MAORI RUGBY TRIAL

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19679, 11 July 1938, Page 10

MAORI RUGBY TRIAL

SOUTH ISLAND MATCH NORTH BEATS SOUTH (I’er Press Association.) OAMARU, this day. The South Island Maori Rugby trial, which was played betore a fan gathering of spectators at the showgrounds on Saturday afternoon, resulted in a win tor the Seddon Shield districts against the southern com bined union by 10 points to nil. The ground was very heavy and the greasy ball militated against bright open Rugby usually associated with, the best Maori players in the island, but the match nevertheless was full of incident, with bustling forward play and fine tackling. The match opened sensationally for daharuru to open the score for the Seddon Shield districts in the first few minutes by kicking past the last line of defence and beating the opposition to the touch-down. Kotua converted. The Seddon Shield districts’ forwards were heavier and speedier than .heir opponents, but there was no further score until weil into the eeond spell, when Melich kicked a fine penalty goal. ,)nst before the call of time, Kotua node a fine opening before sending the ball on to B. Ward, who passed it to M, McDonald, the latter diving over for a good try. For Seddon Shield districts, Rnharuru, Kotufi. Melich, G. McDonald, in the backs, and D. Mason, Hcpplite, M. McDonald and B. Ward, in the forwards, played sound and attractive Rugby. For the southern combined side Tailuha, in the backs, and Purdue, in the forwards, were the outstanding players of the side. Purdue was probably he best lor/ru'd on the field.