THE NATIONAL GAME

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 150, 27 May 1929, Page 2

THE NATIONAL GAME

CLOSE OF INITIAL ROUND. FEILDING OLD BOYS LEAD. It was unfortunate that a marked change in the climatic conditions brought steady rain on Saturday. and throughout the district there were heavy grounds for the concluding games in tho opening round of tho senior Rugby competition. As a result, scoring wan increasingly difficult and in two of the matches drawn battles resulted, the scoring having been restricted to three points by each of' tho competing fifteens. In the game at Johnston Park, Feilding, Feilding Old Boys gained a narrow victory of one point over Athletic and thereby emerged from the round holding a two points lead on the championship table from Old Boys, Kia Toa and Feilding, all three of whom had had to sharo tho championship points in their respective matches on Saturday. ■ With the leading team holding seven championship points, three with five points and .two with four, there is every indication that the present season will furnish local enthusiasts with one of tho most interesting competitions in the history of the Manawatu Rugby Council. In tho junior series Old Boys hold control with an unbeaten record, but, with High School and Kia Toa A following at one point intervals, this competition promises to be equally interesting. In the third grade, Old Boys A . and Bunnythorpo, who had been previously unbeaten, fought a drawn battle on tho oval nt the Showgrounds—patroijs thus witnessing two drawn games thereon during the course of the afternoon —and the issue is thus still undetermined. Massey College B made their debut in local football, the A team having played their first game a week previously. As a result automatic forfeitures had been debited against them in the preceding matches. THE SCORE BOARD. Senior Grade. Feilding 0.8. 9 v. Athletic 8. Kia Toa 3 v. Feilding 3. Old Boys 3 v. Woodville 3. Junior Grade. High School 16 v. Massey College B 0. Kia Toa A 9 v. Kia Toa B 3. Old Boys 9 v. United Valley 3. Feilding 8 v. Feilding 0.8. 0. West End 6 v. Massey College A 6. Third Grade. St. Patrick’s 18 v. Feilding 3. Feilding H.S. 16 v. West End 6. Kia 'J’oa 17 v. Old Boys B 0. Old Boys A 6 v. Bunnythorpo 6. Woodville won from Athletic by default. CHAMPIONSHIP TABLES. SENIOR.

