Maoris Have Another Win

Northern Advocate, 14 June 1949, Page 3

Maoris Have Another Win

BRISBANE, Tue—The New Zealand Maori team defeated Queensland by 13 points to 8, before a crowd of 5000 at the Exhibition Ground. The Maoris were listless and their form was no indication of their proven ability. The forwards were lifeless ■ and the backs poor in handling, but on defence was reasonably sound. Queensland, which is rioted, for its solid forwards, held the Maori forwards throughout the match and lasted longer than the Maoris in the tight play. Queensland dominated the game territorially and could be regarded as unlucky not to win. The Maoris may be reserving themselves for the third test in Sydney. Their play since the first test has been uninspiring. However, they are determined to rehabilitate themselves in the third test. MOSTLY SCRAPPY

Play for most of the game was scrappy. For half an hour of the first half, the Maoris were unable to pierce the Queensland defence and the first score came to Queensland after 35 minutes, when the forward, Head, toed the ball through, bustled Kenny 10 yards from the line and enabled the winger Ahern to beat Cherrington and score in the corner. Costello missed the goal. The Maoris came back in very determined fashion. From a scrUm, Cherrington received the ball and threw a pass to Couch, who drew the defence and gave to Delamere, who scored. Kenny converted. There was no further score until a few minutes after half-time, when the Maoris, led by Reid .took the ball through from a lineout. CRASHED OVER After a short rush, Reid passed to Heperi, who went infield and crashed over. Kenny goaled. The Maoris, playing confidently, now pressed Queensland and Itaureti beat Ryan to score. Kenny missed an angled shot. In the dying stages, Queensland rallied and opened a backline passing movement, which resulted in Fogarty side-stepping Kenny to score a runaway try under the pos*s. Costello converted. Match At Auckland WELLINGTON, Tue. (P~A.) The New Zealand Maori Rugby team now in Australia will probably play Auckland on Wednesday, June .29. Advice* was received at a meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union executive that the Maoris would return in two groups, one on Sunday, June 26, and the on the following day.