CHAMPIONSHIP OVER

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 58, 6 September 1926, Page 14

CHAMPIONSHIP OVER

HONOURS TO ATHLETIC

I 'VAKSITY IN THE ROLE OF I ' RUNNERS-UP.

Results of Games.

'Athletic W University .... 6 Marist 11 Petone 8 Poneke 6 Oriental 6 Wellington ... 20 Selwyn 14 Hutt 6 Berhampore .. 0 Old Boys, a byInterest in local club Rugby reached its highest point on Saturday afternoon when the final series of games in the senior championship competitions were played under excellent footballing conditions, The game of importance was that between University and Athletic, and to witness it come twelve thousand spectators assembled at Athletic Park—clear evidence that interest in Rugby in Wellington is not waning. For the occasion an increase in the price of admission was made, and the excellent response will mean a good lift to the fund for the new grandstand at Athletic Park. Athletic and University ■were well prepared for the occasion, and, though a prominent player from each side ■was missing, their performance was in keeping with their position on the championship ladder. The game was full of life from start to finish, with any ■mount of fast, open play and plenty of keen encounters between the two hardworking packs. A hot pace under a strong sun made the test' a severe one, but the will to win was always there, and there Was no letting up. Apart from fumbling 'and weak passing at tunes, .the game offered good measure of the brighter side of Rugby. Tho ono disappointing feature was tho failure o£ University at goal-kick-inc As each side registered two tries, it may be claimed that Athletic won on •coal-kicking—the final score was 14-6 m Athletics favour. Athletic, however, deserved their victory, as they generally made better use of the opportunities that came their way. The result gave them the championship with a clear lead ot 4 points. Had University won on Saturday, there would have been a play-oft next Saturday. From the manner in wlucli they played through a solid season ot club football, Athletic are justly entitled to the honour achieved. University are also to be complimented upon a splendid performance which places them in their best position on record. . , Trt other senior games on Saturday afternoon there were surprises though the interest was nothing out of the way. nun, by a win over Berhampore, managed to leave the f'wooden spoon" once again m Selwyn's possession. Selwyn, however, can claim two victories over Hutt. Oriental were only able to manage a draw with Poneke, but Marist succeeded in defeating Petone. Between Wellington and belwyn there was a good game, with plenty, ot scoring. The results make the final points for the championship, as-follow:—imal- __..: Athletic 26, University 22, Oriental 20, Marist 16, Petone 16 *<»*<» W *V Others: Berhampore 14, Old Boys 12, Wellington 9, Hutt 8, Selwyn 6.