FEILDING v. KIA TOA. KEEN GAME ENDS IN DRAW. Weather conditions were distinctly unfavourable for the final matches of the opening round in the senior Rugby division on Saturday, a dull, cold day, with light, but steady rain not proving very attractive to patrons. Kia Toa, who were fielding somewhat of a skeleton side, were required to oppose a dangerous combination in Feilding who, following upon losing their first two matches, had annexed the honours at their two succeeding appearances, and the promise of a close struggle for an improved footing on the championship ladder attracted a fair crowd to the Showgrounds. The teams which filed out on to the oval were as under: Feilding (yellow and black): Cuff, Kelly, R. Darragh, 11. Darragh, G. Darragh, Elliott, Shapleski, Waldin, Bowler, 0. Hight, Piko, Lynch, C. Hight, Fitzgerald, Simpson. Kia Toa (blues): Wasley, Griffin, Mullins, Strange, Morgan, I. Wasley, Powell, Gleeson, Boldt, Sutherland, Conrad, Crawford, Doherty, Fitt, Penny. Feilding kicked off towards the southern goal and, from the lino-out, Shapleski set his backs moving, but a dropped pass saw Waldin come into play offside. A free kick in turn »ot the yellows on the attack and 0. Hight was almost in on the right wing, while Elliott made a bold bid from a cut through on the opposite wing, I Wasley forcing opportunely. The yellows continued to take the aggressive until R. Wasley kicked through and caught Kelly in possession, the movement termniating when Gloeson passed right on the line, the ball going into touch. The blue hicks operated along the opposite side of tho ground, but Strange was halted before any danger threatened. The fielding of a cross kick by Kelly and a kick through enabled the to transfer the centre of hostilities and offside by Sutherland gave Cuff a shot at goal, but the ball hung low, R. Wasley lining.out. Surprising enough, the first score of the match came the way of the blues when a kick by Cuff passed to Strange and, although tho winger failed to accept the ball cleanly, he recovered possession to kick over and beat the opposition to the force. Mullins made a good attempt to convert, but failed. Kia Toa 3, Feilding 0. From right on his own "goal line, R. Wasley kicked through and Griffin followed in pursuit. With Cuff beaten a race ensued between the blue winger and H. Darragh, and playing the yellow winger on the ground cost Griffin a penalty. In a flash the yellows went away with a rush, Elliott having an open field with supports outside him, but the ball went astray in a tackle and Kia Toa worked free from a ticklish position. Back piled the yellows and the home team escaped with a force. A dribbling rush by Doherty and Boldt was halted by Kelly accepting a mark, the attack petering out when Powell made a fruitless attempt to drop-kick a goal. Waldin and C. Hight led the yellow forwards pell mell to the opposite end, but Fitt broke' free to lead his fellow forwards back to neutral zone. A kick spelt danger for tho yellows, but a player elected to kick and Elliott_ secured to cut through, but once again his pass failed to reach its objective when 3|n open field lay before the visitors. The advantage was, however, pressed further until Gleeson opened up to Morgan, the five-eighth kicking through only to see G. Darragh beat him to the ball and kick it to touch. The charging down of a mark right on tho line kept Feilding hard on the defensive, a foroe down finally relieving them. Play returned to the visitors’ territory, but H. Darragh ground kicked through and half-time was called with Fcildinjj inside the blues* territory, the score being unaltered. THE SECOND SPELL.

The kick-out out by Mullins was returned to touch by G. Darragh, but play wont from end to end at close intervals the rival frontal divisions infusing great vim into their play, although the greasy nature of the ball made handling or even foot' control difficult. A sweeping rush by the yellows saw Morgan injured in attempting to bring it to a halt and the blue five-eighth was compelled to retire. With the ball coming back into play, tho yellow forwards swept right to the line, a hot melee ensuing until Mullins cleared to

Cuff, who lined out prettily. Back the yellows worked, and the blues had some anxious moments. Coming round the scrum too quickly cost the blues a penalty within good range, and Cuff found the uprights with a nicely judged kick! Feilding 3, Kia Toa ,3.

The success awakened tho visitors and G. Darragh accepted on the run to burst through and send on to his brother, H. Darragh, but an infield pass to a supporting forward found the latter grassed right on the line. Conrad and' Doherty cleared, but H. ~ Darragh, per modium of a short burst, brought play back, a tacklo halting him when he was well under way. FAST. AND EXCITING PLAY. Play was fast and exciting despite the conditions and the rival factions wore urging their players on to still greater efforts. Feilding, working their forwards, came back, a series of five yards scrums ensuing; a free kick for tripping by Glceson gave Cuff a 6hot at goal, but the ball fell short, R. Wasloy finally clearing to tho twenty-five line. The yellows were taking control, but the forces were well spent physically. Shapleski openod upon the blind side to G. Darragh, who cut through and then sent into H. Darragh, but the winger was held up when over the line—a narrow escape for the blues. Crawford and Conrad were making valiant efforts for the blues, but Waldin and C. and O. Hight were proving oqually active for Feilding., A centring kick by Mullins went to H. Darragh, who was off in a flash, but, with an open field ahead of him, Strange took him from behind and saved the day, the bell sounding almost immediately afterwards. Honours were thus even in a great forward battle. Feilding 3, Kia Toa 3. Mr A. W. Thompson refereed. CLOSE GAME AT WOODVILLE. HONOURS SHARED. The match between Old Boys and Woodville, played on the latter’s ground, ended in a draw, the score being three all. The ground was in a muddy condition and tho ball was very greasy. The game developed into a forward one and Woodville practically dominated the second half. On their display in that period they were unlucky in not winning, and deserved the match. * The teams were as follow: Old Boys.—Williamson, Walker, Ftotcher, Page, Riddell, Akuira, Pacey, Robinson, Grcville, Snell, Preston, Galpin, Cater, Neild, Gregg. Woodville.—Burlace, Redwood, Goodwin, Curry, Gillespie, Scott, Grinlinton, Hutchinson, Morgan, Hayes, Jones, McKenzie, Charles, Dean, Houghton.

