SOUTHERN ON TOP.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20364, 23 July 1934, Page 11

SOUTHERN ON TOP.

Varsity Again Beaten in Dunedin. (Special to the “ Star.”) DUNEDIN, July 23. A win by Southern of eight points to nil over University A in the main game on Saturday practically assures that side of the championship for 1934. There are two more Saturdays available for club football, and Southern still have to play Zingari and Taieri, but it is not likely, judging by recent form, that either of those sides will defeat Southern. Ilore and Smith, who sail this week with the All Blacks for Australia, will be missing from Southern for the next two games, yet the club has strong players in its reserve list and will still be able to field a good side.

The championship points, after twelve points had been played by each team on Saturday, are: Southern 20, Varsity A 18, Kaikorai 17, Zingari 15, Alhambra 15, Taieri 13, Pirates 10, Union 5, Dunedin 4, and Varsity B 3. Anticipations of a bright, fast game between Southern and Varsity A were ruined by steady rain, which increased in intensity as the afternoon advanced, but, despite the heavy ball and greasy ground, both teams gave a good exhibition, full of incident. In the circumstances the game was largely confined to the forwards, those of Southern, led in dashing style by Hore and M’Donald, proving superior in every department. Concerted passing rushes by the backs were out of the question, and not much was attempted all afternoon, though there were several bright handling movements. Southern adapted themselves far better to the conditions of ground and ball, and territorially enjoyed the advantage for the greater part*of the game. The handling of the Southern backs was surer, Simon (halfback) and Trevathen (first five-eighth) in particular playing very fine games. Two tries made up the eight points of the winners, one try being converted. An excellent exposition of full-back play was given by MacFarland for University, and but for his timely saves on many occasions the Southern score would have been larger. Kaikorai Win. By a potted goal and a try Kaikorai defeated Union in a well-contested game under conditions which prevented the playing of good football. On the run of the play there was little between the teams, and with some luck victory might quite easily have come Union's way. Silver played an outstanding game for the losers as full-back.

On a rain-soaked ground Alhambra defeated Pirates by 3 points to 0. • Taieri have always proved a hard side on their own home ground at Mosgiel, and evidence of this was again demonstrated in the match with Zingari, who went under by 9 points to 5 after leading at half-time. Dunedin and Yarsjty B met at Logan Park, which in a few minutes became a quagmire. Dunedin emerged victors by. 6 to 3.