VICTORY FOR THE MAORIS

Taranaki Daily News, 18 December 1926, Page 15

VICTORY FOR THE MAORIS

FRENCH TEAM DEFEATED

TOURISTS’ COMBINATION GOOD.

BIG CROWD WATCHES HARD GAME,

By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright. Received Dee. 17, 7.35 p.m.

Paris. Dec. 16. The Maoris beat Armagnoc-Bigorre at Pau by 11 points to 6 (three tries one converted to a try and a penalty goal). The French side was drawn from Bears, Armagnac and Bigorre clubs. The weather was delightful and a huge crowd of spectators was present. The Maoris lost no time in attacking, S. Gemmell opening the score with a try which he converted. Piqueral retaliated with a magnificent penalty goal from beyond half-way. A fierce forward battle ensued till eventually Barclay broke away and secured a try 'which was unconverted. The half-time scores were: Maoris 8, Frechmen 3.

The second spell was strenuously contested. The Frenchmen went off at great guns and temporarily held the upper hand, the Maoris being on one occasion forced down.

The home side continued to press vigorously till Taillantou cut through and passed to Rochede, who scored an unconverted try. The French defence now badly bungled, letting the Maoris in to score a try beneath the posts, but the kick at goal was abortive. The French had a chance of reducing the deficit through a free kick, but failed. The Maoris deserved their victory owing to the superior speed of their forwards and better combination. The Frenchmen were rather scrappy, but nevertheless fought hard with unrelaxed efforts. The Maori team consisted of Phillips, Falwasser, Pelham, Barclay, Pdtaka, Wineera, Love, Bell, G. Gemmell, Dennis, Rika, Wilson, Manihera, Robinson and S. Gemmell.