Old Boys opened tho game and placed Woodville on the defensive in their twentyfive. A series of line-outs followed. The blue and blacks set up a forward rush and a struggle took placo under Old Boys’ posts, Hutchinson being foremost in the attack. The blacks cleared and play went to midfield. Riddell secured the ball and punted downfield, and Woodville had to throw the ball out to save. A scrum on their line followed and Old Boys were given a free kick for obstruction. Akuira had a shot at goal, but failed. Hutchison sent Woodville away a few moments later, but an infringement halted the movement and play camo back to Woodville’s twenty-five. Robertson placed Old Boys in a handy position, but off-side play on the blue and blacks’ lino spoiled matters for the visitors. A line-out a few yards from Woodville’s line followed and Cater started a promising movement from a mark. Old Boys were awarded a free kick for offside plaj', but Akuira’s shot at goal missed. Play was transferred to the. opposite wing, with Old Boys pressing the blue and blacks. Pacey picked up, handed to Robinson, who transferred to Riddell. The latter handed on to Fletcher, who raced over. Akuira took the kick, but tho ball wont just outside the posts. Old Boys 3, Woodville 0.

Woodville commenced a solid attack: and invaded Old Boys’ territory with the ball at their feet. The blacks were hemmed in their twenty-five until Killiamson gathered the ball in in good style and returned it to the other end. Page put in a good run, but a forward pass stopped the blacks. Walker gained ground for them with a good line kick and Old Boys were away again after tho line-out. Burlace stopped the blacks’ rush and a free kick let Woodville out of a tight corner. The blue - and blacks gained ground with the ball at their feet and came up to Old Boys’ twenty-five. A scramble ensued near the latter’s line, but Pacey took a mark and found the line near the twenty-five. Old Bioys broke away but Gillespie stopped the rush with a mark. Pago sent the blacks away following a line-out and Goodwin had to find . the lino to save Woodville from difficulty. Hutchinson put in a determined rush for the blue and blacks and Goodwin secured and passed to Redwood. A dribbling rush followed and Hayes went up to score. Goodwin’s kick failed. Woodville 3, Old Boys 3.

