MAORI FOOTBALLERS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 9 October 1926, Page 7

MAORI FOOTBALLERS

MATCH AGAINST CENTRAL I'RAN Cl': (Rv Klootria Tpleeranh—Copyriuht) (Australian & N Z. Cable Association) PARIS, Oct. 7. The Maoris scored four tries, of whicli two were converted. Central Franco scored one try. The match was plaved at ClermontFerrand before 20,000 'spectators. The teams marched on lo the ground to Hie strains of "God Save the King" and "The Marseillaise." The Maoris early demonstrated their superiority iind from midficld after one minute's play Falwasser broke away finely, and alter tricking six opponents scored a try in the corner. It, was not converted. The visitors played up vigor ously and Shortland. after a tricky inn. kicked when tackled, followed up, and scored under the posts, completing a spectacular performance by converting. The Maoris could not be stopped. Another try was disallowed, but Loekwood ran through finely and scored under the posts. Short land converting. The tourists' pressure continued, Phillips narrowly missing a dropped goal. The Frenchmen then rallied. Hue, breaking away from a scrum in his own 25, secured a try in the corner. It. was not converted. The Maoris attacked again and nearly scored. Then the French counter-attacked, forcing the Maoris to touch down. At. half-time, the Maoris led, the score being 13 to 3. In the second spell the visitors redoubled their efforts, but the French were defending well. However, the visitors eventually swept,down the field in a line passing bout., which resulted in Falwasser getting another try in the corner. The Frenchmen returned with a vigorous attack, but found the Maoris' defence |oo sound.