MAORIS DRAW WITH EAST MIDLANDS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18008, 19 November 1926, Page 7

MAORIS DRAW WITH EAST MIDLANDS.

By Telegrapn.—Press Assn. — Copyright. Aus. and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received November 19. II am ) LONDON. November 18 The Maoris drew with East Midlands, G all. A hard, thrilling struggle at Northampton ended equitably with two tries apiece after East Midlands had held the lead for the greater part of the game. The Maoris territorially had more of the play, but the backs, though faster, finished off movements badly, their combination repeatedly breaking down at critical moments. There was little to choose between the two sides of forwards, for, if East Midlands were more often atop in the scrums, the Maoris were frequently dangerous in the open. Midlands opened brilliantly, and deserved tlieir halftime lead of 6 to 3. Fensome and Birch scored unconverted tries after Lockwood had opened the scoring with a try for the Maoris. In the second spell, the Maoris placed up desperately, and for long stretches kept their opponents on the defensive. The latter's great tackling and the Maoris’ poor finishing prevented an equalising until closing time. Falwasser then crossed following a good bout of passing. Had midfield play by the Maoris been rounded off near the line, they would have won, but the Midlanders’ gallant defence entitled them to draw. Phillips made a good full-back, but Pelham was soundest behind the scrum*, although Falwasser ran strongly and was difficult to stop. Olsen. Gemmell. Wilson Haupapa acquitted themselves well amongst the forwards, who, like their opponents, revelled in hard work. The Maori team was:—Phillips. Falwasser. Pelham, Lockwood. Kingi, Bell. Love, Olsen, Dennis, Gemmell. Tatana, Rika. Nelson, Manihera and Haupapa. In 1924, the All Blacks beat East Midlands by 31 to 7.