Woodville kept at the attack, with McKenzie putting in useful work, but it was short lived. A field kick enabled Old Boys to deeply invade Woodville’s twenty-five and a scrum ensued on the latter’s line. A free kick enabled them to clear. Coming upfield in a rush, Woodville put Old Boys on the defensive and Williamson was caught in possession near tiie blacks’ goal-line. A scrum followed, but the ball was kicked behind tho line and Pacey forced down. Half-time was then called. SECOND SPELL. Woodville opened the second spell with a solid rush,' Burlace sending tho blue and blacks away with a beautiful field kick. McKenzie followed up and play went to Old Boys’ line, where a ponaltv enabled them to clear. A dribbling rush saifr Woodville again gain ground, but Akuira, from a free kick, returned tho ball to midfield. Old Boys adopted a dribbling gamo and Woodville were pressed. Akuira had a shot at goal, but tho ball went low. Pacey marked a few seconds later, and had a shot at goal, but it was a failure. The Woodvillo backs then got away in good style, but tho movement broke down on Old Boys’ line. The blacks cleared and a long range kick sent the play to the opposite end of the field. A scrum was ordered and tho black backs secured the ball which travelled along the backs, but Walker missed his pass and Woodvillo kicked out. Good following up let tho blue blacks away with a rush and Page had to kick out. Woodville maintained the pressure after tho lino-out, but offside play enabled Page to find the line on tho blacks’ twenty-five. Hard play followed with little advantage to cither side until the blacks began to open up tho play. They could gain little advantage, however, and Hutchinson sent Woodville away. Williamson was successful in gathering in a dribbled ball and found the line. Woodville secured from the lineout and Williamson again stopped tho rush by kicking out. The blue and black forwards got away again but offside play enabled Akuira to clear. Curry secured and punted downfield, but he kicked too hard and Pago forced down. Not to be denied, Woodville resumed tho attack and Old Boys carried tho ball behind the line. Hard tackling followed the scrum until Walker raced upfield, being grassed by Redwood on Woodville’s twenty-five. Both sides set up short dribbling rushes, but neither had any advantage until Woodville found the line in Old Boys’ territory. From tho lino-out the bluo and blacks secured the ball and a struggle ensued on the blacks’ line. Woodville were over eager and offside play let Old Boys clear. Play' came to midfield for a few minutes, but Woodvillo were away again. Fletcher picked up and kicked out to save from a determined bluo and black forward action, and Akuira stopped another shortly after. Play was now fast and furious. Old Boys punted upfield. Burlace tried to stop the rush with a “speculator” but failed. The ball, however, was kicked out. Woodvillo came back to tho attack and hemmed Old Boys in thoir twentyfive. From a scrum Woodvillo hooked the ball, which went out to Redwood. Tho latter put in a run but was called back through a prior infringement. From a further scrum Woodville again secured. Hayes picked up and punted over tho line, but the ball went past the dead ball area. Time was then called. Mr Gordon controlled the game.

FEILDING OLD BOYS WIN. ONE' POINT MARGIN. By tho narrow margin of ono point Feilding Old Boys defeated Athletic at Johnston Park to-day and so maintained their lead on the championship ladder. The first spell provided scrappy play and the gamo really did not becomo interesting until Athletic took tho lead. This had tho effect of a spur on tho colts, tho forwards from then on playing a hard and fast gamo which resulted in the final 6Coro in favour of the Feilding team. Tho following were the teams: — Athletic.—Foarnley, Sheerin, Ormond, Evans, McKonzio, Robb, Field, Cope, Burgess, Playwright, Beard, Hutchins, Cloveley, Annear, Baker. Old Boys.—Heard, Wells,_ Campbell, Waugh, Tait, Younger, Waldin, Cochrane, Pawson, Dewo, N. Bramwell, Shrimpton, Eade, S. Bramwell. About ten minutes past tho time to start Dewo set tho leather in motion for the greens. Athletic mulled tho clearance and tight forward play in tho visitors’ area followed, Fearnley finally lining out with a well judged kick from behind a scrum. Athletic came away on a raid which penetrated tho greens’ outer defences, but S. Bramwell was safo and Athletic wero sent back. The succeeding play centred in midfield, tho greasy ball telling against the greens’ attempts to open up the game. Athletic wore aggressive and kept the active greens in check, but wore obliged to gradually fall back before Waldin and his scrummagers. Tho first scoro was tho result of a fine solo effort by Cochrane who dummied round a line-out to boot tho leather past Fearnley and in tho race beat him to tho force. S. Bramwoll failed with the kick. . Old Boys 3, Athletic 0.

Athletic set out to wipe off the deficiency, a forward rush carrying them to just short of the greens’ twenty-five from where Beard piloted tho leather over tho bar from a penalty. Old Boys 3, Athletic 3.

Play for tho next few minutes was confined to tho forwards, neither pack making much headway until Waldin, Younger and Wells broke through with tho whole pack in support. The Athletic rearguard mado strong attempts to stem tho tide, a hot tusslo on tho ling taking place. Two or three scrum! were ordered, but the visitors were not able to clear and offside tactics cost them a penalty from which S. Bramwoll raised tho flags. Old Boys 6, Athletic 3.

