SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14982, 1 June 1914, Page 5

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP.

.MERIVALE (6) v. SYDENHAM (.5). This match, which was played on the oval at Lancaster Park, attracted a large number of spectators, who witnessed a really interesting game. Sydenham showed considerable improvement in form, and were leading for three-parts of the game, but in the final stages, the Merivale forwards wore their opponent- down, and they scored a rather lucky win.

: Sydenham kicked off from the south end* aad the Merivale forwards at once broke away with a loose rush, but were stopped by safe kicking. A series of short rushes put Sydenham iin an attacking position, and Merivale I were penalised, but Watson make a : poor shot at goal. A moment later Sydenham were attacking again, and Gunn forced his way across the lino near the post*. Watson converted the try. Merivale drove their opponents back, aiid Cleary, following up^fast, ."itarged nami'ton's kick, and in h^ivace fo>- the ball just succeeded in registeri ing a try before the defenders kicked j'the ball "away. No goal was kicked. j Merivalo attacked strongly, but were ; met by sound defence, and some good footwork by the Sydenham forwards had nlav " hack at the " centre. . ".•>.!• "a .■" while rlay was fairly f-ast. but it was very even, and net ; marked by any very striking incidents. ' "" Vi tlx • ploy in the Sydenham twenty- . *

five, and right in front of the goal, the Merivale forwards hooked the .ball, and Dickie opened up a passing rush, but Cado was well tackled by Hutching-. Watson was chiefly responsible for taking play to the Merivalo twentyfive, and a cross-kick by tho samo player gave his side a chance, but he had* kicked a little too hard, and Morivale saved by forcing. Tho spell ended with play in mid-field. \ The opening of the second half found Sydenham's defence rather severely tested, hut Hutchings cleared the line with a useful kick. Merivalo wero quickly attacking again, but a forward rush, in which Bathurst was prominent, relieved tho situation. Fast following up by the Sydenham forwards threatened danger to Merivale, but Williams mado a lucky save. Some fast passages followed, in which Merivalo claimed the advantage. > With play in their twenty-five, Sydenham were penalised for obstruction, and Hasell made a good attempt at goal, the bail £oing just outside.The Merivale forwards broke away with what seemed an irresistible rush, but Clemens brought off a marvellously lucky save with a speculator, which found touch-line. Sydenham were hard pressed for a considerable time, and eventually from a scramble on the line Cleary scored, again. Hasell failed with tho kick at goal. Merivale wero having considerably the better of the play at this stage. and an attack by their backs seemed certain to end in a score, when Hutclij irrgs intercepted a pass and took play right to the other end of the field. This was Sydenham's final effort, for in a very brief space they were defending again, and when the bell sounded, play was in their twenty-five, Merivale winning by 6 points (two tries) to 5 points (a goal from a try). Mr C. Buchanan was referee.