, with the possible exception of tackling.

The Maoris were slow in starting, being held dojvn to a 14—3 count at half-time, but in the second spell, the visitors ran riot, scoring three tries in five minutes.

The pace was very fast, abounding in kicking and runs by the threequarters. Robinson was the star New Zealander and was almost unbeatable whenever he got any kind of a chance. He scored three tries. Phillips and Falwasser were well marked by the Vancouver back division, each securing a single try. Players on both sides tackled hard, but there was only one slight accident, when Pinkham, the most effective unit in the home machine, was kicked on the chin and carried off the field.

Altogether the Maoris impressed the crowd with their fast running and clever passing, showing wonderful ability in handling hard thrusts at more or less close range. The forwards packed well and tackled hard. The ground was p'erfect for Rugby. Tries were obtained by Robinson (3), Pelham, Phillips, Shortland, Falwasser and Rika, Potaka converting two and Matene one. The last-named also kicked a penalty goal. For Vancouver, Crone kicked a penalty 'goal and Boyd and Farmer scored tides, which wore unconverted.