March 14 - 1889 NZ 'Natives' defeat St Helens

March 14 1889

Another comfortable win for “Natives”.

Beating Walkden 6 – 1 on the 13th and St Helen’s 9 – 0 on March 14th represents a good effort by the NZ Natives team considering how long their tour had been and the huge number of matches played.

Off field there were some difficulties with the St Helen’s fixture. Match records show the names of just 10 of the “Natives” players and none at all of the home team.

“MAORI FOOTBALLERS.

TWO MORE VICTORIES.

London-, March 15. A match was played on Wednesday between the Maori Football Team and the Walkden Club, the former proving victorious.

In the match against St. Helen's (Lancashire) Club, the Maori Football Team defeated their opponents by two goals and three tries to nil.”

http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=AS18890316.2.10.4&cl=&srpos=0&e=-------10--1----0--&st=1

“MATCH No. 68. – versus ST. HELENS’, at ST HELENS’.

MARCH 14

Score: Natives – 2 goals, 3 tries.

St Helens’ – Nil.”

From “RUGBY FOOTBALL AND THE TOUR OF THE NATIVE TEAM”, compiled by T Eyton. Published 1896.P. 66.