PAYNE TROPHY

NZ Truth, Issue 1239, 29 August 1929, Page 16

PAYNE TROPHY

Otago Varsity Make

A Late Run

(From "N.Z. Truth's" Christchurch

Rep.)

This year's Payne trophy match between Otago Varsity and Christchurch Old Boys was another instance of the great what-mtght-'have-been.

THE conditions at Lancaster Park ■ were vile, but the teams staged a game that was' packed full of; thrills. Both sides favor the fast, open game.

Had they met on a dry ground and with a dry ball.' it is safe to say the game would have been. a dazzler. With a slight breeze m their favor and winning the ball from every dispute, Old Boys opened up the game like international?. * Burrows, Clark, Harris and Baird were like Plunket nurses to the Old Boys backsV. while "Snowey" Ell performed some great contortions getting the ball away to the backs. ' .'••-.-■

"Curly" Page gave a wonderful wet weather display behind the scrum In the first spell, being a living replica of the incomparable Dalley.

Innes and Hay gave the three-quarter line heaps to do, and both the tries scored , by Mer r itt and Ogier were the consummation of sweeping back movements. Varsity were all at sea m the first spell, but their forwards took a bigger hand m the second session. Hindehach was superb m. breaking through from tight play, with Douglas and Chris-

tie always supporting him. Fookes appealed

-' as a great dryweather back. Monty McClymont applied [himself well to the conditions and used ..the cross kick with a good deal of judgement.

Dick Webb had only a couple of sprints all day, more play going to Bibby's wing. Lancaster Park has never, been kind, to Don Stevenson, but the Varsity skipper, after a very shaky beginning, played better v than he usually does m Christchurch. He should never h_ave let Bill Merritt score Old Boys' first try,, though.

team that is to meet Southland and Otago. Felly Reid and Spence certainly received places m the B team, but it is difficult to see how any of those chosen for the A team should have been preferred to the three Petone men. 'Mark Nicholls was always present when most wanted.. His goal-kicking ,was of high order and generally he played the class of game that inspires those over whom .he has control. • .-...'• Elvy although succeeding m scoring a brilliant try was not so Impressive as he has been In. other matches. On -- Saturday -he again got back, to the . habit of dancing about the man who came at him to tackle. 'Elvy'.s strength is most manifest when he gathers the ball under his arm, shuts his teeth and strides for the line. ,Reid was the outstanding forward amongst a. fine pack. He was on the ball all, the time and this gave 'him the opportunity to register two good tries. Deidrich and Blackeriey were the pick of Varsity forwards. It was on this game, no doubt, that Deidrjch . won his way into the rep. team.^ „ Edgar was /tried out as wing-forward. It cannot be said -he was impressive.. . Mackenzie was the one Varsity back • who mixed it well with the opposition. The Varsity captain Is playing true ■■■■ Rugger." - this .seasony and. .he, ..deserves. . .-:'" his place-: In the.rnaln; rep. ilea hi.,' ■.. •.•'_. ..