MAORI FOOTBALLERS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 3 January 1927, Page 5

MAORI FOOTBALLERS

BEATEN BY PONTYPOOL

(By Xleotrio Telegraph.—OopyrlgfaU (Australian & N.Z. Gable Association.) LONDON, Ist Jan.

PonLypool beat the Maoris by 6 to 5. The Maori team was: Potaka, Falwasser, Pelbam, Graham, Wineera, Kingi, Bell, ••Olsen, Dennis, -Manihera, Rika, Robinson, S. Gemmell, Matene (one name missing). PonLypool attacked from the kick-off and forced Potaka to .touch down. Play was rarely outside the Maoris' half before the interval. After thirty-five minutes Cullis sold the dummy, passed several opponents, and then gave a clean pass to Richards, who scored in the corner. Pontypoot continued to press in the second spell almost monopolising the game for twenty minutes, when James intercepted a pass, tricked Potaka, and transferred to Thomas, who scored without opposition. The Maoris now played with greater initiative and vigour.. They launched repeated attacks, which met the stubbornest defence. Falwasser was most brilliant, ■ and' often seemed certain to seme, but was continually tackled by Ford, the diminutive Welsh fullback, who was playing a magnificent game. Falwasser eventually made an irresistible run, eluded Ford and scored between the posts. Potaka's first kick was charged down, but the second time he succeeded. ~ Only bad luck prevented Falwasser from scoring again. Seven thousand spectators watched the game.