In the following play the green rearguard got going, tho oval going along the line several times on a journey downfield, W. Bramwell with Shrimpton in support finally streaking for the line. Cramped on to the side lino Bramwell punted and in tho face of a strong rush Fearnley mado a great save. Athletic combined in an excursion into tho greens’ territory, but S. Bramwcll’s defence was sound and again tho invaders wero sent back, not before, however, Beard had narrowly missed raising tho score with good kicks from penalties. McKay charged downfield in tho wake of a kick from tho ruck and catching Evans in possession launched a drive which looked dangerous for Athletic but Fearnley again kept his charge intact with a well placed liner. Cochrane broke through tho resultant meleo to ovado his tacklers and zig-zag his way to tho open and make for tho lino with Wells in support. Going down to Fearnley he handed on to Wells for that player to lose the leather just as ho fell over tho line. Athletic saved and tho half-time whistle sounded shortly after with tho scores unaltered. THE SECOND SPELL.

Tho greens mado the game open on resuming, the forwards throwing tho leather about among themselves with abandon. Fearnley, as the visitors’ last line of defence, was their outstanding back, his sure fielding and kicking saving his side time and time again. Athletic had a let off when N. Bramwell charged down a clearing kick near the line from Sheerin, the rebound carrying the leather into touch-in-goal. From the kick-in the Athletic pack used their weight to advantage and, despite the efforts of tho green pack, the attack was carried down to the greens’ area. Bramwell gathered in the rolling leather smartly, but his kick to the line was stopped by Baker who went on to score a well deserved try. Beard found the posts and Athletic took the lead: — Athletic 8, Old Boys 6.

Old Boys now put on tho pace and with tho scrummagers working like Tnojans they penned tho visitors on their last line, but no score resulted. Play remained hard until Waldin handed on tho ball to Wells who dived over for tho colts to again take the lead amidst tremendous excitement from tho gtand. Waldin made a great effort, me ball hitting tho upright. Old Boys 9, Athletic 8.

Fearnley unfortunately sustained a kick on tho head and had to bo carried off a few moments before the final whistle which

found tho colts with a narrow victory of one point. Mr S. Hewitt controlled tho game.

CURTAIN-RAISER AT SHOWGROUND.

A DRAWN GAME,

The two unbeaten third grade teams, Bunnythorpo and Old Boys, presented the curtain-raiser at tho Showgrounds. Tho gamo was entered upon in auspicious manner by Old Boys, for, after Berquist had failed to turn a penalty shot at goal to account by the narrowest of margins, Spring followed up hard on his kick to recover possession and go over for a simple try. Berquist failed to turn it to profit. — Oid Boys 3—o. Bunnythorpe, employing their forwards, wore taking a full share of the game, but the next try camo to their opponents when Spring misdirected a drop at goal from the field. However,

Puklowski followed up fast and a fumble by the maroon left winger enabled him to go over in good position. Again Borquist failed. —Old Boys 6—o. A few minutes before the interval, playing the man right in front of his own goal posts cost the black rover a penalty and Sutherland made n,o mistake. —Bunnythorpe 3—6.

