FOOTBALL.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12754, 29 March 1910, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

THE OLD BOYS' TOURNAMENT. FINAL FOR THE DEVENISH SHIELD. WON BY NELSON COLLEGE OLD. BOYS. _. The final football match for the Devenish Shield was played j*esterday afternoon between Nelson College Old Boys and Christchurch High School Old Boys in perfect weather. Tlie Christchurch Old Boys were the holders of tho shield, and as expected, the exhibition of football was good. The game was very even, no score being made in the first spell, but in the second half Nelson were attacking during almost the whole of the time, and put up 11 points to their opponent's nil. The Nelson team was altered slightly to enable Toswill to play, McMahon standing down. The alteration was very noticeable, Toswill making a big difference* in the backs. Nelson forwards played well, and the backs wero much improved. The Christchurch forwards were not nearly as heavy as Nelson, but the backs w*ere overy bit as good, and it was mainly due to them that no score was registered in the first spell. Nelson kicked off with the sun in their ej'es, and right from tho outset the pace was hot. Fast play up and down* the field mado Christchurch look dangerous, but Sandel saved. From a line out Christ-, church backs were nearly in. A scrum followed and the ball was hooked to Ross, and passed through the fronds of Toswill, Edmondsbrt, and Sandel,, and on to Newton, who was grassed when near the line. .'Shortly after, from a line out, Christchurch forwards got through, but a knock-on spoilt it. Fast Dack play followed . until Ross marked . smartly. Vercoe took tho kick, but failed. Christchurch cleared tlieir line, and the backs getting possession gave a pretty exhibition^ the five-eighth being pulled down near the line with the ball, where if he had i passed there lookedTa certain try. The attack was continued, but tho Nelson defence was too solid. A good rush by Nelson forwards' carried play right over .the Christchurch. line, a force down resulting. Half time sounded with Nelson attacking, and no score on either side. ". From the kick off Nelson j forwards played with more dash and soon had Christchurch in difficulties. Richmond received and nassed to Toswill, who beat several men, and a pass to Newton in the nick of- time saw the latter score. The attempt at goal failed: Nelson 3, Christchurch 0. Nelson returned to the attack, Baigent going right through but lost possession; then Pettit dribbled through but Sturrock saved smartly. Shortly after Pettit got over from a passing rush, but a scrum out was given. Cluistchurch were now sorely troubled, and from a scrum Edmondson received and Toswill, Sandel and Newton handled the ball, the latter passing to Vercoe, who rushed over and scored -a good - try. He took the kick but failed : Nelson 6, Christchurch 0. Ross got through next and passed to Waters, who was grassed from behind , The Nelson forwards* continued to bustle tlieir opponents, and the Christchurch backs gave a good exhibition of defensive work. From a good forward rush near the Christchurch line Batchelor picked up .and scored. Akers kicked a good goal: Nelson 11, Christchurch 0. Nelson continued to attack till .Christchurch got away, and when timo sounded Christchurch were trying to get over tho line, Mr Broad refereed. - •■' - . By their win yesterday Nelson have wen the Devenish Shield and hold it for a year.