THE SHIELD TO STAY.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIII, Issue 216, 9 September 1912, Page 8

THE SHIELD TO STAY.

■ ■ '- • ■ ■ OTAGO'S BIG FIGHT. MATCH ENDS IN A DRAW. FIVE POINTS ALL. AN EXCITING GAME. The final Ranfurly Shield match of the season was played at Epsom on Saturday, when Otago met Auckland. The day was dull, but splendid for football, and though a moderate nor'-easter was blowing it did not interfere to any great extent with the play. The ground was fast ami ill fine order. Owing to the strong counter-attraction, the, attendance was below expectations, and there were, only about 3,000 present. Those who made the trip to Epsom were, however, rewarded with the most exciting game of the season, and when the bell rang each side had five points on the slate. This is the second occasion on which Auckland have retained the trophy through a drawn game, a similar result obtaining in 1!)1(). when Wellington drew with the blue and whites. For Otago, Alexander scored a try, which was converted by Watson, and for Auckland, Mucky notched a try, which Walshe converted. Macky has now the unprecedented record of -coring all the tries in the Ranfurly Shield matches this season. THE PLAY. The teams were as published, with the exception that Hall replaced Barrett in the Auckland forwards. Cunningham won the toss, and Auckland played from the eastern end, having a slight advantage from the nor'eastor blowing. Graham started the ball rolling for Otago, at I!) minutes past three. The kick, a long one, forced Auckland. Eckhold's return of the kick-out was weak, and play moved to centre. The Auckland forwards broke away, and Walshe kicked high; bin Chambers marking, the resulting kick sent Auckland to their quarter. A free to Auckland for offside by Douglas changed the scene, and Auckland Were at the blue*' quarter. The forwards broke away, with Carroll at the head; but Chambers -stopped progress, and with a quick kick sent Auckland back again, another kick by Eckbold being a further assistance. The blues failed to hold the advantage, and Webb whipped out to lfwerson, who found the line near Otago's chalk-mark. Auckland were over-anxious, and offside by Wilson gave the visitors a chance to clear. The relief was only temporary, for Auckland were soon back, a high kick by Macky having lb, busy defending again. From the first scrum Auckland secured, but Webb's pass was slow, and no advantage was gained. Auckland kept up a hard attack, and Webb kicking across field, the visitors were having a bad time of it. The forwards cleared and rushed play down field, lfwerson saving. A free to Auckland sent play back, a mark by Graham pulling the locals up. The kick went to centre. Otago came away with a passing run. Cockroft hung on too long, and the chance was lost. A free to the visitors was of great assistance, but the advantage was nullified by a free to Auckland, and play centred. Another free to Otago and they were in a good position, but the Auckland forwards cleared, and coming downfield with a forward rush, had play near Otago's quarter. Off-side play by Wilson gave Outgo slight relief, but a" fast dash by Walshe, followed by Tresize, had them busy defending again; but Auckland's passing was too slow, and Cockroft, gelling in, brought them back to centre. Another kick by Cockroft, and Auckland were right on their line. Otago now set up a hot attack, and throwing the ball about, Alexander bustled his way over, Watson converting. Otago 5 Auckland 0 Auckland rushed down the kick-out, and Watson was hard put to it to save. The blue forwards were beating Auckland for the ball in the scrums, and Dryden, with a quick kick, gained some ground for bis side. Auckland continued to attack, but a quick mark by Cockroft slopped progress. A free to Auckland and o'l_eary had a shot at goal, which fell short. Cockroft returned, sending to McGregor, another kick getting the line at the half. Auckland heeled from the scrum, and Webb started his backs going, but McGregor missed an easy take, and a good chance was lost. The blues' forwards were putting a lot of dash into their work, and taking play downfield, McGregor got in a good save, and Tresi/e, Sellars and Cunningham, following up fast, prevented the return, and Auckland were in a good position. Auckland secured from the next scrum, and McGregor got going again, but hung on too long, and the opportunity was wasted. Auckland were making great efforts to even up the scores, and Cut-hill missing, matters looked dangerous for the blues; but the forwards, getting round, saved the situation. A mark by Walshe, and O'Leary had another shot at goal, which went inside, but for obstruction by Carroll the visitors got relief with a free. Another free to Auckland immediately afterwards, ant! Walshe kicked high. Watson failed to take, and Wilson rushed the ball over, but the blues got relief from a force. Auckland were back from the kick-out, and the forwards dominating the position, Otago were having a very bail time. Heeling from the scrum, Webb