The ball had become very greasy and heavy, and handling became increasingly difficult, but play went from end to end in solid forward rushes, Bunnythorpe going close on moro than one occasion, to equalising tho score, Duthie falling inches short following an effective cut in. Berquist was hurt in the tackle, but he refused to go off. Old Boys hammered away at the maroons’ line in turn and Bunnythorpe had to submit to repeated force-downs. Right on call of time Sutherland was decidedly unfortunate in not being granted a score for Bunnythorpe, but in a succeeding melee a black was penalised and Sutherland made no. mistake in equalising the scoring—a somewhat lucky outcome. Bunnythorpe 6, Old Boys 6. Mr P. O. Skoglund refereed. OROUA SUB-UNION. Senior. —Kimbolton 8 v. Rangnvahia 3; Apiti 11 v. Waituna 3. Juniors: Apiti 11 v. AVaituna 3; Ilangiwahia 39 v. Kimbolton 3. HOROAVHENUA UNION. Seniors: Shannon 6 v. Wanderers 0. (played at Levin); Hui Mai 3 v. Foxton 0 (played at Foxton). Juniors: Shannon 16 v. Fox4on 5 (played at Shannon) ; Hui Mai 17 v. Otaki 8. Third grade: Tokomaru 11 v. Foxton 3 (played at Foxton) 3; AVeraroa 32 v. Shannon 0. BUSH UNION. Pahiatua. —Athletic 14 v. Eketahuna 0. RESULTS UnToTHER CENTRES. Dannevirke. —Hunter Shield: Rangers 3 v. Excelsior 1 0; United 6 v. Tipapakuku 3; Aotea 3 v. Pirates 0. Timaru.—Celtic 16 v. Zingari 6; Star 12 v. Old Boys 6; Waihi 14 v. Temuka 11. Wanganui.—Marist 9 v. Pirates 5; Old Kaiorau 9 v. Old Boys 3; County 9 v. Ratana 0. North Taranaki. —Stratford 22 v. Okato 4; Star 9 v. Clifton 3; Tukapa 6 v. Inglewood 6; Old Boys 10 v. Celtic 12. Invercargill.—Star 8 v. Pirates (No. 2) 6; Invercargill 34 v. Southern 3; Pirates (No. 1) 14 v. Waikjwi 4. Christchurch. —Merivalo 11 v. Christchurch 10; Old Boys 24 v. Sydenham 6; 1

