Shield Challenger Wins

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31381, 29 May 1967, Page 16

Shield Challenger Wins

(N.Z. Press Association) WANGANUI. Holding a firm control on the game from almost the opening whistle, Manawatu began its preparation for a Ranfurly Shield challenge in July by beating Wanganui, 14-9, on Saturday. The Manawatu forwards won a huge supply of the ball, thanks to the tremendous lineout form of All Black tour prospect, S. Strachan, but its backs, In many sorties, lacked real thrust.

The centre, L. J. Meads, scored 11 of Manawatu’s points with a try, a conversion and two penalty goals in his first game for Manawatu after being dropped from the Wanganui side last year. Manawatu’s other three points came from a try by the wing, R. Kitchen. AU of Wanganui's points came from the boot of R. Barrell. After leading, 8-5 at half-time, Buller beat West Coast, 11-5, at Hokitika. Both packs of forwards slogged out a hard game on a mud-covered ground. Buller and West Coast each scored a try, but fine goal kick-

lug by the full-back, R. Barrell, swung the game Buller’s W For Buller, G. Wood scored a try, converted by Barrell, who also kicked two penalties. Coast’s points came from a try by L. Trowbridge, converted by A. Henderson. Wairarapa scored three tries in the last 10 minutes to beat Bush, 22-6, at Eketahuna. For Wairarapa. try scorers were M. Blackwell (3), D. Oliver and G. Mabupuku. T. Hawea kicked a penalty and two conversions. For Bush, K. Ople scored a try and R. Mills kicked a penalty.