SEDDON SHIELD MATCH

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22465, 28 July 1938, Page 3

SEDDON SHIELD MATCH

KEEN INTEREST IN FIXTURE MARLBOROUGH CHALLENGE TO BULLER Considerable interest is being taken in the Buller district in the main Rugby match of the season between Buller and Marlborough on Saturday for the Seddon Shield, at present held by Buller. The visit of the Marlborough team to Westport is always welcomed, as on almost every occasion it has given Buller outstanding games for the shield. Two years ago it won the first challenge of the season, but lost the trophy to West Coast in 1937. West Coast held the shield for a fortnight, and it was then taken by Buller, in one of the most exciting finishes in the history of the competition. Buller scoring the winning try on the call of time. Both Buller and Marlborough have had long periods in possession of the Seddon Shield. The Marlborough team’s challenge to Buller. when the trophy is held at Westport, creates as much interest in Marlborough as in the Buller district, and the visiting team is usually accompanied by about 500 followers. The Reefton seniors and another Marlborough junior team wilL play matches with Buller teams on Saturday. In the evening a Blenheim basketball team will meet representatives of a Westoprt club, and a wrestling tournament will follow in the Theatre Royal. Buller beat Marlborough in a fairly convincing manner in a friendly match at Blenheim early in the season, and since then has beaten and been beaten by West Coast. Marlborough has beaten Nelson twice since their match with Buller. Both teams will be at full strength on Saturday, and another good game is expected. The Buller team has not been finally selected, but is almost certain to be as follows: —A. Dunn: W. Weenink,' F. Neighbours, W. Neighbours; S. Stewart, J. Alexander; R. Butterfield: R. Pratt, K. Corrie, J. Lake, G. Mason (captain), G. B. Wilson, A. Jackson, J. Brown, C. Robinson. Buller’s main strength will be in the forwards, who played a great game against West Coast at Westport. The Buller back line is more solid that usual, with almost every man a proved defender. Much is expected from Alexander. _W. Neighbours, and Weenink as attacking backs. Inquiries yesterday disclosed that there has been a great rush for hotel accommodation for the week-ei.d, mostly from intending visitors from Marlborough. It may be difficult for latecomers to secure rooms of any type by Saturday, but the Buller Rugby Union is making every effort to see that all visitors are accommodated.