Saturday’s Sport

Evening Star, Issue 19943, 13 August 1928, Page 4

Saturday’s Sport

RUGBY

OTHGO BEATEN BY 26 TO 9 VISITORS’ CLEVER AND FAST BACKS. Th« Otago intorprovincial team was beaten by 26 to 9 at Cansbrook by s much cleverer, faster, and better balanced side, which earned full value for every point of the wide margin between the scores. An Auckland team has not played at Dunedin since 1922, and the visitors were given an ovation when they took the field. Ideal football conditions prevailed, the ground being in splendid order, and there being an entire absence of wind. This is Otago’s second defeat so fair this season, the local side having been beaten by both Wairarapa and Auckland. The game itself was fast and exciting, and from the outset it was plain that Otago was up Against formidable opposition. The visitors’ forwards were very much heavier than those of Otago, this decided advantage in weight taking heavy toll of the Otago pack in the tight work. The Auckland backs, too, were superior, both in at tack and defence, and had far more finish about their play. Though the Auckland side won by such a comfortable margin, it did not by any means have the advantage territorially; it was the winners’ better understanding of each other’s play, greater speed, and ability to turn their opponents mistakes to advantage that counted so largely in their favour. Otago, as a matter of fact, particularly in the second spell, had more chances than the other side, but in their attacking movements there was always a fated pause or fumbling to bring the opposition down upon them before the assault could be properly developed. For Otago, it was a game of lost opportunities. The Auckland forward pack, much heavier than that of Otago, and with a lock man weighing over seventeen stone, dominated the tight jday throughout the game. Some of these heavy forwards also showed a great turn of speed, handling the ball well, and opening up the game to give their backs numerous chances, which such a clever rearguard were not slow to turn to good account. Though beaten in the tight work, the Otago pack, or rather most of them, contested every inch of tho way, but it was a fairly hopeless task against such a somt seven. In tho loose, however, forwards did show very well at times, and had the backs been good enough to force home chances given them Otago’s score would s have been 6 the Auckland forwards played well, though Batty was an outstanding figure and the best forward on the ground. He seemed to be everywhere, gaining possession on the line-out, handling like a back, and using the last ounce of his weight in the tight. Among the others Knight and Lin to. were a pair of hard ’workers. As tho last line of defence for the visitors, Butler played 9 sound game, maki no mistakes and getting his side out 01 numerous tight corners. Tho threequarter lino—Falwasser, L. Hook, and' Minns—was much superior to that of Otago, each man being fast and a powerful runner. Minns, particularly, showed determination and dash that marked him as a wing of the first flight. The five-eights, N. Jenkin and R. Hook, combined fairly well, though their handling was not always of the best. At the same time they both ran straight to give their outside men the maximum 01 room in which to work, hut it must be admitted that at times they both had a fairly easy passage through the Otago inside men. Carter, the Half-back, fed his backs speedily when the ball came his way. In marked distinction to the Otago bocks tho Auckland players were seldom out of position, this and their excellent tackling being features of their play. It has to be conceded that the Otago forward pack had an extremely difficult task in facing the heavy Auckland vanguard, but at the same time their scrummaging was not good for a representative side. In their favour, it has to bo said that they secured a fair share of the ball from the set scrums. Though they showed dash in the loose, there was always a lamentable lack of backing up, too many forwards straggling away behind instead of following up to keep on the ball. Sonntag was always prominent, playing a great game both in the tight and the loose. Sontor was another very useful forward. As wing-forward Lewis also showed to advantage. The outstanding back in the Otago side was Holden, its clever half-back, who, though behind a badly-beaten pack of forwards, played one of his best games. In attack he did his share with great credit, and in defence he was a host in himself, tackling and splendidly. Bradanovitch did not make a very good showing as first five-eighth, repeatedly dropping passes or fumbling and letting his opponents through time and_ again. Houghton showed up well at times, handling fairly well, but the opposition was generally on him before he could get far. With the few opportunities that came his way, Nicolson played well as centre, his tackling being better than that of most of the other backs. M'Clymont played poorly on the wing. Webb went off early, and was replaced Fountain, who put in some really good runs and defended well. Stevenson fielded the fall fairly well at times, but failed to find the line on many occasions. The Otago backs suffered badly in comparison with the northerners with then kicking, which was generally badly directed, eften getting them into more trouble than gaining advantage. Tho game was notable for the large number of free kicks awarded to Otago as the result of glaring infringements by the Auckland forwards. THE TEAMS. Auckland. Full-back, V. Butler. Three-quarters,—-A. Falwasser, L. Hook, P. Minns. Five-eighths.—R. Hook, N, Jenkin. Half-back, D. Carter. Forwards. —B, Palmer, A. Finlayson, Kahn, J. Donaldson, W. Batty (captain), B. Fletcher, A. Knight, and U. Linton (rover). Otago. Full-back, D. Stevenson 12.7. Three-quarters.—G. M'Clymont 12.0, 0. Nicolson 12.0, R. Webb 12.7. Five-eighths.—H. Hanghton 12.7, N. Bradanovitch 10.10. Half-back, A. Holden 11.0. ' Forwards. —R. Souter 12.4, L. More U. 6, W. Cleland 14.0, C. Sonntag MJ), B. Dunne 13.4, pad & Lewis jjwfma fongard) 13 JL

