ASHBURTON DEFEATED BY OTAGO VARSITY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17864, 4 June 1926, Page 6

ASHBURTON DEFEATED BY OTAGO VARSITY.

(Special to the “Star.”) ASHBURTON, June 3. In a fast, open game played at the Ashburton Show Grounds to-day between Otago University and an Ashburton County representative team, the ’Varsity fifteen won by 22 points to 16. There was an attendance of about 2000 spectators. Th~ weather was ideal. The Ashburton team was the heavier, but the visitors outclassed their opponents with back play in the first half, when they scored all their points. ’Varsity kicked off against the sun, and a line-out in midfield followed. N. ItobilHard got in a good kick, and Ashburton held play in the visitors’ territory. The visitors’ forwards returned the leather until Scott led a dribblingrush. The ’Varsity backs handled the ball, and Byers made down the line, but he was grassed by N. Robilliard. ’Varsity were dangerous, but J. Robilliard cleared. ’Varsity came again, but J. Robilliard intercepted and carried the leather close to the ’Varsity line, when he was well tackled. A series of pretty passing movements among the visiting vanguard culminated in M’Callum racing down the touch-line and scoring near the corner. Uindsay failed to convert. ’Varsity 3. Ashburton 0. The visiting backs were in action again almost immediately, and Byers centring nicely, allowed Henderson to get up in time to beat Barclay for the ball and score under the goal. Lindsay converted. ’Varsity 8, Ashburton 0. ’Varsity’s backs came ; again, Braithwaite letting the ball out to Byers, who put on the pace and got round to score under the goal. Lindsay converted. ’Varsity 13, Ashburton 0. At the change over N. Robilliard was responsible for some good defensive work. ’Varsity continued to attack when a halt was called, and Barclay pas carried off injured. G. Day went

sity threw the ball about in fine style, but they were up against consistent tackling. From a penalty Lindsay made an unsuccessful attempt to drop-kick a goal. Ashburton’s backs set up a determined attack; but Braithwaite secured, and cutting in nicely, transferred to Hanan, who put in a good run and scored near the corner. Lindsay’s kick at goal rebounded from the bar. 'Varsity 16, Ashburton 0. The visitors attacked again, and from a penalty kick Lindsay goaled from a difficult angle. ’Varsity “19, Ashburton 0. A scrum in midfield saw ’Varsity get the ball, and their backs combined in another spectacular movement which concluded with Hanan beating several opponents and scoring close to the corner. Lindsay’s kick failed. ’Varsity 22, Ashburton 0. The Ashburton forwards were attacking dangerously when half-time sounded. When play was resumed, Ashburton attacked. With their backs handling the* ball well, they maintained the offensive, but were checked by good tackling. and dashed across to score Ashburton's first try. Stephens converted with a beautiful kick. ’Varsity 22, Ashburton 5. J. Robilliard took a high ball, and putting in a good run, let the leather out to N. Robilliard, who escaped from a tackle and scored in the corner. Stephens converted from a difficult angle. ’Varsity 22, Ashburton. 10. The local team had livened up considerably and were attacking strongly, when the 'Varsity wing-forward was penalised for offside play. Stephens again made no mistake with liis kick. ’Vhrsity 22, Ashburton 13. E. Clark got in a clever kick and Dalton, following up smartly, was unlucky in being forced over the deadball line at the corner. N. Robilliard improved Ashburton’s position with a fine line kick, and in the following loose play J. M’Cormick got across, but there were two hands on the ball. The Ashburton backs came again, and after tight play the home team was awarded another penalty, Stephens kicking a fine goal. ’Varsity 22, Ashburton 16. Ashburton kept up the attack, but from another penalty Stephens failed to goal. Play had returned to Ashburton’s twen-ty-five when time was sounded. Mr H. J. Chapman was referee. Linwood juniors met. an Ashburton County Junior team, the game being played as a curtain-raiser to the Senior representative match. After a rather ragged display, in which the forwards of both sides did most of the work, Ashburton proved victorious. Mr L. Revelley was referee.