MAORI TOUR IN FRANCE

Taranaki Daily News, 14 December 1926, Page 11

MAORI TOUR IN FRANCE

DEFEAT OF PERPIGNAN GREAT STRUGGLE BEFORE CROWD. DEFENCE CHANGED TO ATTACK. By Telegraph—Pres* Assn.—Copyright. Paris, Dec. 12. The Maoris defeated Perpignan by 9 points to 8, scoring three tries against a try and a goal. The match was played in brilliant weather before a huge crowd. The Maoris attacked from the outset; the backs immediately found form and a fine bout of passing resulted, Grace securing and scoring after a fine run. The Maoris continued to press and a fierce forward rush enabled Rika to add a try. Neither was converted. Their opponents, drawn from the Pyrenese team, attacked vigorously and crossed the Maori line under the posts. The try was not converted. The Maoris re-attacked and Phillips in<jde a magnificent run from half-way, but failed to score. From then on till the interval the Frenchmen had the best of the play seeming to have their opponents measure, but did not score. The halftime score was: Maoris 6, Perpignan 3. After the interval midfield play predominated and neither side was able to make headway. Eventually Phillips initiated a clever attack, but did not score. The French attacked desperately, threatening the Maori line, when Gemmell intercepted a pass and, running well and skilfully, scored. The Pyrenese team struggled dourly, but met with a redoubtable defence, of which Phillips was most prominent. Finally, almost on the call of time, he scored amid the greatest excitement, and the try was converted. The Maoris owed their win to their defence and the rapidity with which they turned their opponents’ attacks to their own advantage. In this Grace, Barclay, Rika and Matene were most prominent. The team comprised:. Phillips, Grace, Falwasser, Pelham, Barclay, Potaka, Shortland, Bell, Dennis, Olsen, Rika, Robinson, Matene.