RANFURLY SHIELD

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 129, 4 June 1927, Page 10

RANFURLY SHIELD

WAIRARAPAJS PROGRAMME

Ttfe Eanfurly Shield, which was won by Wairarapa yesterday, has been in Hawkea Bay's possession since' 1922 when it was lifted 1 from Wellington! During the period Hawkes Bay successfully defended twenty-two challenges equalling the record of Auckland from 1906 to 1913. Wairarapa have succeeded for the first time in winning the coveted trophy. In their first match for the shield in 1905, Wairarapa drew with Wellington, who were then the holders. It was not until Taranaki were the holders in 1914 that Wairarapa again made a bid for possession, but they were beaten decisively.'Since then Wairarapa have made five trips to Hawkes Bay in .quest of the trophy losing by 6-0 in 1923, by 30-14 in 1924, by 22-3 in 1925, by 77-14 last year, and winning this year by 15-11. The Kanfurly Shield has been held as follows: —Auckland 1904, Wellington 1904-5, Auckland 1905-13, Taranaki 1913-14, Wellington 1914-20 (no matches during war period), Southland 1920-21, Wellington 1921-22, Hawkes Bay 1922-27, and Wairarapa 1927. Wairarapa's next match is with Bush Districts on the 22nd June, and as it is being played away from home it is not likely to be a shield match. The shield-holders then meet Hawkes Bay (return match), Bush Districts (return match).- Later in the season they meet Wanganui at Masterton before going on a tour of the North Island. In view of this tour, it is unlikely that Wairarapa will have many challenges to meet on their own ground this season.