RANFURLY SHIELD

Evening Post, Volume C, Issue 64, 13 September 1920, Page 4

RANFURLY SHIELD

WELLINGTON DEFEATS OTAGO

ROBERTS POTS TWO GOALS.

<II TII.E«KAPB.—1-KBSS ASSOCIATION.)

DUNEDIN, 11th September. The Ranfurly Shield match between Otago and Wellington, which had been eagerly looked forward to *for some weeks by local enthusiasts, was played at Carisbrook this afternoon in the presence of the largest crowd since the visit of the last English team. There were fully 12,000 spectators. The afternoon was beautifully fine, without any wind, and conditions were perfect in every respect for an attractive display of football. In winning by 16 points to 5, Wellington showed cleverer tactics throughout, but, as the final score iiiv eluded two potted goals by Eoberts, and a 'somewhat lucky try off n rebound from the crossbar, the margin of difference was not great. The Wellington forwards showed fine form, but the backs scarcely upheld the reputation for great, brilliancy with which they were credited. Otago kicked off against the sun, and after a couple of line-outs Bain and Turnbull headed a rush into the Wellington territory, but Joyce got off-side, and .a free-kick returned play to half-way. Paterson next broke away in good style, and M'Dougall and Ward carried the ball to the Wellington twenty-five, where the forwards again took charge, and the visitors forced. The Wellington passing became ineffective, but finally, from a scrum in front of the Otago goal, Nicholls feinted to the left, and, swinging sharply round, passed to Eoberts, who neatly potted a goal. Wellington 4, Otago 0. Nicholls next set the Wellington backs in motion, and Ryan cut in nioely, but off-side play by the visitors brought relief. The sphere of operations was confined to Otago territory for some time until O'Sullivan kicked the ball along the ground past Watson (full-back), and in the ensuing race between O'Sullivan and Owles, the latter just managed to touch down in time. A brilliant. opening was made by M'Dougall, who cut in beautifully and passed to Fea. This player put in a good run, and great excitement prevailed as Otago penned Wellington on the line, but an Ot.ago back missed a, pass, and Ryan cleared. The Wellington forwards swept play to tho other end of the field, and a tense situation was relieved by a- good mark by Paterson, who turned the visitors back to half-way. Owles failed to field the ball, and from a freekick by Perry, Roberts took the ball and coolly potted another fine goal from well out. Wellington 8, Otago 0. The visitors opened the second spell facing a strong sun. After a period of even play, in which Wellington, as in the first spell, obtained the ball regularly from the scrum, H. B. Nicholls found the line near the Otago goal-line. The ball went nicely out to the Wellington backs, and several exciting rushes took place, but they were not finished off. Tho forwards of both teams were still playing a hard game, and were very evenly matched, but the Wellington backs were continuously dangerous. Roberts subsequently potted from a difficult angle, and although it was a beautiful kick, the ball struck the cross-bar and, rebounding into play, was snapped up by O'Sullivan, who scored a rather lucky try. M. Nicholls did not convert. Wellington 11, Otago 0. In the ensuing play Roberts sent out a pass to Ryan, who ran straight down the field to Watson, but he was tackled by the Otago full-back. He managed to get the ball out to O'Sullivan. however, and the latter playor scored a pretty try, which was converted by M. Nicholls. Wellington 16, Otago 0. The Otago forwards transferred play to Wellington territory, and the backs tried hard at passing, but their efforts broke down, and Ryan saved. !From near half-way, Fea ran round on the blind side of the scram and punted short, following up fast enough to score a brilliant solo try, which Tnrnbull converted with a. magnificent kick. Wellington 16, Otago 5., This was> the final score.

Mr. R. M'Kenzie was referee,