RANFURLY SHIELD

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 63, 12 September 1938, Page 15

RANFURLY SHIELD

SOUTHLAND WIN

OTAGO TEAM WEAKENED

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) DUNEDIN, September 10. Southland regained the Ranfurly Shield from Otago in a Rugby match played at Carisbrook this afternoon in perfect weather. The score was 10-5. A north-east breeze blew practically across the ground, with little advantage to either side. It is worthy of note that today's game is the first time in the history of jthe shield that the same provinces have met twice in one season in a shield match. The attendance was 30,000. The Otago team was weakened by the absence of Simon ' and Gillies through injuries, and Trevathan because of a family bereavement. Mitchell took the field for the first time for Otago. The Otago forwards attacked hotly from the kick off and narrowly missed scoring twice in succession. Black failed in an attempt to pot. Perriam then crossed beside the posts from a passing rush by Otago, but lost the ball, and Southland forced. Southland lost a chance when Ballantyne missed with a penalty kick from a fairly good position. Offside play by Otago presented Ballantyne with an easy opportunity, but he again failed. Southland attacked vigorously, and from a scrum on the Otago line Graham dived through to touch down close to the posts, Ballantyne converting. Otago rallied, and for a scrum infringement Southland were penalised, Taylor missing an easy chance to open Otago's score. Playing with great dash and determination, the ' Southland forwards had the/ Otago line constantly, in danger, only slow handling by the backs and sound tackling by Otago preventing a .score on more than one occasion. The spell ended: Southland 5, Otago nil. Southland opened the second spell at a fast pace, and following a forward rush the ball was kicked over the Otago line. Grace dashed through to touch down close to the posts, Ballantyne converting. Otago secured from a scrum at midfield, and after passing among the backs Black ran strongly down the touchline from the twenty-five to score a fine try at the corner. Taylor converted with a great kick. Southland 10, Otago 5, Otago were' now playing much better, and Southland were given a hard time defending until Purdue found touch at half-way with a long clearing kick. Maintaining the pressure, Otago just missed scoring on two occasions, but the Southland defence held and the game ended: Southland 10, Otago 5.