THE BROWN SHIELD.

Evening Post, Volume LXXX, Issue 3, 4 July 1910, Page 11

THE BROWN SHIELD.

RETAINED BY WELLINGTON. WANGANUI DEFEATED. The first Browai Shield challenge match of the season was played on Newtown Park on Saturday in the presence of some hundred spectators. The ground was in a very slippery, sodden condition, but despite this the match was a surprisingly good exhibition. It resulted in an easy win for Wellington by 7 goals to 1, the visitors being outmanoeuvred by superior tactics. Wellington accordingly retains the Brown Shield. The teams engaged in the match were : — WANGANUI. Goal, E. Beckett; backs, right Shewan, left Oliver; halves, right Robson, centre Webb, left Bannennan ; forwards, Barrett, Adams, Gillkon, Davis, rod Martin. WELLINGTON. Goal, C. Webster; full-backs, right W. 0. Roberts, left A. Cornish; halves, M. Kerschberg, J. Bradbury, Paget ; forwards, C. O'Shea, W. Gibson, E. Timperley, W. Mouat, and Vessey. FIRST SPELL, The opening manoeuvres were in Wellington's ground, but the leather was there only for a minute or so, when the Wellington forwards broke away and carried the ball, with some pretty passing on the way, to the opposite end of the field. One or two rapid skirmishes took place, and O'Shea opened the scoring account with a fast, low drive at close quarters. Wellington 1, Wanga-

nui 0. The local men returned to the charge again, and threw away several chances by faulty shooting near the posts, and were as often foiled by Beckett in the visitors' goal. On occasions the visitors made a promising sally, but the home team was sound in defensive work. Wellington continued to force the pace, and were having their own way to a large extent. W. Gibson added the second goal for Wellington with a fast ground shot, beating Beckett, who was Tmving a warm time, the posts being bombarded from right and left. Wellington 2, Wanganui 0. After a. splendid shot by Martin, the visitors got going, and Davis (inside left) secured their "one and only" goal. Th© ball was sent in once ; Webster made a feeble attempt to shoot away, and Davis returned with energy. Wanganui now attacked hard, but the home team retaliated, and Timperley booted in the, third at close quarters. At half-time the score was— Wellington 3, Wanganui 1. SECOND SPELL. Wellington made mattexs lively in the second half, and much of the play was confined to Wanganui's twenty-five. Beckett played a brilliant game in the visitor*' goal, but even his resource could not prevent tlie score mounting. A fine run down field was made by Gibson, Timperley, and Co., who eluded the visitors right and left, and Vessey made the final drivo. Wellington 4, Wanganui 1. From a confused scramble in front of goal, Vessey booted in the fifth. Once or twice it looked as though Wanganui must score, but the effect of a good run downfield was spoilt by un inaccurate drive, or prompt defence by the local backs. On came the Wellington forwards again, and Mouat added the sixth for his side, after Beckett had returned the ball from goalmouth. Yet another attack, and Timperley gave the final drive. The game closed—Wellington 7, Wanganui 1, Beckett defending splendidly to the last. Mr. J. Davidson was referee. TEAMS ENTERTAINED. After the match the respective teams were entertained at dinner at the V.M.C.A. by the Wanganui delegates on the New Zealand Council. Mr. H. N. Holmes, who presided, expressed appreciation of the sportsmanlike qualities displayed by the visitors, who in turn said that they were highly pleased with the manner in which the Wellington team had played. It was mentioned that the Wanganui Association would do well to spread the game among the boys — the successes of Wellington were largely due to the way in which boys' teams had been encouraged and multiplied. Among those present was Mr. C. H. Poole, M.P., who congratulated both teams on their performances.