SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 161, 10 July 1899, Page 3

SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS.

I DUNEDIN, Saturday. I University repeated last year's peri formance to-day, by downing Kaiko- ! rai by a goal from a try, scored by j White, and a penalty goal, kicked by I O'Shea, to a goal from a try, scored by Armit, after the most brilliant and scientific game witnessed here since the palmy days. The Alhambra match was one series of passing rushes, which, combined with magnificent tackling by the backs on both sides, were worthy of best interprovincial form. The sudden reversal of form on the part of 'Varsity, who are second to last on the list, came as a great surprise, although it is generally understood their best games are against the strongest teams. McAra, White, Mac Donald, Armstrong, and O'Shea proved quite a match for Duncan, Mason, Sinclair, Armit and company, both at passing and tackling, and after to-day's display the Match Committee, who were present in full force, have no easy task in selecting this year's rep. backs. The win was a most popular one. The crowd cheered loudly at the finish, and several 'Varsity backs were carried shoulder high. By their defeat, Kaikorai tie with Alhambra, and these two teams will probably play off for the flag next Saturday, as the trial matches will have to commence the following week. The other matches resulted: Alhambra 6, Southern 5; Dunedin 7, Zingari nil; Pirates 12, Union 11.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, Saturday,

In the final game for the senior football championships to-day, Linwood defeated Christchurch'by three points (a try) to nil. The snow which fell during the previous night made the ground in a frightful state, and the game was chiefly .a forward scramble. The weather during the afternoon was fine, but bitterly cold, but despite this the attendance was the largest yet seen at a club match. Linwood have now won the championship five years in succession.