shot the ball out, but Eckhojd, who was waiting out for the chance, intercepted and took play to the quarter. Auckland, headed by Bruce, came back, and heeling again, Webb shot out; but Ed-hold, who was yards offside, again intercepted, and play went back to the quarter. Auckland * were having all the lies! of it, and the visitors were kept busy defending. A short passing run by Otago was followed by a free to Auckland, and Weston sent the blues to the danger-zone again. A free to the visitors did not gain them much advantage, but a fast rush by their forwards took play to the centre. Another kick by Eckhoid gained further ground for the visitors, but a mark by Webb sent them back again. Auckland came away with a passing run, but their transferling was very slow, and the visitors beat them back. A fine run by Smith made an opening for Otago, but the transfer was forward, and a free kick gave Auckland relief. Another dash by Smith was stopped by Weston, obstruction enabling Auckland to clear their lines. 'The Auckland forwards came through again, Drydeil stopping progress. A mark by Walshe, and Auckland were attacking again, a force giving the visitors relief, lfwerson returned the kick out to .Otago's quarter. Auckland broke away,

but the Otago backs were waiting off- <: side and, intercepting the passing, Cock- _ roft sent Auckland back to their 25. t They failed to hold the position, a quick 1 kick by Webb transferring the scene of 1 operations to neutral territory, where it ( hung for a few minutes. An Auckland i rush with Walshe at tlie head was re- 1 sponded to by a rush for the blues. In { stopping the rush, lfwerson got a knock, i and play was stopped for a few minutes. I On resuming, Otago tried to open up the i game, and Auckland were kept busy de- i fending. Auckland forwards cleared, and lfwerson gained a further advantage ■with a high kick, Watson proving the stumbling-block. The visitors were still attacking, the forwards running over Auckland. Macky just saved in time, another kick by O'Leary being a further assistance. The Auckland forwards rallied again, but once more Watson was in the way, and they had to go back. From the ensuing scrum Otago heeled, and i Dryden sent to Eckhoid, who gat touch ! inside Auckland's quarter. The visitor- ! were doing a lot of line-kicking, and seemed content to gain a few yards at ' a time by this means. From the throw- ! in the blue forwards attacked hotly, ' putting a lot of "ginger" into their j woxk. Auckland were having a busy , time to keep them off, and the bell went with the visitors in the Auckland quar- ' ter. * ' SECOND SPELL. ' Cunningham set the ball rolling for ' Auckland in the second spell', but it ' had to come back for an infringe- '' incut. Auckland secured from the ; first scrum, and Weston kicking down, Stewart followed up fast and spoiled ' Watson's return, and Auckland were on the attack. A mark by Graham did not - give his side much advantage, and the ' referee at last catching Eckhoid, Auck- ' land were awarded a free in a likely ' position, O'Lcary's kick just going wide • of the posts. O'Leary sent the kick out '■ back to Otago's territory, but a free ' gave the visitors a chance to clear, and McGregor failing to get the line, Eck- ; hold had play at Auckland's side of the ' halfway. A free to Auckland for Dry- ' don picking out of the scrum, Cuthill ' failed to return, and play was at the visitors' quarter. The blues were wait- '< ing a lot offside, and a free to Auckland had them attacking again. Heeling from the scrum, Webb set his backs going to Weston, to lfwerson, to Stewart, to Mticky, who was just pushed out near the corner flag by Watson, the Auckland back getting a nasty knock. Auckland now attacked hotly, and McGregor and Walshe went for the line, but lost the 1 hall, and Otago forced. The kick-out ' had to come back, but Otago secured, and Dryden shot out to Cuthill, who i sent play to Auckland's territory. A mark by Webb saw Walshe fail to get ' the line", and Cuthill sent Auckland back ■ again. Otago heeled, and came away i with a passing run. Cockroft kicking to I O'Leary, who, with one of his powerful boosts, got the fine at the centre. The Auckland forwards broke away again, but offside play pulled them up, the resulting kicks ending at the viji- ■ tors' quarter. A free to Auckland, and Walshe kicking high. Auckland rushed play down, and Cockroft missing, the visitors were in a tight corner. A dash , by McGregor looked like a score, but he slipped at the critical moment, another dash meeting with a similar fate. A , free to Auckland, and lfwerson had his shot, but made a very weak attempt. The visitors cleared. A lot of loose kicking followed, ending in Stewart sending the visitors to their chalk mark. , Auckland Reeled, and Webb shot out to lfwerson. to Weston, who cut off Cock- , roft and Chambers, and sent to Stewart, to Macky. The Auckland crack ran past Watson at the corner, and finished up behind the posts. Walshe convert I'd. Auckland " Otago 5 O'Leary returned the kick-out to