Northland Maoris Lose 54-10 At Carlaw Park

Northern Advocate, 21 July 1949, Page 7

Northland Maoris Lose 54-10 At Carlaw Park

• AUCKLAND, Thu. (Special Reporter.).—Auckland Maoris completely outclassed the Northland Maori Rugby League team which challenged for the Waitangi Shield in a game at Carlaw Park, Auckland, yesterday. Showing superior speed, polish and knowledge of the game, the city team defeated the Northlanclers to the tune of 54—10.

The outstanding player on the field was C. Masters, the sprint champion, who had only to receive the ball to score. His speed and footwork were dazzling and he was always backed up by team mates only slightly slower. Auckland had notched the 20 mark before Ratahi opened the North account in the only really determined rush of the game.

When the brighter play on the North side petered out the game became a succession of scores by Masters, converted by Stewart with none of the attacking movements seriously affected by the defence. Bumping tactics and half-hearted tackles made no impression on the Auckland men. UNSUPPORTED I. Watene opened out several penetrating moves, but his team mates stood and watched him go through alone with a mob of defenders waiting their turn for a tackle. G. Pitman looked dangerous when North pressed on the Auckland Line, but, in spite of his determination and power, he could not score alone. From appearing hopelessly outclassed in the opening stages North showed it could learn by example except in the absolute need for backing up, and played better football in the latter stages.

J. Wells put the kick over, and the halftime score was 25—5 with North begining to show some of its trial form.

In the change room, the M.P. for Northern Maori (Mr T. P. Paikea), and the well-known League administrator, Mr Steve Warene put a bit of life into the visiting side and it went out determined to do something. BRIGHT 10 MINUTES For 10 minutes. North dominated, the play, carrying the ball right through the defending line for li. Pirihi to score.

It was a popular try. as Pirihi had given his backs 90 per cent of the ball and had led his pack in a hopeless attempt to hold the foster Auckland forwards. Watene converted. Long, accurate passes and faultless handling in attack, -- combined with deadly tackling, made the city line invincible.

The Waitangi Shield will not come north this year, but the Maori team will bring back valuable lessons on the code.

The backs found that Rugby tactics would not work against an experienced League line, and were beginning to try the long pass in the second spell. . Although played hard the game was marked for the fine spirit of sportsmanship and friendly play on both sides.

They stood deeper and were rarely caught flat-footed or unsupported.' Although always, bustled by fastbreaking Auckland forwards T. Thompson let the ball out to his inside backs with accurate dive-passes, but the moves usually stopped there, as the North backs attempted to go through alone.

Auckland's tries were scored by Masters (4). Wright (2>. Tukere C2). R. Pai (21. Mills. Paratene, Davis and Bell. Bell and Masters converted one each, while Stewart converted five.