SEDDON SHIELD

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 August 1933, Page 5

SEDDON SHIELD

WEST COAST BEAT NELSON. IN THRILLING MATCH. Before a record attendance, the West Coast Rugby team defended the Seddon Shield against a strong challenge from Nelson, at Rugby Park, on Saturday. Weather conditions were favourable for a good match, the afternoon being fine, but not bright. The playing field was on the heavy side, yet it did not greatly interfere with the handling of the ball. Following on their notable victory against Golden Bay-Motueka on the previous Saturday, the West Coast team were regarded as being equal to withstanding Nelson’s challenge. This view proved to be correct, but West Coast had to play hard and cleverly before victory came their way. Nelson proved themselves as worthy opponents, and a very capable side. The standard of play was good throughout. To the onlookers it was thrilling, and to the players, especially the forwards, it must have been one of the hardest games in their playing experience. Both teams were very fit, and it was due to that that they were able to give such a splendid exhibition of rugged, and at times brilliant play. From the commencement it was evident that the visitors were capable of testing the Shield holders, for their forwards had size, and speed, while the backs demonstrated early that they could handle the ball, and defend to good purpose. Both teams played magnificently. Nothing better -than the play they made, is wanted by spectators. The latter were treated to the best forward battle that has been staged in Greymouth for many years. It was grand to witness the two big packs contesting with every ounce of energy, every, inch of ground. In the tight Nelson were slightly superior, for the reason that all the players packed together, whereas the home forwards were inclined to do this only on defence. In loose forward rushes, the Coast players excelled, but the play of L. Max, and Clark of Nelson, was equally as good, as the best of the opposition, although Max repeatedly got offside. The match clearly demonstrated how necessary it is for the West Coast players to retain their physical fitness. Had the home team not been equal to 'seeing through a strenuous match, then the Seddon Shield, would surely have changed hands last Saturday. No harder match is likely to be fought out this season, for on Saturday, both packs were never allowed a let up. It was rugged Rugby, played in the way that only strong men, and fit, could play it. Nelson proved to be a much stronger , team, and played a much better game, than even their own supporters had come prepared to witness. Had there , been any decided weakness in the West j Coast defence, Nelson would have ; found it, for their forwards, and backs j made desperate and clever attempts to , penetrate. Also, had the West Coast , attack been weak, Nelson would have , won, for the visitors’ defence was ; sound. Only a strong team could have defeated Nelson, on Saturday’s play, ‘ and the Shield holders are to be con- ■ gratulated for their sterling display. ' West Coast played as a team, and each player justified his selection. The team’s victory was a triumph for the selectors, Messrs A. A. Adams, and , R. Dowell, for it proved that they had ‘ chosen the right type of men to up- ’ hold the prestige of the game on the j Coast. The teams were: — Nelson (dark blue and light blue): : Glover; Busch, Watson (captain), ; Boyce; Stewart, Carey; Thompson; ; McLean, L. Max, Brummond, Clark, D. • Max, Chatterton, Smith, Ferguson. ! West Coast (red and white): —G. Gilbert; L. Martyn, J. B. Taaffe, C. Schroder; A. Fong (captain), W. ; Hughes; B. Scandrett; B. Kelly, J. Kirkland, M. Kelly, L. Hughes, M. . Thompson, R. King, M. Scandrett, E. • Jones,

Mr C. G. Crawford was referee. THE PLAY. Coast won the toss, and defended the northern goal. Stewart kicked off, and Hughes received to send a high punt to Watson, who found the line in Coast territory. From the line-out, Coast secured, and the forwards dropped the ball to their feet, but Watson stepped in and ran towards the Coast 25, where he attempted a field goal. The effort went wide, and the ball went across the dead line. Play was resumed with Coast going to Nelson territory, but the defenders were equal to countering the attack, and play returned to half-way. A scrum favoured Nelson- and the backs handled to Watson,, who sent up a short punt, which was taken by Scandrett. Scandrett relieved the home team with a clever kick to the line, and the home forwards improved by getting the ball from the line-out, and pressing to the Nelson 25. Play was fast, with the forwards making the game. From a scrum Scandrett sent the ball to Hughes, to Fong, who mishandled, and Watson ran into line at the Coast 25. From a free kick to the visitors for a Coast scrum infringement, Watson kicked to M, Scandrett, who fail,ed to take the ball. The Nelson forwards were bearing down to the home line, and looked dangerous, when B. Scandrett whipped in and effected a good save. Nelson returned to the attack, and play became exciting, with the visitors testing the home defence, and looking as though they would break it down. Then Scandrett again relieved when he secured from a scrum and whipped around the blind side, to line to near half-way. The Coast pack was securing the ball, Kirkland hooking it cleanly to give Scandrett every opportunity of sending his backs away. When at the Nelson 25, the home backs set out in a fast movement, and Fong beat his man cleverly, only to spoil his play with an ill-directed pass to Taaffe. Both packs came together, and were fighting for the ball, within 15 yards of the Nelson line, when L. Max was caught offside. Martyn had a shot at goal, and the ball sailed over the bar to the delight of the home supporters. West Coast 3, Nelson 0.

