OTAGO‘S DECISIVE WIN

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 673, 27 May 1929, Page 6

OTAGO‘S DECISIVE WIN

INTER-VARSITY RUGBY AUSTRALIANS OUTPLAYED Press Association DUNEDIN, Saturday. In dull weather, before 10,000 spectators, Otago University defeated ,the Australian University Rugby fifteen by 28 points to 8. The visitors set their backs going from all positions, but overdid the knock-back from the lineout, and much of their passing in the opening stages went straight across the field. The scrums, in consequence of the different formations, were mostly indecisive, and on very few occasions was the ball hooked cleanly. The Australians were penalised freely for offside work in the scrums, and their showing was disappointing. The first try came to Otago, Smith scoring at the end of a dazzling crosspassing bout started by Christie. The blues held the mastery for the first half-hour, and at the end of that period they added another three points, Douglas scoring from a loose scramble. Just before half-time Lamport lost a certain try by knocking on when he had a clear run in. Webb put his side nine points ahead with a brilliant run down the line from near halfway, beating threee men. The blues started well in the second spell, and in the first 10 minutes they hammered at the line, Christie eventually slipping over from a loose rush near the posts. Stevenson converted. Smith, the bTues’ left wing, was playing a fine game, and made several spectacular runs. From a penalty kick well out, Ahrens kicked a fine goal for the visitors, but immediately afterwards Webb finished off a blue rush by scoring wide out. Otago, 17; Australia, 3. The blues were making all the play now, and some of the visitors were tiring. The Australians were penalised near the line, and Stevenson made the scores: Otago, 20; Australia, 3. Within a minute, McCurdy scored another try for the blues. Otago, 23; Australia, 3. Lamport finished off a nice piece of dribbling by scoring for Australia near the posts, and Ahrens converted. Otago, 23: Australia, 8. Just before the final bell Webb added another try for Otago, and Stevenson converted, making the final scores: Otago, 28; Australia, 8.