Don Thomas kicks winning penalty to give Pirates win over Bluff in rugby ...1959..

Pictured is Don Thomas for Pirates playing against Old Boys. Clark Neil, centre for Old Boys passes the ball to R. Johnson (left winger). Defenders are Ted Mortimer, (left) and Don Thomas behind Neil.

 Galbraith shield winners, Bluff, were beaten by Pirates in 1959  11-8 to become the first holders of the Southland Rugby Union's President's Cup.  The score was 8-8 at half time and it was Don Thomas at full-back that kicked the winning goal.

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It was battle from the first whistle with Bluff actually leading most of the game.
Bluff's Ron Rouse had four attempts at a penalty within a few minutes, but the strong wind made it difficult.
Tempers were frayed and late in the second half the crowd were given a display of boxing by opposites, Bluff's C. Phillips and Pirate's J. Cowan.
Barry Dawson scored Pirate's sole try with E. Bremer and G. Tane scoring a try each for Bluff.
Don Thomas 3 (3PG) (1Con)

Old Boys v Marist
Other games that were played that same day:
Old Boys were too good for a weakened Marist side, winning 27-8.  
The score could have been greater as Old Boys ball handling was very average.
Old Boys:  N. Cuff, C. Neil (2), R. Harrington,(1) (1Con) M. Pope (1) (1Con).
Marist:  P. O'Neill (1) (1Con).

Star v Collegiate
Star led Collegiate at 11-3 at half time but could not hold off a determined late bid which earned Collegiate a deserved win.
The final score was Collegiate 22 - Star 14.
Collegiate: R. Todd, N. Wilson, R. O'Callaghan, J. Crombie (1), M. McEwan (2PG) (2 Con).
Star: L. Bell (2), W. Kini (1PG), E. Sinclair (1PG) D. Frampton (1 Con)

Reference:  Pirates beat Bluff 11-8 in cup game. The Southland Times. 1959