THE LEAGUE CODE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22835, 16 September 1937, Page 18

THE LEAGUE CODE

ANNUAL MAORI MATCII WAITANGI SHIELD CONTEST TAMAKI RETAINS TROPHY The annual Rugby League match for tho Waitangi Shield between Maori teams representing Tamaki and North Auckland was played ut Carlaw Park yesterday afternoon, the former retaining the trophy by 37 points to 3. The game was too one-sided to be interesting, tho Tamaki players carrying a marked advantage in all departments. Had they wished to extend themselves, they could have won by an even greater margin. Assisted by tlicir advantage in weight and speed, the Tamaki forwards and bucks made it clear from the start that they had a firm grip on the game. The holders had a lead of :2i points to 3 at half-time and from then on they scored practically whenever they liked in spite of the valfant, but futile, efforts of the opposing team. The visitors lacked combination and penetrative ability, while their tackling was deplorably weak. Time after time tho Tamaki backs burst their way through 11 succession of ineffective tackles, whenever the North Auckland backs did secure possession, they made the fatal blunder of kicking and placing the ball in the hands of the lively Tamaki backs. Although all t tic Tamaki backs played attractive football and revealed dash on attack, they were flattered by the poor tackling of the opposing rearguard. J. Rata and Broughton stood out for clean handling and strong running in the five-eighths position, while Raymond also proved it dangerous attacking back. Among the forwards, Mataira, McLeod, Skelton and Tristram showed out for solid work in the tight and bright initiative and accurate handling in the open. T. Toki, the wing threequarter, gave the most impressive showing lor North Auckland. ]ii spite of the fact that he was well marked, he proved aggressive on attack and required careful watching. W. Flesher gave the impression that had he received better support iie would have proved a dangerous centre threequarter. W. Rata was an earnest worker in the forwards, the best of the others being it. Kepa and W. Paki. Tries were scored for Tamaki by Broughton (•■>). Rata (•_»), Chase (2), Raymond, Itogers and Bluett. Chase converted five. W. Flesher scored for the visitors.