Linwood II v. Technical 8; ’Varsity 20 v. West Christchurch 13. s South Taranaki. —Hawera 9 v. Eltham 3; Okaiawa 10 v. Kaponga 9; Patea 16 v. Waimato 11; Opunako 15 v. Athletic 11. West Coast. —Blaketown 14 v. United 6; Excelsior 22 v. Stars 9; Kiwi 13 v. Magpie 6. Auckland.—Training College 6 v. Marists 6; ’Varsity 9 v. Manukau 6; Pon6onby 32 v. Grafton 13; City 6 v. College Rifles 6; Grammar Old Boys 16 v. Technical Old Boys 13. Wellington.—Senior A: Oriental 9 v. Eastbourno 3; Poneko 11 v. Wellington 7; Berhamporo 8 v. Athletic 17; University 13 v. Petono 6; Old Boys 14 v. Marist 0; Senior B: Oriental 8 v. Wellington 8; Hutt 11 v. Upper Hutt 3; Porirua 6 v. Old Boys 5; Johnsonvillc 18 v. Training Cologo 3. Hawke’s Bay.—Pirates 3 V. High School Old Boys 3; Celtic 9 v. Marist 3; Hastings 25 v. Technical Old Boys 3; Maori Agricultural College 16 v. Hastings High School Old Bioys 6. Wairarapa.—Greytown 47 v. Red Star 8; Gladstone 22 v. Masotrton 9; Carterton 17 v. Feat hers ton 6. TE KAWAU SUB-UNION. (From Our Own Correspondent.) RONGOTEA, May 25. The Te Kawau Sub-Union competitions were continued last Saturday when Awahuri journeyed to Rongotea and Oroua Downs mot Hui Mai. In a close fought game Rongotea accounted for Awahuri by 8-6, while Oroua Downs overwhelmed Hui Mai by 23-3. The points for the championship now stand: —Oroua Downs 7, Rongotea 6, Awahuri 5, Hui Mai 0. Oroua Downs and Rongotea have yet to play off a game which was postponed a fortnight ago. Saturday’s game at Rongotea showed what a vastly different team Awahuri are this year, compared with previous seasons. The new recruits gathered from the road gang at work near Awahuri have made all the difference and the forwards are now a powerful set. In the line-outs in the first spell, the Awahuri forwards had the better of their oppents, but in the second spell the blacks began to assert themselves and had more than their share of success in the line-outs. In the scrums the blacks generally managed to hook the ball, although the weight of H. Peterson, who did rfijt play, was sadly missed. Fuller and Goldfinch found the greasy ball hard to handle and D. Scott, who was missing was replaced by a junior player, another of the Gust family, who acquitted himself very creditably. H. Howell also had to fill a position as a back so that the blacks had to rely chiefly on their forwards. In tho first half play was very even, the odds being slightly in favour of Awahuri whose forwards proved hard to halt. Half-time found the visitors leading by 6 points to nil. These points were scored per medium of a penalty goal and an unconverted try by the reds. In the second half tho Rongotea forwards began to dominate play and were unlucky not to score on several occasions. Tho ball, proving difficult to handle, the inside backs of the blacks began tio adopt the high kick and follow up principle. From a crosskick by Goldfinch the same player followed up fast to score a good try. Amadio converted and Rongotea were one point behind. The reds now began to put plenty of hard work into their play and tho blacks had some anxious moments, but the defence held and by loose dribbling rushes played was carried upficld and H. Howell got over in the corner. Tho range proved too great for the blacks’ kicker. The blacks began to attack again, the ball going to the wing several times but good movements were broken up by Graham whose tackling was deadly. The game ended soon after in Rongotea’s favour, the score being 8-6. Mr T. Goodwin was an efficient referee. DETAILED RESULTS. Senior.—Rongotea 8 v. Awahuri 6; Oroua Downs 23 v. Hui Mai 3. Thirds: Hui Mai B 9 v. Hui Mai A 3. CUP WON. COOPERAGE BEATS RAILWAY. Considerable interest was evidenced at tho week-end in a Rugby match botweon the representatives of the Railway Department and Cook’s Cooperage, the former having been tho holders of a trophy which was regularly competed for last season. Tho battlo was waged on tho Park Road ground and, although tho holdors endeavoured to make tho gamo a forward one, the dangerous rearguard of the challengers, which includes several prospective Manawatu and Horowhenua representatives, operated at intervals and Robb, Stovonson, Taylor and Walker were seen to advantage. Tho score at tho interval was 6 —o in favour of tho mill employees, but in tho second half they extended their advantage to 17—3, and thus became possessors of tho trophy which they had so keenly sought. UNIVERSITIES’ MATCH. AUSTRALIANS BEATEN. BY OTAGO TEAM. Per Press Association. DUNEDIN, May 25. The match between the Australian and Otago Universities was played on the Carisbrook gnound this afternoon in dull but fine weather, with an almost entire absence of wind. The turf was in excellent condition, and the attendance was 10,000. Otago kicked off and immediately the Australian backs got going, but the movement broke down when the ball went to Dungar ion the wing. Otago took tho ball to their opponents’ twenty-five where the Australian backs again secured from a line-out, but Otago intercepted. Tho Australians carried the ball to Otago’s twentyfive where fhey were penalised and Stevenson found the lino at half-way. The Australians were getting most of the ball from tho scrums and line-outs, but the Otago men were getting in among their backs and spoiling their gamo. At length Otago got away, but a mark ten yards from the Australians’ lino returned play to their twenty-five. Otago were having the better of the game territorially. The Australians were penalised on their twentyfive lino in a good position, but Stevenson’s kick was wide. Dezarmaulds injured his leg and was replaced by Cunningham. The Australians wore again penalised in a handy position and Henley had an unsuccessful 6hot which McMullen, the fullback, returned with an excellent line kick. OTAGO BACKS IN ACTION.