Otago loses to Auckland Rugby Team Soccer Cup to Maori Hill Savidan the Cross-Country Champion

THE PLAY. First Spell. Auckland kicked off, and a scrum followed, tho visitors getting tho ball after a prolonged struggle, and Jonkin, kicking through, Stevenson cleared, but Auckland returned to tho attack, Falwasser being pushed into touch after a good cut-in by J-uudn. Auckland forwards, rushing to near the Otago lino, Knight and Fletcher were nearly over in turn, a tree kick giving relief to Otago. The tome side got the ball from the nest ‘:crum, and took play to half-way. M'Clymont failed to take a pass, and R. Hook snapped up and raced away. Ho throw infield to _ Minns, who scored. Butler’s kick missed. Auckland 3, Otago 0. Otago passing broke down again, and the Auckland backs, showing speed, wore quick to- turn defence into attack. A knock-on saved Otago, Butler failed to stop a kick along tho ground, and it went into touch past half way. A good loose forward break by Otago took play past the twentylive, but an Otago player . booted too hard, the ball going over and Auckland forcing. Stevenson went very close with a free kick from tar out.

The lighter Otago _ forwards were making a good showing against the heavier Auckland pack, and contesting every 1 inch of the way. From a scrum Holden got tho ball away, and Webb ran past Falwasser, but was stopped by Butler. Ho throw infield, and them was a struggle near tho line. Auckland was penalised, and Stevenson landed a good goal from about the twenty-five. Otago 3, Auckland 3. , , „ A loose Otago forward rush took all before it to the twouty-fivo, where it was brought up. Tho backs camo into play, but M'Clymonc missed his pass. Auckland broke through to tho twentyfive, but good play by the Otago forwards, with More and Lewis prominent, sent them back. Four times Butler was called upon to save, and he did not fail. The weight of the Auckland forwards gave thorn the advantage in the tight, but still Otago stuck to _ them. Batty, playing woll,_ put his side in striking position again. The Auckland backs wore scut away, but their attack was well smothered. _ 11. Hook marked and put his si.de in position again, and from some loose play Auckland made another thrust. Carter broke through and sent Knight away. The forward threw' to Minns, who ran over at the Butler converted with a splendid kick, Auckland S, Otago 3. Otago forwards made an incursion to past tho other -twenty-five, but Auckland broke through and took play right to tho other end, the Otago backs making very poor efforts_ to stop them. The Otago line was again endangered, till Stevenson ran up and tackled Kahn with the ball. Lewis and Sonntag dribbled to past halfway, hut soon Auckland ha.d returned, Minus making a strong run for tho corner. He was crowded and throw infield, but it was a forward pass. The visitors wore now doing most of the attacking and often turned defence into attack. After a loose Otago forward rush had gone to tho other twenty-five, Auckland quickly returned, and passing to Falwasscr’s wing had, Otago in trouble, from which Holden extricated his side. A forward struggle followed at tho corner, and Falwasser threw himself over. Butler’s kick missed. Auckland 11, Otago 3. Webb went off injured, and . Fountain caruo on. The Auckland backs were not afraid to throw the ball about on every opportunity. An Otago attack made a deep thrust. Souter charged