Maori-Pakeha Match

Northern Advocate, 10 August 1938, Page 2

Maori-Pakeha Match

The Maoris were unfortunate in not having their originally planned team available for the start of the match against the Pakehas. Five of them were delayed by a motor-car breakdown, and arrived at the entrance to see the ball kicked off and a scratch team fielded against the Pakehas. Adjustments at half-time mended matters a trifle, but the Maoris did not produce good combination.

Amos, the Maori full-back, was responsible for keeping the Pakeha score down to a reasonable limit. His kicking was very safe and his tackling was too consistent to be comfortable for the Pakehas. When he went through with the ball, however, his position was not always covered sufficiently, openings being left for possible scorers on the other side.

Alf Smith and Provan (the latter a junior), made themselves felt in the Pakeha pack alongside their skipper, Ford, Webb made an excellent fullback for the Pakehas.

Ford played a sterling game for the Pakehas, keeping the pack in motion throughout. Since making his appearance for Towai, he has impressed with his dogged tactics, being as solid on attack as on defence.