outside Auckland's quarter. With the scores even, Otago were making great efforts to add to their total, and Dryden marking, Cockroft had a shot at "goal from just inside the. half, but it went wide, and Auckland forced. The kick-out had to come back, and Otago were awarded another free. Cockroft again missed the attempt at. goal, and Auckland forced. Cuthill marked the kick-out, sending to Weston, who got touch outside the centre. The Auckland pack broke away, followed up quickly, and forced Watson to kick into touch in his own quarter. Auckland came away with a passing run, but the ball went forward, and a scrum followed. Another run, Webb to McGregor, to lfwerson, who kicked high, Watson marking. The exchange of kicks ended on the visitors' side of the half. Auckland came again, but lfwerson missed an easy take, and the run was spoiled. Loose kicking ended in O'Leary getting touch near the visitors' quarter. A knock to Tfwerson delayed play for a few minutes. The wind had now gone round more in the visitors' favour, and on resuming, they took play to the half. A dash by Shee.han had O'Leary defending, the Auckland full-back getting the line at centre. Another dash, and Macky kicked high to Alexander, who had play at the* half again. A mark by Dryden, and Cuthill failed to get the line., Macky running out and sending to McGregor, who had play at the half. A solid rush : by the Auckland pack followed, and play was stopped for some time by Sellars getting a nasty knock, and having to leave the. field. Muir took the place of the injured player. On resuming, Otago got the ball, and Dryden sent to Alexander, who was blocked, but a free gave Otago a chance to clear, the resulting kick ending at the half. A mark by Alexander assisted the visitors, and Auckland were close to Iheir quarter. A dash by Shochan. and the blue backs got going, but Cockroft failed to hold an easy pass, and a chance was lost. Auckland heeled, Webb to Stewart, to Macky, who got the line near Otago's quarter. A mark by Cuthill sent Auckland back, and another kick by Alexander had Auckland on the defence. Otago now set up a hot attack, and McGregor missing badly, Auckland ; were in a very hot corner. The forwards, with Muir and Carroll in the van, lifted the siege, and the local supporters breathed freely again. Otago heeled, but their passing was very weak. ■ and they were muzzled, a hard kick by lfwerson sending the oval past the centre. Another solid Auckland rush, and Watson had to save, at his own 25. A free gave the visitors relief, and play for some time was very fast, the Auckland tackling smothering the visitors' attempt at passing, and Carroll, with a hard kick, got Auckland out of trouble. Play was now very fast, the Auckland defence being hotly tested. A free, and Auckland were on their line, and an exciting series of exchanges followed. Walshe making a fine opening, cleared Auckland's line, and the locals looked like adding to their total. The , Otago defence was very solid, and they were beaten back, Cuthill sending Auckland to their quarter. Another kick by the same player had Auckland on their chalk mark. A free to , Otago,-and Cockroft had a .hot, but ,

once more failed to get the bar, and Auckland forced. The kick-out was returned by Cuthill to Auckland's quarter, but McGregor threw in quickly to , Walshe, who got the line at the centre. Otago came through, and O'Leary missing, Walshe just saved in time. Auckland again cleared, Macky eventually getting the line at the visitors' 25. Auckland once more attacked, but Eckhoid got his side out of difficulties with a long kick just as the bell rang, and the game ended in a draw. Otago 5 Auckland -•__...... 5 Referee, Mr J. Williams. NOTES ON THE GAME. The game will go down in history as the most exciting ever played between the two province-. For the most pa, it was a battle between the forwards, but it was nott by any means a cramped game, both packs getting off a lot of j splei—l6d loose rushes. Otago started off 1 at a great bat, and were first to score, Alexander bustling his way over after a loos. rush. The kick beting converted by Watson, the, challengers led by 5 points to rail. With the points in their favour, Otago were inclined to keep the play close, and worked the line for all it was worth. These tactics were to a large extent .h«r undoing, for had they kept the game open they would probably have added to .hear score. They were a different side when they opened out after Auckland scored, but failed to put on any more points. in the scrum work they got the ball oftener than the Auckland*-., but .he ivurk of their backs was weak, ami Dryden and Watson were the only one- to handle the leather with any degree of certainty. Had the rearguard given the forwards the required assistance the shield would have now carried tihe Otago label. Auckland's forwards put up a great fight, and if anything were the better in the loose and line-out work, bat Sellers and Tresiize did not hook as cleanly as their opponents, and consequently Auckland's back