RUGBY FOOTBALL.

SHIELD GOES SOUTH.

WON BY CANTERBURY. SEVENTEEN TO SIX. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) PALMERSTON NORTH, Wednesday. In the Ranfurly Shield match to-day, Canterbury, defeated Manawhenua, the holders of the trophy, by 17 points to 6, before a crowd estimated at 8000. and for the first time in its history the shield goes to Canterbury. The ground was in good condition, considering the recent rain, and the weather was ideal for Rugby. The forwards were fairly evenly matched, but the Manawhenua backs were outclassed throughout, and the scores about represented the merits of the teams. Manawhenua showed improvement in the second spell, but lost many opportunities through wild passing by the five-eighths, who were continually fed by Parata, the halfback. Dalley (Canterbury) took a mark In a good position, and kicked a good goal In the first few minutes of the game. Following play which was mainly in Manawhenua's territory, Dalley tricked the opposition from a scrum near the line and fell over. Lilburne converted, making Canterbury 8. The visitors continued to press, and McGregor, beating his man well, sent out a long pass to Robllliard. who scored. Lilburne failed to convert. A free kick to Manawhenua saw Jacob narrowly miss a goal. A little later Brophy, following up a fine kick, electrified the spectators by racing almost to the line. However, Dalley saved. In the second spell the opposing packs worked strenuously from the outset and the visitors drove Manawhenua back to the line, and only bad handling averted a score. A free kick to Canterbury saw Carlton put his side a further three points in tbe lead. A penalty to Manawhenua followed, and Jacob opened his team's account, 14—3. Amid excitement Manawhenua continued to attack, and Brophy was pushed out it the corner. At this stage Parsons retired owing to a kick on the head, and Payne replaced him. Robllliard and McGregor brought applause from the crowd with a passing bout that was stopped just short of the line. Canterbury continued to attack, and from a scrum Dalley sent the ball out on the blind Bide to Lilburne and Robllliard, the latter crossing at the corner. Manawhenua swept down the field, and Parata, securing the ball from a scrum, crossed the line. Jacob failed to convert, and the game ended: Canterbury 17, Manawhenua 6.