FOOTBALL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18769, 27 May 1929, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

OTAGO VARSITY WIN FROM AUSTRALIA IN EXCITING MATCH. VISITORS GAVE VERY DISAPPOINTING DISPLAY. P©r Press Association. „ ~ DUNEDIN. May 26. In dull weather, before 10,000 spectators, Otago University defeated the Australian University team by 28 to 8. The visitors set their backs going from all positions, but overdid the knock-back from th© line-out, 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 off-side work in the scrums and their showing was disappointing. The first try came to Otago, Smith scoring at the end of dazzling crosspassing, started by Christie. The Blues held the mastery for the first half hour, and at the end of that period they a4ded 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 half-way, beating three men. The Blues. started well in the second spell, and in the first ten minutes they hammered at the line, Christie eventually slipping over from a loose rush near the posts, Stevenson converting. Smith, the Blues’ 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 Greens were penalised near the line, and Stevenson made the scores Otago 26, Australia 3. Within a minute M’Curdy scored another try for the Blues. Otago 23, Australia 3. Lamport finished off a nice piece of dribbling by scoring near the posts, and Ahrens converted. Otago 23, Australia 8. Just before the final bell, Webb added anther try and Stevenson converted, making the final scores: OTAGO ** AUSTRALIA 8