division did not get a great deal of work in aittaek; in fact, .Stewart and Macky rarely handled the ball in the second spell. The Aueklanders' passing was much cleaner than Otago's, and had they got the oportunities it is a certainty a bigger score would have been credited to Auckland. Both sides are to be complimented on their displays, and on the run of the play a draw is a true indication of the merits of the teams. On Otago's side Watson pave a pood showing at full-back, and was a towe: of strength to his side. The threequarter line were weak, although they did not get a great deal to do. Cockroft was something of a disappointment, his handling in particular being weak. Of the five-eighths, Cuthill was the —■est, „.'kho-d rarely opening up the play, contenting himself for the most part kicking for the line. He did a lot of waiting offside for chances, especially in the early part, and was lucky to escape the referee. Dryden was the bright particular star, and his display behind the pack was firstclass. He got the ball away cleanly, and stood up to the Auckland rushes splendidly. Of the forwards, Sheehan, Douglas and Graham were the pick, but the whole pack made a good showing. O'Leary, at full-back for Auckland, gave another fine display. The threequarter line got few chances, but McGregor did not play up to his usual form. Macky and Stewart were practically starved. Both Weston and lfwerson hardly got a fair chance, while Webb, behind the pack, did a lot of stopping, but did not get hi- backs away as cleanly as against Wellington. lie was, of course, somewhat hampered by the slowness with which the ball came from the pack. The Auckland forwards gave another fine exhibition, Walshe and Carroll in particular being in the thick of it, but there was very little to choose. PUBLIC SCHOOLS' MATCHES. WAIKATO V. AUCKLAND. The representative public schools' match between Waikato aud Auckland was played as a curtain-raiser to the Auckland v. Otago match. Auckland won the toss and chose the eastern end, the north-east wind giving mem a Slight, advantage tor some minutes play was fairly even till Auckland set up an attack and, rushing play down, Gray picked up and scored. Brown converted. Auckland 5, Waikato U. Auckland came back lo the attack and Gray got over, but the ball had to come back. Waikato eventually got relief In a force. Auckland were not to be denied and, the forwards taking charge, Brown scored. He took the kick and converted. Auckland 10, Waikato nil. The Auckland boys were having all the best of it, the country players showing a lack of knowledge of the finer points, and they were kept defending, a force giving relief. Auckland's next score came from a dash by Kemp, who scored by the posts. Brown missed with the kick. Auckland 13, Waikato nil. Auckland still maintained the upper hand and play hung in Waikato's 25, and after the reds had been forced Mclntyre scored. Brown missed with the kick. Auckland 16, Waikato nil. The Auckland forwards were running all over the visitors, the only one of the country players to show anything like decent form being Healey nt live-eighths, but no further score resulted before -time. On changing over Waikato livened up, and the forwards rushing play down Auckland were comiielled to force. Play was fnirlv even from the kick-ont. first one side and then the other holding the advantage. A fine run by Ross had Auckland attacking, mid from a mark Gray potted at goal, the ball going outside the post, and Waikato forced, which they had to do immediately after. Auckland again gained the upper hand and kept up an incessant attack. Smith eventually intercepting a pass and running over between the poets. Auckland 21. Waikato nil. Auckland came back to the attack from the kick-off, but Waikato cleared and took play to Auckland's quarter. The relief was only temporary, for Auckland came back, Waikato being forced as the bell rang to cease play, without any further addition to the score. Mr S. Conway refereed. THREE KINGS V. UNIVERSITY. The Maori boys had the best of the first spell for the greater part, and Aupouri scored soon after the kick-off, Tnngipo converting. Three Kings 5, University nil. University milled towards the end of the spell and after a good passing run Middleton scored. The kick failed.' Three Kings 5, University .'I. The Maoris rallied again and had another turn of attacking, hut the bell rang for half-time without further score. The Maoris came at the attack In the second spell and twice in quick succession threatened their opponents' goal line. The blues, however, livened up and transferred play to the other end, where, after some scrummaging near the line, Mldrtleton again dashed over. The attempt at goal was a failure. University (5 Three Kings 5 There was no further score, the game closing with the Maoris on the attack, Murray and Tangipo showing up to advantage throughout. Mr E. Donovan was referee. HAMILTON. CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS. Gordon—■_ IT, v. City nil. Gordon ton win t_» c_amplons_ip.

