By Mrs Trellis of North Wales
August 17 2015

Match Report Stockport Clarets v The Maori touring side 12/01/1889 (42nd tour game)

This fixture was played on January 12th on the ground in Cale Green (about 1 mile from EP) in front of about 4000 spectators. The weather was fine but cold, and the visitors having won the toss, the home side started the game, and for a time the game was carried on in neutral territory. Stockport were eventually forced back, and Keogh almost got in. The home forwards relieved the pressure, and Ogden made a good run, rounding all his men with the exception of Gage, who brought him down about half-a-dozen yards from the Maori goal-line. The ball was worked away only to be returned, and Schofield, for Stockport, was tackled in dangerous proximity to the New Zealanders' charge. From this point the game was of a give-and-take nature, both territories being alternately invaded. Whilst play was being carried on in the home half, W. Wynyard scored a try for the Maoris in a favourable position. McCausland took the place kick, and registered a premier point.

Subsequently the ball was taken to the New Zealanders' line, where Dingle got possession, and scrambling over for a try for Stockport about three yards from one of the uprights. Ankers had no difficulty in equalising matters. Half time arrived with the score at 1 goal each. On change of ends Stockport pressed, but Gage relieving, W. Wynyard put in a splendid run, and, passing to Keogh, the latter was within an ace of dropping a. goal, a minor resulting. From here to the end Stockport had the best of the game, and Hodgkiss getting hold took the ball dangerously near the Maori's line, who were eventually forced to touchdown to avert further disaster, a fast and pleasant game resulting in a draw; the final score being Stockport one goal and one minor to New Zealanders one goal and one minor.

Stockport had the assistance of Coulthwaite and Hodgkiss of Swinton. Gage played splendidly as fullback for the Maoris, as he on several occasions saved his side by his excellent tackling and good backing.

One account has the Maori fullback Gage playing the entire match dressed in an overcoat such was the cold.

Teams

Maoris: Gage (back), B. Madigan, K. McCausland, J. Warbrick, and W. Wynyard (three-quarter-backs), W. Elliott and P. Keogh (half-backs), G. Williams, R. Taiaroa, T. Ellison, G. Wynyard, H. Lee, A. Warbrick, D. Stewart and Renne (forwards).

Stockport: Bruckshaw (back), T. Coulthwaite, G. Ogden, F. G. Taylor, and F. Rifson (three-quarter backs), H. Parratt and E. Wickraan (half-backs), J. Potts, E. Schofield, J. Bruckshaw, W. Bailey, J. Faulkner, W. Dingle, J. Ankers, and N. Hodgkiss (forwards.)