MAORI FOOTBALLERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19510, 14 December 1926, Page 13

MAORI FOOTBALLERS.

KEEN MATCH IN FRANCE. NARROW WIN FOR VISITORS. VALUE OF SOUND DEFENCE. By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright. (Received 5.5 p.m.) A. and N.Z. PARIS, Dec. 12. The Maori football team defeated Perpignan by 9 points to 8. The Maoris scored three tries and Perpignan scored two tries, one being converted. There was brilliant weather and a huge crowd.

The Maori team was: Phillips, Grace, Falwasser, Pelhani, Barclay, Potaka, Shortland, Bell, Dennis, Olsen, Rika, Robinson, Matene, S. Gemmell and Manihera. The Maoris attacked from the kick-off. The backs immediately found form and a fine bout of passing resulted. Grace secured and scored after a fine individual

The Maoris continued to press. A strong forward rush enabled Rika to score a try. Neither try was converted. Perpignan, which was comprised of Pyrenees players, attacked vigorously and crossed the Maori line under the posts. The try was not converted. The Maoris again attacked. Phillips made a magnificent run from halfway, but he failed to score. After this the Frenchmen seemed to have their opponents' measure; indeed, the Frenchmen had the best of play until the interval, although they did not score. On resuming, play centred in midfield for some time, neither side being able to make headway. Eventually Phillips initiated a clever attack, but he did nof. score. The French now attacked desperately. They were threatening the Maori line when Gemmell intercepted a pass, and running well and skilfully ha scored. The Frenchmen struggled dourly, but they met redoubtable defence, Phillips being most prominent. Finally, almost on the call of time the Frenchmen scored amid the greatest excitement and the try was converted. The Maoris owned their win to their defence and the rapidity with which they turned attacks by their opponents'to their own advantage. Grace, Barclay, Rika and Matene were most prominent.