PAEROA The Paeroa Rugby Union's Cup competition was concluded on Saturday, when West ■won the championship by defeating Netherton by 17 to 3. The points for the winners were scored by W. Campny, who scored two tries, and W. Edwards, who scored two tries and also kicked a penalty goal and converted a try. B. Johnson scored a try for Netherton. Mr P. Brennan was referee. The positions of teams are: West, played 7 won 4, drawn 2, lost Icop points, 10; East, played 7, won 1, drawn 3, lost 3— cup points, 5; Netiherton, played 6, woa 2, J drawn 1, lost cup points 5. ' POVERTY BAY BEATS HAWSE'S ' BAY. ] BY 18 POINTS TO 8. ! (By Telegraph. —Press Association.) NAPIEB, Saturday. : The annual representative Rugby match ' Poverty Bay v. Hawke's Bay, took place here to-day. The weather was fine but the ground was heavy owing to recent rain. ; The visitors soon prov-d themselves the ! better team, and when half-time was called ' had two unconverted tries to their credit , ! against Hawke's Bay's nil. In the second half the visitors increased ; their total to 18 and Hawke's Bay scored 8. The attendance was very good. MANAWATU B V. OROUA. (By Telegraph. —Press Association.) PEILDING, Sunday. The Manawatu B v. Orona sub-union representative m_tch yesterday resulted in ' a win for.the former by 8 points to nil. CANTERBURY V. WELLINGTON. WELLINGTON DEFEATS CANTERBURY SIXTEEN POINTS TO NINE. (By Telegraph.— Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Saturday. Wellington defeated Canterbnry by 16 points to 9 this afternoon after a fairly even game, the backs on both sides -hawing to advantage. Canterbury won the toss, and soon returned Wellington's kick-off with a hot attack. Parson leading a rush which was eventually stopped by Eversen with a long kick Into touch. E. Ryan played his side on the attack, and endeavoured to follow up the advantage with a high centre- kick. McDonald look the ball on the run and tried to centre, hut he kicked too hard and Wellington forced. From the kick-out Wellington came down field into an attacking position, and E. Roberts marked from the line-out, and H. Paton kicked a splendid goal. Wellington _ Canterbury 0 Canterbury retaliated, and in Wellington's territory were awarded a penalty ■which Hasell used to equalise the scores. Wellington 3 Canterbury '...'. 3 Another Wellington attack was followed 'by a passing run by the backs, but they pa hied very little ground, the ball passing right along the line, only to he lost by a ■bad pass to Young, and Canterbury retrieved their position. McDonald again dashed npfleld, !>nt knocked on, and Yonng. getting the ball after the ensuing scrum gave start to another rush among the Wellington backs. It was stopped, but Gillespie marked the return kick, and Roberts kicked a goal. Wellington 6 Canterbury 3 Canterbury were not long In getting to business a.am, and Cade pnt in a good run. the ball afterwards passing to McDonald, who scored at the corner. Hasell failed with tbe kick. Wellington 0 Canterbury 6 A few minutes afterwards E. Ryan took play to Canterbury's 25. and passed to Ramsden, who scored between the posts. Roberts converted. Wellington 11 Canterbury 6 Early in the second spell Cade made an opening, and after four backs had handled the ball Crawshaw scored In a good position, but Parson failed to convert. Wellington 11 Canterbury 9 Wellington made several attacks subsequently, both in the forward and back divisions, but Doell and Taylor stopped them with well-judged line Kicks. Once Wilson got away from a forward rush, but nib pace was not good enough. On another occasion Young, after a back rush, was just pushed into touch in goal. Canterbury then attacked, and Wellington bad to force. Crawshaw shortly after narrowly missed a potted goal. After a long interval of unsuccessful attacking by Canterbury, Roberts got the ball and sent It on to McKcuzie, who passed to Kamsden Ramsden sent infield again to McKeuzie, who touched down between the posts. _.. Roberts converted. Wellington 16 Canterbury ...•••*_•.••. _.. 9 The score was unaltered when no-side sounded. MARLBOROUGH DEFEATED BY WEIJ_INGTON B. (By Telegraph.Press Association.) BLENHEIM, Saturday. At Rugby football to-day a Wellington B team defeated Marlborough by 9 points to 6. In the first spell Jackson kicked a goal from a mark for Marlborough, and Morris kicked a penalty goal » for Wellington, Sheridan scored a try for Marlborough shortly after the resumption, and Parraut got over for Wellington. Hale scored the final try, and the game ended: Wellington B 9 Marlborough 6 N.S.W. TEA}! FOR CALIFORNIA. UNABLE TO PLAY IN WELLINGTON. WELLINGTON, Sunday. Advice has 'been received by the Wellington Rugby Union to the effect that the New South Wales team for California will not be able to play a match in Wellington. MANAWATU. The representative football matches resulted:— Manawatu 12, beat Awarua 8. Junior.— Manawatu 9, beat Wellington 3. Technical Schools.—Palmerston 14, beat Wellington 3. <-—————--————————_—__