MERIVALE BEATEN BY BELFAST

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26812, 18 August 1952, Page 10

MERIVALE BEATEN BY BELFAST

When the conditions for the control of the senior Rugby championship were framed, provision was made for a challenge match between the winner of the senior reserve competition to play the lowest team in the A grade for the right to play in the senior championship the next year. Belfast won the second division and Merivale, a once great club which has fallen on lean years, was called on to meet the - challenge at Rugby Parx, on Saturday. Belfast won by 9 points to 0. after a scoreless first half, and will have the right to nominate a first grade team next year. Whether the option will be taken rests with officials of the club. K. Brown, who has been one of the mainstays of the Belfast Club in recent years, was the best player, and with E. Brown showed good combination. Early in the second half the Belfast forwards took control.* and Cassidy scored a try, which was not converted. Passing between the two Browns gave K. Brown a try. and Belfast put the issue beyond doubt when Odgers, a useful wing-three-quarters, went over for a good try. No goal was kicked. Belfast won by 9 points (three tries) to Mr L. Walsh was referee. *_

LOWER GRADES

Junior Grade —Papanui Technical Old B ?£ s - 6 : Kaiapoi 3; Marist 27, Collegians 0. Third Grade A.—SuAnyside-Spreydon 8, Sumner 3. o T hir , d J?J a $! e St. 2O, High School Old Boys 0; Boys' High School 9. Linwood 3. Secondary Schools’ Grade.—Christ’s College 11, Boys’ High School B 8; St. Bede s 5. Boys' High School A 3. Under 17 (Friendly Game).—Linwood 13, Christchurch 6.