down a kick, but Butler got there to clear just as Fountain brought him down. Otago continued to attack, and Holden started a movement which ended in Hanghton nearly forcing his way over. Tho Otago si.de was getting many free kicks, and from one of those Stevenson attempted to goal, but went short. Soon Auckland had changed the order of things, and Holden forced when tho hail had been kicked over, Stevenson increased Otago’s score by putting over a free kick from 35 yards out. Half-time was called a minuto later, after Auckland had carried play to the Otago twenty-five with passing which broke down. Half-time score;Auckland ... ... 11 Otago 6 SECOND SHELL. From the kick-off Falwasser returned play to halfway, and following a breakdown in Otago passing Nicholson made a good cut through, but was collared. Offside play by Finlay son gavo Nicolson a shot at goal, which was unsuccessful, Butler clearing. _ Holden sent M'Clymont away, but Minns pulled the ’Varsity wing down, and a free kick to Otago resulted in Stevenson’s kick going wide. Otago was attacking hard, and fielding a clearing kick Stevenson ran up to send Hanghton away, the latter cutting in prettily before he was collared. Stevenson again fielded a clearing kick a minute later and gained ground before being pushed into touch. From a loose scramble, the bail wag kicked over tho line, Holden following fast to score near tho corner. Stevenson was unsuccessful with tho kick. Auckland 11, Otago 9. Fletcher led tho Auckland forwards into Otago territory, and from a lineout ruck Carter passed to Jenkin, who handed on to 11. Hook, the second fiveeighths cleverly jinking his way past three or four men to score a brilliant try. Jenkin converted. Auckland 16, Otago 9. The Auckland forwards, headed by Batty and Fletcher, gradually worked into tho Blues twenty-five, but though Carter got the ball away well Jenkin sent a bad pass to II Hook, and Glendining and Cleland burst through to halfway. Carter worked a short side movement from a scrum, Fountain cutting into passing and dribbling book beyond halfway. Holden made a good breakaway and handed on to Haoghton, who made a determined run before he was collared, the Auckland forwards again shifting play inside tho home side’s twenty-five.

The Auckland pack was _ -using its weight to advantage, both in the set scrums and lino-out rucks, and for a while Otago was hemmed inside its twenty-five near the corner. Auckland passing broke down at R. Hook, and Dunne headed an Otago breakaway, Butler putting Auckland on the offensive again with a strong kick. Knight, Palmer, and Batty were in hand-to-hand passing, but the home team’s defence’ proved solid, and Holden kicked through to halfway. Cleland was in the van of an Otago loose rush, passii |; to Sonntag, who was collared. Fountain earned on by dribbling, but L. Hook cleared. Jenkin found a gap in the field with, a .short punt, hint Stevenson checked an

ensuing loose rush. Holden, who was playing a rattling good game behind the Otago pack, broke through to halfway, Fountain overruning Ids pass. With Otago pressing hard a minuto later Fountain collared Falwasser before the Auckland wing could clear, and Holden sent the Otago backs away. The whole lino handled, hut the passing was clone at tho stand, little ; mud being gained before M'Clymont was brought down by Minns. ,A free, kick to Otago was taken by Sontor, who was unsuccessful.