Play had been, under way for 15 minutes, and during that time, Nelson had more than held,their own. Coast realised that they were faced with strong opposition, and settled to work with an earnestness that made play very fast, and considerably brightened the game. Nelson forwards swept to the attack, and Jones brought a penalty to the home team, by getting offside. It was too far back to place the side in danger of a goal being kicked, and Watson lined to the 25. King then insured another penalty on

the home team by being offside, and I Watson lined nearer the home goal. I Drummond here received an injury 'which caused his retirement, and TayJlor replaced him in the Nelson pack. Securing from the scrum, the home I backs raced speedily to the attack, but again Fong sent a weak pass to Taaffe. Nelson forwards worked to half-way, and from there, they secured the ball from a scrum. Thomson whipped it out to his backs, and the ball travelled smartly along the line, to Busch. Busch clapped on his speed, and when in danger of being taken by Gilbert, he sent a pass infield to Stewart, who capped off a splendid movement, with a try. Stewart had a difficult kick at goal, but a good effort fell short. Nelson 3, West Coast 3 The scores were evened, and play had been under way for 23 minutes. By this time, the crowd realised that the West Coast team were faced with a proposition entirely different in strength and playing ability from Golden Bay. The Nelson forwards were excelling in the tight. They hunted together in admirable fashion, and swept aside the home pack time and again. L. Max then broke through, but was recalled for offside play. Both sets of backs then had turns on attack, but the defence set up by both, was solid. Twice within a few minutes, the home backs entered into bright passing and promising attacking movements, but Busch took Schroeder with a low tackle at the 25 line, on each occasion. Then Gilbert attempted a field goal, but his effort went wide, and Watson secured to line with a great kick, near half-way. The home backs set up another attack, but a weak pass by Fong to Taaffe caused it to break down. McLean and Clark then headed a Nelson forward attack, which carried play to the half-way line. Nelson continued to press forward, but were held up for offside play, and Gilbert lined with a great kick, to gain 40 yards. From this advantage, the Coast pack carried on to the Nelson line. They looked likely to finish up with a try, but Busch saved smartly, to kick out near the corner flag. Then Coast were awarded a free kick, and Fong sent the ball “up and under.” In the scramble for possession, Nelson were fortunate to forcq- down. Play was resumed with Coast attacking. The opposing forwards clashed, and good hard rucking followed, with Nelson using their weight, and securing an advantage, but Scandrett was always on hand to snap up the ball from the advancing Nelson pack, and send it to his backs, or kick for the line. Scandrett was playing great football, and his work was frequently cheered by the onlookers. Coast backs set off in a fast passing movement, and Fong beat his man badly, before sending to Taaffe, who was taken low by Stewart, when within striking distance. Hughes then received, but kicked too hard, and the ball bounced over the dead line, thus relieving Nelson.

