Buller used to battling against the Rugby odds

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32394, 5 September 1970, Page 11

Buller used to battling against the Rugby odds

DULLER has challenged seven times for the Ranfurly Shield, without success, but the drawn match with Otago in 1949 was a source of inspiration to minor unions throughout the country. With only four club teams to draw on for a limited representative programme, Buller has had a hard task

over the years to achieve a reasonable standard and a worthwhile combination. But in 1949 the side had a wonderful winter, winning seven and drawing three of its 11 games. The only loss was to Canterbury in the last match of the season. For the shield game against Otago, Buller had the assistance of the noted All Black, Mr M F. Nicholls, during its preparation. The team played with great spirit at Carisbrook, and the

Otago side —which scored only one try to the challenger’s two—was fortunate to gain a draw. In the Buller side on that occasion were two of the most notable forwards that the union has produced—W. J. Mumm and G. F. Anderson. Mumm, a 1949 All Black and a world record-breaking sawyer, captained the side in Dunedin. Anderson, who now lives in Christchurch, played for the South Island and holds the record for most appearances for Buller.

Two leading members of the 1949 backline, W. Dickson (first five-eighths) and R. P. Hawes (wing), later accepted offers to play Rugby league in Britain. Four of Buller’s shield challenges have been played against Canterbury on Lancaster Park. Teams which included the All Black, E. C. Holder, and the notable allrounder, G. A. Orman, lost 13-0 in 1932 and 13-3 in 1933. During Canterbury’s last shield era, Buller was beaten 19-3 in 1953 and 22-0 in 1954.

Buller’s first bid for the shield was in 1907, but the holder, Auckland, was too strong and won 21-0. The last challenge was in 1964, and although Taranaki won 11-0, Buller gave a tenacious display in the mud. Today’s game is the 49th fixture between Canterbury and Buller. Successes by

Buller have been few—only six wins and one draw have been achieved. The 1945 season was a memorable one for Buller—it beat Canterbury in both the home and away matches. Then, in 1955, when Canterbury held the shield, Buller won at Westport. The number of losses Bul-

ler has had at Canterbury’s hands does not tell the true story of the teams from this tough little union. Buller has a reputation for battling against the odds, and although it has lost more matches than it has won, it has usually given its opponents an extremely hard game.