Lewis headed the next break, and made a good run before passing to M'Clymont, who did not get far before he was grassed. Souter broke through From a lino out, and Holden sont the backs away from a scrum, Nicolson sending a low pass to M'Clymont, which the wing was unable to gather. Auckland was being frequently being penalised for infringements, and Souter had another unsuccessful shot, which went just outside. The Otago forwards unwed ’ -ml. and Holden got Hanghton cutting through, but being the ball away beautifully from a scrum, Hanghton cutting -through, but being nulled down. Auckland’s nest try came as the result of a sensational bit of play. Stevenson fielded a kick and ran up, passing to Fountain. L. Hook intercepted the pass near half way, and, breaking clear, outpaced the opposition to score a splendid try, which Jenkin converted with a neat kick. Auckland 31, Otago 9. Following the kick off Lewis, who was always prominent in the Otago pack, rnado a solo breakaway, being attended by Clarke, who failed to hold a good pass, a good opportunity thus being lost. Holden sont his backs away from a scrum, but Fountain was unablo to get past Falwasser, who pulled him down, Stevenson was 1 caught in possession in the face of an 1 Auckland forward rush, and Linton ■ dribbled through to score. Jonkin [added tho major points. Auckland 26, ' Otago 9. ( Otago earned play into Auckland territory, but Falwasser, started passing, iii which Linton, Knight, and Kahn participated, the last-named failing to hold his transfer. Tho Auckland forwards were all over tho_ home pack, sotting up a strong offensive on tho Blue line. Cleland collared Jenkin ns tho latter endeavoured to cut through, and Dunne started 1 Otago passing, which was carried on by Bradanovitch, Hanghton, and Nicolson, who was brought down inside Auckland’s twenty-live, the game ending :

Auckland 26 Otago • 9 Mr G. M'Kenzie was tho referee.

CURTAIN RAISER. Tho final of tho fourth grade championship waa played as a curtainraiser to the representative match at (Jarisbrook this afternoon, a fast and .stromiously-contostcd game resulting in Zingari-Richmond defeating Pirates by G points to 3. Mr M'Combio was the referee. SECOND GRADE. Zingari A 6, Pirates 3. FIFTH GRADE. Dunedin 9, Zingari 3. Pirates 17, High School A 3. Southern 16, Union 0. JUNIOR REPS. To Play Eastern Districts. Tho selectors have chosen the following junior representatives to play Eastern- Districts as a curtain-raiser to tho Aingo Shield match next Saturday Clouston (’Varsity), M'Donald (’Varsity), Guthrie (Ravcnsboumo, captain), Pritchard (Pirates), Potaka (’Varsity), Priest (’Varsity), Gourley (Pirates), Watson (’Varsity), Ferguson (Pirates), TroJoar (Port Chalmers), Allan (’Varsity), Bull (Pirates), Gordon (Pirates), Borrio (’Varsity); wingforward, Trotter (’Varsity); emergencies—Jagusch (’Varsity), Young (Pirates), Griffin (Ravoushourno), Watkins (llavensbourne), Calliim (Union), Abel (’Varsity). Practices will take place at Carisbrook on Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30 p.m. \ CANTERBURY BEATS MANAWHENUA [Per Unithd Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, August 11. Canterbury beat , the Manawhenua rpresentatives at Lancaster Park by So points to 19. The ground was in fast order, and tho game was played in bright sunshine, with a cool easterly breeze. The Canterbury backs turned tho scale, but altogether the display of tho winners was not convincing, especially in the later stages of the match, when more points were scored by the visitors. Manawhenua won the toss and played with the sun behind it. Conrad missed the ball from the kick-off, and Canterbury came into the visitors’ twentylive. After two scrums in tho visitors’ territory a penalty for off-side play by Roberts allowed Loveridge to kick a goal. Canterbury 3, Manawhenua 0. Manawhenua soon equalised the scores. Hard kicking by tho Canterbury backs let tbc visitors down tho touchline at the Canterbury twentyfive, where Parata snapped up the ball and went over for an unconverted try. From the kick-off the home team attacked. The Manawhenua fiveeighths were playing off-side in defence and T. Parata was penalised. Loveridge kicked another penalty goal. Canterbury 6, Manawhenua 3. In another Canterbury attack the forwards started handling on the twenty-five line. They sent tho ball out to tho backs, and the movement ended with a nice try to _ Galbraith near the corner flag. Loveridge failed to convert. Canterbury 9, Manawhenua 3.

