NORTH OTAGO FOOTBALL

Evening Star, Issue 22455, 28 September 1936, Page 6

NORTH OTAGO FOOTBALL

OLD BOYS WIN MQLLISON CUP The Eugby season in North Otago was brought to a successful conclusion on Saturday, when Old Boys defeated Maheno by three points to annexe the Mollison Cup. From a financial viewpoint the season has not been altogether satisfactory, the support accorded by the public being very disappointing, and unless a better state of affairs is experienced next year the local union will be financially embarrassed. But, : notwithstanding this somewhat unhappy feature, the season from a spectators point of view has been a particularly bright one, the standard of play being excellent, and very much higher than that*’witnessed here in previous years. At the present time the various clubs are assisting the union in raising funds to send a team to tour the North Island next year, and from the very gratifying response to date it is certain that the money required will be made available. The club competition again provided interesting and keenly contested games. Many promising players were injured early in the season, so that juniors had to fill the gaps, and as a result the talent revealed was very encouraging. In this connection it is only fair to point out that the Athletic Club had perhaps the hardest “ row to hoe,” but after many setbacks emerged strongly and took second place in the competition for the Citizens’ Shield. This club also celebrated its jubilee this year—a magnificent record for a club situated in town that has seen so many changes in the clubs fostering the Rugby code. Old Boys achieved a distinct triumph this season by annexing the Citizens’ Shield, Mollison ■ Cup, and Clark Shield. The game on Saturday was not a particularly good one, the players being too prone to make mistakes, but the play was open , and interesting, and, if anything, Maheno had slightly the better of the play. From the commencement Old .Boys attacked strongly and had Maheno pressed in its own twenty-five _ for a time. The backs were attempting to open up play at every opportunity, but faulty handling spoiled. Rutherford secured and sent a long pass out to Cameron, who passed to Webb, to score. Easton failed to eonyert. Old Boys 3, Maheno nil. Setting up a strong offensive, Maheno took play to Old Boys’ territory, but a stern defence eventually prevailed and Old Boys cleared to ease the position. From -near halfway Dougherty came away and scored a good try. Johnston converted. Up-and-down play followed until half-time without alteration to the scores. Maheno 5, Old with more determination Old Boys set up a hot attack on resuming and had . matters all their own way for a time, but the country forwards came to light and had the better of things in the concluding stages. Cameron was nearly across on more than one occasion, and Easton saved brilliantly at times. Tempero sent to Rutherford; who made a great run to score. Easton converted Old Boys 8 Maheno 5. Shortly after Wesley got over but was called back for a knock-on. Play ranged up and down, the field until no-side was sounded. Johnston had a chance to equalise the scores with a penalty goal, but just failed, and the game ended with the Old Boys ... 8 Maheno 5 Mr H. Cross was the referee. The curtain-raiser was provided between Old Boys and Maheno for the final of the Ralph Cup, and after a game which was characterised by mucn ragged play. Old Boys emerged victorious to the tune of 3-0.