SHIPPING COMPANIES' MATCH

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 71, 21 September 1936, Page 14

SHIPPING COMPANIES' MATCH

After an even and wising match at Williams Park, Day's Bay, on Saturday afternoon, the Combined Shipping Companies' team retained he Challenge Shield by defeating the Union Steam Ship Company team by 14 points to 12. The trophy has been contested annually for a period of 29 years, with the exception of the war years but by winning on Saturday Combined gained the diction of being the first side to win the shield for three consecutive times. A large number of players and supporters left the Tug Wharf shortly before 2 o'clock in the Terawhiti, and the trip across the harbour was made under ideal conditions. The teams were:— Union.—Newton, J. Smith, Turner, Richardson, Neighbours, Spring (captain), McConchie, D. Smith, Bowles, Leopard, Thompson, Bannerman, Sutton, Harris, and Taylor. Combined.— Cunningham, Twohill, Barton, Nicol, Orr (captain), Phillips, Short, Barnett, McGregor, McDonald, Butler, Shorter, G. Harris, Shalders, and Sando. Combined had decidedly the better of the first spell, and started off at a good pace, their forwards playing a good solid game which had the Union players on the defence for a time. However, a good movement down the right wing resulted in ■ Union taking play down to the Combined corner-flag. They were unable to take the ball over the line, and play was soon back in Union territory. Newton, the Union full-back, played an excellent game, and in the early stages of the match saved his side many times with his cool and enterprising play. Combined were trying very hard, and eventually Barton broke through the defence and scored. Cunningham failed to convert, and the score stood at Combined 3, Union nil. A few mompnts later Barton made another determined attempt to break away, but was pushed into touch. Taking the ball out of the ruck, Twohill evaded several Union defenders and scored easily. Cunningham converted, making the score Combined 8, Union nil. Shortly afterwards Barton again proved too speedy for the Union backs, scoring in the corner. The kick failed, and half-time sounded with the score Combined 11, I Union nil. I A beautiful potted goal from outside the twenty-five-yard line gave Union four much-needed points just after the resumption of play, Taylor being responsible. This appeared to give the Union players a fillip, and they brightened their play considerably. Neighbours made a gallant effort to get across the line, but he was downed well and truly a few feet short. After a line-out, McConchie, who had been playing a sterling game, dived over the line for Union, bringing the score to 11-7. The kick went wide. Combined raised their total to 14 when Cunningham kicked a penalty, but shortly afterwards Bowles scored between the posts for Union, Taylor converting easily. Combined came very near to scoring during the last few; minutes of the game, but were unable to add further to their total. The final wTiistle sounded with the score Combined 14, Union 12. Mr, T. G. Taylor was the referee. !