After defending for a little time again Manawhenua got into Canterbury territory with the aid of a free kick, and presently broke through with a loose rush, which was stopped by a knock-on in front of the Canterbury goal. Temporarily held up, Manawhenua came again, and well inside the twenty-fivo Parata marked and drop-kicked a goal. Canterbury 9, Manawhenua 6. The next score, came from a good run by Loveridge, who gathered the ball nicely from tho ground and ran past the opposing full-back to score near the corner. He converted with a good kick. Canterbury 14, Manawhenua 6. . A passing rush by Page, Hay, and Loveridge allowed Loveridge to score again after 8 few minutes’ play. The try was not converted, and at half-time tho score was: Canterbury 17, Manawhenua 6 Canterbury attacked early in the second half, and after a series of attacks Toby Robinson gave Montgomery a pass, and he ran over near the posts. Loveridge kicked a goal. Canterbury 22, Manawhenua 6. Manawhenua now took advixntago of the weaknesses whK-h began to develop, and Parata came through a gap and passed infield to Glee&on, who crossed and ran round behind the posts. Tatana converted. For a time the Reds attacked,, but the visitors beat them off, and as the result of a passing bout between T. Parata, Aknira, and Westwood, the last named scored a try whioh was not converted. Canterbury 22, Mauawheana 14*

