ATHLETIC AND 'VARSITY.

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

ATHLETIC AND 'VARSITY.

With Athletic and University engaged in the deciding match of the senior championship competition, local followers ot the game had every reason to expect a keen and interesting tussle. Proof o£ their ability to make play fast and open had been given by these two teams during the progress of the competition, and the •weather being of the right order for such an occasion, there was a great rally ot enthusiasts at Athletic Park. It was reminiscent of the best of the big .-PonekePetone clashes of the past. Both sides were in good trim for the encounter, though each was without a prominent member—Porter (Athletic) and South (University) being the notable absentees. These two players were still nursing injuries. The teams entered the arena to the accompaniment of hearty cheering from a crowd estimated at 12,000. The game started, and this show of enthusiasm became greater. With incident in plenty as the game progressed at a fast pace, excitement ran high, and there was no letting up until the issue was definitely settled by a final try to Athletic near the end of the contest. A lead of 11 points at halftime promised well for Athletic, but University opened the second spell in sparkling style, and this improved their outlook. The lead was reduced by six points, and so the issue remained open until the final stages. From start to finish the tussle was .keen, each side playing with great determination. There was no very decided advantage either way, except that the University efforts at goal-kicking were •well below standard. Several excellent chances to goal went begging, but not so on Athletics side, Svenson landing two penalty goals and converting a try. These eight points from Svenson's boot represented the margin of difference between the final scores. But on the day Athletic deserved their win. In the matter of finish they appeared to be better off than 'Varsity, and they were ever ready to make good use of opportunities. Still, 'Varsity made a very bold though unsuccessful bid. With a light southerly in their favour, Athletic were soon under way. 'Varsity, however, quickly responded. Forwards and backs on both sides entered into a dingdong clash. The students made most headway; in the early stages, though play ■was mainly in the neutral zone. When at length Athletic in a strong advance pressed near the 'Varsity line a penalty ■was obtained, and Svenson was able, to register the first score with a fine placekick. Soon afterwards he landed another penalty goal from out near half-way. 6-0. Infringements by Athletic had just previously presented three good opportunities to 'Varsity, but O'Regan's kicks all fell short. In subsequent play the 'Varsity backs endeavoured to top off the good work of the forwards, but Athletic resisted strongly, and made vigorous retaliation. Play was lively all the time, and it was well varied. Athletics position was further improved by means of a loose forward rush, which Edgar finished off' with a try. Svenson converted. 11-0. In the second spell 'Varsity set out in great style, and, throwing the ball about delightfully, they met success, pretty back play resulting in a try (unconverted) by Macl.ay. ] 1-3. Even, exciting play, with the pace still solid, was the order for quite a time, until another attractive movement by the 'Varsity backs beat the Athletic defence, Foden scoring at the corner. Again there was no conversion. 11-6. Proceedings were now exceedingly interesting. Athletic steadied up and claimd a bigger share of the attack, but 'Varsity did not let up. As the call of time drew nearer the students made strenuous efforts, only to find the defence quite sound. Then Athletic broke away in another stinging rush, and from a serum near the line Warwick worked the blind side, where Itonberg dived over to score. The try was not converted. That settled the matter. The game ended shortly afterwards, with Athletic winners by a margin of eight points. Athletic 14 University 6 .' Mr. H. S. Leith was the referee.