Maoris Steamroller Combined Team

Northern Advocate, 18 July 1949, Page 3

Maoris Steamroller Combined Team

Rugby League

Northland's Rugby League Maori representatives proved themselves worthy of the name at Jubilee Park, Whangarei, on Saturday when they defeated a combined Hikurangi-West End team by 16 points to 5. On Wednesday the Maoris travel to Auckland to play Auckland Maoris for the Waitangi Shield on Carlaw Park. By their game on Saturday the Maoris showed they had plenty of stamina, speed and aggressive spirit, and kept the pressure on their opponents at all times. Hikurangi-West End opened the scoring when fullback Latham kicked a penalty from inside the Maoris’ 25yd line. WEIGHT ADVANTAGE The Maoris had a slight advantage in weight, and crowded the pakehas. The Maori halfback, Thompson, impressed with his clean passes, while, on the Hikurangi side, Brown and Andrews showed remarkable speed and ball-getting propensities. R. Pirihi was the Maoris’ first scorer, gaining a try from a melee close to the pakehas’ goal line. This was followed up by another try by Martin, who touched down at the end of a passing run. The Maoris kept up the pace. Their next two points were the result of a potted goal by Ratahi, who managed to get the ball over the cross-bar following a kick from a rough and tumble. GREAT TRY At half time the Maoris led B—2. Soon after the interval their captain, Johnny Wells, broke clear and raced for Hikurangi’s right-hand corner. Finding himself trapped, he snapped a long pass to a man behind, who promptly passed it on, Harrison eventually touching down in the opposite corner. Wells was taken off not long after following a nasty kick on the head. He was quite recovered after a rest. Play lost none of its dash during the second half, and both teams put everything they had into the game, causing some heated moments. TWO MORE SCORES The Maoris scored twice more before the final whistle, and Hikurangi once. Pitman touched down for the Maoris, while Hikurangi replied almost immediately with a try by Cheeseman. The Maoris had the final say. however, with another field goal by Ratahi. • In the curtain-raiser Ngunguru juniors beat West End s—o, thus scoring their sixth consecutive win«ef the season, and winning the junior knockout. During the half-time interval in the big game. West End schoolboys played Portland in a seven-a-side match. West End winning 3—o.