After much scrambling play in midfield Akuira intercepted a pass, and .almost broke through. From, the ensuing scramble' the ball went infield to T. Parata, who scored a good try, which Glceson converted. Canterbury 32, Manawhenua 19. Canterbury was soon on the attack again, and a forward rush ended in Toby Robinson scoring not far from the posts. Loveridge missed an easy kick, leaving tho 1 final score Canterbury 20 Maiijiwhonua 19 RAHFURLY SHIELD WAIRARAPA’S JUG WIN. I Pure United Press Association. J MASTERTON, August 11. Tho return match between Wairarapa and Bush Districts, although lor tho Ranfurly Shield, was not taken seriously. As tho Bush Sub-union put it when applying for tho challenge: “It was not in 'the hope of winning the trophy, but to swell tho gate takings, that the challenge was issued.” The first spell, which ended 17 points to 8 in favour of Wairarapa, was somewhat ragged, although the Bush forwards broke through occasionally. Thojpoints were rattled on by Wairarapa in the second spell, and the game ended in a victory for tho holders by 57 points to 11. The fu’st try came from an opening made by Cooke, Yates crossing in the corner. Gundy’s kick was charged down. Five minutes later M. Parker kicked through from the scrum, sidestepped the Bush full-back, and scored well out. Cundy narrowly missed with tho kick. Uninteresting play followed until Bush broke away in a loose forward rush, from which Harris scored, B. Udy converting. Tho Bush forwards maintained loose tactics, and eventually Bartosh crossed to place his side in the lead. Udy missed the kick at goal. Bush 8 points, Wairarapa 6. Not long after Cundy kicked a penalty goal, and three_ minutes later lie added three more points in a similar manner. Tho efforts of tho visitors' forwards transferred play to home territory, but the backs failed to profit by tho chances presented. Parker dashed through to intercept a pass, and raced for tho line. At the right moment ho transferred to Cooke, who had a straight run to the posts. Cundy kicked a goal. Half-time sounded soon after with the score: Wairarapa 17, Bush 8. On tho commencement of tho second spell both sots of backs put more fiiiish into tho play, and tho game became much more interesting. Stringfellow kicked through, beat the fullback, and grounded under the posts. Cundy added the major points. The Wairarapa forwards now dominated the play. The next score came from Hart, Cundy kicking a goal. Eeid initiated a spectacular back movement, from which Yates scored, and Cundy again converted. Wairarapa. 32, Bush 8. Parker thou wriggled across after repeated attempts from a series of lineouts and scrums, and Cundy onro more found the goal. From a loose rush by the Bush forwards Harris secured the second try for the visitors. From then on tho shield-holders registered a succession of scores, trios being obtained by Reid, M'Gregor, Cooke, and Willoughby, all of which woro converted by Cundy. Tho game ended:— Wairarapa 57 Bush Districts ... *,« ... II WANGANUI BEATS MARLBOROUGH [Pun United Press Association.] WANGANUI, August 11. The Wanganui representatives defeated thq_ Marlfiorough touring team by 19 points to 13. Tho homo team was changed p. good deal from that which defeated Manawhenua on Saturday last owing to some of the players not being available. Despite the alterations Wanganui played well, especially in tho first spell, and the backs were superior to tho visitors. The Marlborough forwards woro better on the day, but failed in hooking the ball. Their footwork was good, but in the loose Wanganui were the better side. In t!ie second spell Wanganui were a trifle lifeless, but when Marlborough played up and the scores became Wanganui 14, Marlborough 13, the side woke up and scored another try, which was converted. For tho winners tries were scored' by M'Lean (2)', Stewart, Shanley, and Tilley. Tilley converted one try and Vangioni another, Washington kicked a penalty goal for. the visitors, . Gill was awarded a penalty try for obstruction, and Botham scored, Hodson converted both tries, Tho final score was:— Wanganui ... 19 Marlborough 13 TARANAKI BEATS HAWKE’S BAY [Pus United Press Association.] 'NEW PLYMOUTH, August 12. By i> points to 3 Taranaki defeated Hawke’s Bay before an attendance of 6,000 persons. Jt was a poor display of Uugby. Hawke’s Bay should have won, having the territorial advantage throughout, but they were uhable to finish off their movements. There was only tho conversion of a toy between the scores. Tho scrummaging was the worst seen this season, and on only one occasion did the scrum pack properly. Usually Hawke’s Bay gob the ball, but could not make much use of it, the passing movements always breaking down. Tho Taranaki tackling was deplorable, and that of Hawke’s Bay was little better. The first half was dull, and ended without score. Early in the second spoil, from scrambling play in the Taranaki twenty-five, a Hawke’s Bay player took the ball apparently offside, and passed to Dennis, who dashed over near the corner. Yates’s kick failed. Then the first real football of the match commenced, and was continued at a torrid pace to tho end. Taranaki made a lightning attack and almost scored, tho last man to handle the ball being pushed out near the corner. It became a desperate struggle in which no quarter was given. W. Hohaia scored a spectacular try for Taranaki. He secured an ovef-mn pass ac halfway, tore himself free from Huxtable’s tackle, and raced down the side line, evading several opponents, to score a try that brought the crowd to their feet. Collins added a magnificent goal. Prom then on both sides fought a grim struggle, . but though Hawke’s Bay usually had tho advantage they could not score, and the game ended; — Taranaki ... ... Hawke’s Bay ... ... 3 TE AUTE COLLEGE BEATEN LSpeciad to Press Association.] WAIPUKURAD, August 11, , In the presence of a record crowd for Central Hawke’s Bay, Wanganui Technical College defeated Te Ante College by 11 points to 6. The game was fast and evenly contested. Thackabau kicked a penalty goal for Wanganui in the first spell, and Gemmell kicked two penalties for Te Auto. In the second half Welsh and Thackabau scored for Wanganui, thd latter converting fils own try.