D. Kennedy made a great run on the line to near the Otago line, but Stevenson interrupted it. The ball went out past half-way. A great passing movement among the Otago backs saw Smith grassed when on his own. However, McCurdy sot Otago gioing again and the ball went to Douglas who lost it on the Australian lino, but in tho ensuing scramble Smith came up and scored. Stevenson’s kick failed. Otago 3, Australia 0. Shortly afterwards, McMullen, who earlier had injured his leg, retired. Ahrens went to full-back, Nield coming on in the forwards Otago kept up the pressure and play continued in the Australian half. Otago were now securing possession of tiio ball more frequently and the backs, working with great combination, kept Australia constantly defending. Twenty minutes from half-time Loder dashed away with a jinky run. He passed several opponents, but was tackled near tho line. From the ensuing scramble Douglas scored. Stevenson’s kick was wide. Otagb 6, Australia 0. Greet work by Loder, McClymont and Webb was stopped by a timely mark by Ahrens near the line. Lamport and Nicholas put Australia on the attack, but a certain try was spoiled by a knock-on. The Australians kept up the attack, but Stevenson was very sound and hauled down Kennedy in fino style. Webb cleared when the Australians were nearly over from a lineout. Inside the . Australian half the ball went out to Webb whoso great pace enabled him to beat all the oppiosition and score at the corner. .Stevenson failed to convert and the spell ended 9.-0 in favour of Otago after a fast • and exciting game in which Otago . were easily superior. THE SECOND SPELL. Otago resumed the attack at the opening of the second spell and Smith was thrown' out at the corner. Exciting play ensued in front of the Australian goal, but Otago were penalised. The ball was

returned to half-way. Smith was playing a wonderful game and Otago came again. A passing movement saw Webb thrown out at the corner. From the line-out Christie battled over and scored. Stevenson converted. Otago 14, Australia 0. The Otago forwards were playing with great vim and outshone their opponents. A penalty against Otago put the visitors on the attack, and, from a second penalty, Ahrens kicked a good goal. Otago 14, Australia 3. Immediately Otago came again. Douglas and Jolly initiated the movement which ended in Webb scoring a great corner try. Stevenson failed to convert. Otago 17, Australia 3. Tho game became very exciting, the home backs getting in some excellent work. Christie, who was playing a magnificent game, retired, Aitken coming on. The Australian backs wero playing a fine game but were not receving the support from their forwards. On tho other hand both divisions of the Otago team wero playing with great dash. Halfway through tho spell Stevenson kicked a splendid penalty goal from the twentyfive line. Otago 20, Australia 3. Within three minutes Smith made a rush to the line and McCurdy scored from a scramble. Stevenson failed to convert. Otago 23, Australia 3. Australia attacked again and Ahrens had a penalty shot but failed. However, a magnificent solo move by Lamport gave Australia a try which Ahrens converted. ‘ Otago 23, Australia 8. Both teams were tiring, but tho interest was fully maintained. Both sets of backs were getting going whenever the opportunity offered. Smith who was hurt was replaced by Bibby and Otago kept hammering away till Webb scored from a good movement. Stevenson’s kick was successful and the game ended: Otago 28, Australia 8.

Points. Ch. P. W. D. T/. For. Ag. Pts Feilding O.B. 5 3 1 1 72 64 7 Old Boys ... 5 2 1 2 79 62 5 Kia Toa ... 5 2 1 2 65 46 5 Feilding ... 5 2 1 2 64 55 5 Athletic ... 5 2 0 3 41 79 4 Woodville ... 5 1 2 2 33 48 4 30 12 6 12 354 354 30 JUNIORS. Points. Ch. P. W. D. L. For. Ag. Pts Old Boys ... 5 5 0 0 78 12 10 High • School 5 4 1 0 64 20 9 Kia Toa A ... 5 4 0 1 71 16 8 Kia Toa B. ... 5 3 0 2 47 24 6 West End ... 5 2 1 2 25 35 5' Feilding ... 5 2 0 3 24 64 4 Feilding O.B. 5 1 1 3 6 74 3 United Val. . 5 1 0 4 12 46 2 Massey Col. A 4 0 1 3 9 29 1 Massey Col. B 4 0 0 4 0 16 0 48 22 4 22 336 336 48