CLOSE CALL FOR THE LEADERS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 3, 4 July 1938, Page 17

CLOSE CALL FOR THE LEADERS

ANOTHER INTERESTING SENIOR SERIES

Eastbourne's return to the top division of local Rugby has had interesting results. First of all, Eastbourne had to meet the present runners-up, Petone, and then, last Saturday, they had to step out against the leaders, Poneke. In each ease they set the opposition a hard task, and, in fact, matters on Saturday went very close to a championship upset. Goal-kicking by Crisp (who, until this season, had been Eastbourne's full-back) won the match for Poneke, and the deciding effort—a field goal—came late in the exciting encounter. Athletic, still well in the running for championship honours, were hard pressed by Marist Brothers Old Boys, who were within two points of their opponents when the brilliant Jones made an interception which, with a try resulting, made the position quite safe for Athletic. Continuing their recent run of sue-' cess, Wellington College Old Boys got home from Hurt, but only by the barest margin. Wellington showed speed and enterprise against Johnsonviile and were rewarded with a good win. Petone had the measure of St. Patrick's College Old Boys, and also registered a convincing win. The position now in the top division is that, the promoted teams having dropped back, Poneke lead by two points from Petone, who are a point ahead of Athletic. University are a point ahead of Onslow (promoted team) in the second division, with Oriental only another point away.