INTERISLAND NATCH - : NORTH ISLAND, TEAM. [Pee United Paces Association.] NEW PLYMOUTH, August 12. 'Tho North Island selectors have choseu the following team to play the South at Christchurch on Saturday:—Backs. —L. Paewai (Auckland), WJI. Carlson (Wanganui!, L Hook (Auckland), M. Anderson (Waikato), A 12. Cooke (Wairarapa), W. Ganglands (Poverty Bay), G. Bramwell (Poverty Bay); rover, C. G. Porter (Wellington). Forwards. Palmer (Auckland), Finlayson (Auckland), M. Willoughby (Wairarapa), W. Batty (Auckland), it. Steere (Hawke’s Bay), Knight (Auckland), S. Willoughby (Wairarapa). Reserves. —Forward, K. Reid (Wairarapa); back, P. Kemp■ (Waikato). SOUTHLAND SUB-UNION DRAWS [Per United Press Association.] GREY MOUTH, August 12. The match between West Coast and the Southland Suh-unios’s team resulted in a draw —11 points all. Tho first spell ended with the score at 5 points all, a try being scored for West Coast by Fell and converted by J. King. For tho. visitors a try was scored by Muir and converted by Lang. In the second spell Tainui and M'liitosb scored for the home team, and Lee and Walker for Southland. ■ The forwards of both sides made tho game open, and any margin of advantage rested with the Coast. Dempster and G. Horner, two of the visitors, were replaced in the second spell owing to injuries. OTAGO SUB-UNION BEATS NELSON [Per United Press Association.] NELSON, August 11. Tho Otago Sub-union’s team beat Nelson by 17 points to 16 after an interesting game, especially in tho second half. Tho visitors led by 9 to 0 in the first spell. The scorers for tho winners were a penalty by Nive and tries by Waldron, D. Donnelly, Davies, and D. Oliver, ono being converted. For Nelson Snodgrass scored two tries aiid kicked a penalty. Wclsl also got a try, two being converted. Snodgrass was the outstanding player. IN OTHER CENTRES WELLINGTON. University 16, Poncke 12. Old Boys 14, Oriental 10. Wellington 6, Petone 3. Athletic 3, Marisb 3. Bcrhamporo 17, Eastbourne 11. INVERCARGILL. Star 13, Pirates 13. Star won the championship by 2 points. SOUTH OTAGO F6OTBALL [From Ouk Correspondent,] BALCLUTHA, August 12. By defeating Owaka at Owaka on Saturday Clinton maintained its lead in the aenior cup competition. This victory, as were all the others in South Otago football on Saturday, was a narrow ono, tho scores being Clinton 6, OFaka 6. At Kaitangata Crescent Seniors created a surprise by defeating Toko Seniors by 7 points to 3 points. The teams were equal in points before, but Toko was regarded as tho stronger team. The result places Crescent two points ahead of Toko and one point behind Clinton.

In the second grade Boyd Cup competition Union and Star are now equal in points, and lead in the northern division, wliil& Romahapa and Olutha Valley lead in the southern division. In Saturday’s matches Clutha Valley secured a last-minute victory over Clutha by scoring and converting a try in the last stages of the game, in which Clutha 11. up till then had held the ascendancy with a potted_ goal. The Waitahuna team secured its first victory by defeating Crescent at Waitahuna by 12 points to 6 points, Waiwera defaulted to Romahapa, and Toko 11. defaulted to Star. A South Otago junior representative team will visit Gore on Wednesday to play a representative fifteen of Eastern Districts Juniors. Two fixtures of great interest will take place at Balclutha next Saturday. The principal match is the South Otago v. Eastern Districts representative fixture, for which Mr Jack Cuff, of Milton, will be referee. As a curtainraiser to this match, Dm final of the second grad© banner competition will be played between Clutha Valley and Toko Seconds. When these teams last met to decide the premiership a draw resulted, and Saturday’s contest is likely to b© a lively ono. Both matches should provide good football, and a very largo .attendance is expected.