Play was decidedly interesting, with both packs fighting hard to secure the advantage, and the backs handling, I and tackling with great skill. Coast ' would win their way to the Nelson 25, ] but the home forwards would retaliate by combining in an attack which would sweep the defence aside until ■ a home player went down at the Nel- ’ son pack’s feet, to stop their advance. 1 An opportunity to gain the lead was 1 given Coast, when Thompson, the Nel- i son half-back came round a scrum af- '■ ter Scandrett, when the ball had not come out. Martyn had an unsuccessful shot at goal. Within a few minutes 1 to half-time, the Coast backs set up 1 an attack, which was brought to a - successful issue. They had previous- 1 ly raised the hopes of their supporters, 1 by uniting in a swlift attack that was stopped only when Busch shouldered Martyn out right on the corner flag. Play swung across field, and Fong kicked through to Glover. Glover slipped, and Boyce also failed to se- 1 cure the ball. A Excitement ran high when Fong raced up and gathered in ’ the ball. By this time the Nelson - pack swarmed about Fong, who whip- I ped a pass to Taaffe. Busch attempted • to intercept, and partly succeeded, but 1 he shot the ball to King and the big I Coast forward collected it and heav- - ed himself across the line, to the accompaniment of frenzied applause from the onlookers. Martyn converted ’ with an easy kick. West Coast 8, Nel- ■ son 3. Half time arrived almost im- : mediately afterwards. I THE SECOND HALF. On resuming, Gilbert returned the ball to Watson, who lined at half-way. The line kicking by Watson, and. Gilbert, had been exceedingly accurate, and strong, both gaining much territory for their respective teams. Coast set up an attack that was sustained for some minutes. The home forwards hammered at the opposing pack, and a grand display of hard close rucking was witnessed. Occasionally the ball came back to Scandrett, and then the Coast backs would bring the crowd in the stand to their feet, as they passed and inpassed, but always the defence held. Then the Nelson forwards came through, and removed play to the Coast territory. The visiting backs secured possession, and with a bright movement, they raced for the home line. Busch clapped on his speed, and badly beat Martyn, who made a weak attempt at a tackle. Then Gilbert came across, and brought down the speedy winger, with a flying tackle. Hard forward rucking followed, and Nelson were holding an advantage almost on the home team’s line. It was a great fight, with the ball being kept in the centre of the two packs. Finally it came out, and across the line. Seven or eight Nelson, and Coast forwards dived for it, and the referee ruled a try to L. Max. Stewart had an easy kick at goal, and he evened j the scores seven minutes after halftime. Nelson 8, West Coast 8. Play had been hard, fast, and exciting, but that which followed was equal to the best play seen on the Coast for several years. Coast battled hard for the try that would make their hold on the Shield more secure, and Nelson sensed victory coming theii- way. The ball was thrown about by both sets of backs, and the forwards threw every ounce of weight into their efforts. The defence, however, was as solid as the attack. Coast penned Nelson in the Nelson 25, and kept them there for fully 15 minutes. Attack after thek was launched by the home team, and it looked as it they would wear ' down the defence. Time and again the crowd was driven Io (he wildest excitement, as the homo team attack- ‘ ed. L. Max then got offside, and Mar- , tyn iiad a shot at goal, but it was a weak attempt. Following this, the ’ Nelson pack made an excursion into J Coast territory, hut (hey were imine- ‘ diately driven back by Scandrett who ’ lined at half-way. Later Scandrett. secured and kicked hard to Glover, who chased the ball over the line, and ' I conceded a force down. The home

team returned to the attack, and the Nelson defence was being fully tested when Jones relieved them, by getting offside. Watson found the line, with a great kick, which gained 50 yards. Up and down field, the play travelled smartly, but neither side could secure a definite advantage. Then occurred a most exciting piece of play. The forwards were fighting for the advantage, in mid-field, and the ball came out to Thompson, who sent a long pass to Watson, who cut in cleverly before sending to Busch. Busch quickly gathered speed, and raced clear along the side line. He had only Gilbert to pass, and although Gilbert made a great effort to bring him down, Busch side-stepped him, and Gilbert went sprawling along the ground. With a clear field in front, Busch, set out foi’ a try that would have given Nelson the lead, and very probably the Shield. But Schroeder, speeding along behind Busch overhauled the latter and brought him down within five yards of the line. It was a great relief to West Coast, and a big disappointment to Nelson. From the Nelson 25, Jones secured from the ruck, and set out for a try. He cut through an opening, and his action placed the defence out of position. Jones whipped the ball to Fong, who sent on to Martyn. Martyn was well taken by Glover, but he in-passed to Fong, and the latter crossed near the corner for a well-deserved try. Martyn failed to goal. West Coast 11, Nelson 8. Well pleased with the standard of football, the crowd settled down to enjoy further exciting incidents. The Nelson team had surprised by their great forward play, and within three minutes of Coast’s latest success, Nelson had evened the scores. From a warm forward encounter at the Coast 25, B. Scandrett came around his scrum too soon, and was caught offside. Stewart was successful with his kick at goal, and the scores were equal. Nelson 11, West Coast 11.

Fifteen minutes remained for play, and the Nelson team were acquitting themselves so ably against the opposition, that the home side’s supporters began to be apprehensive of the result. Nelson resumed with an attack that carried them to the home 25, but Gilbert sent them back with a. magnificent kick that sent the ball out at the Nelson 25. Fighting for possession in the line-out, the Coast controlled play, but they could not get across the line. Scrum after scrum ended indefinitely, and play did not shift from the Nelson corner until after five scrums and two line-outs. Then Stewart received and kicked out at the 25 line, on the opposite side of the field. Five minutes remained for play, when Coast made their hold on the Shield secure. Scandrett received from a scrum near the cornei’ at the Nelson end. He sent to Fong, who transferred to Taaffe. Watson attempted to bring Fong and Taaffe together, and it was there he made a mistake. He tried to tackle both men, and missed, Taaffe was temporarily knocked off. his balance, by Watson, and he dropped the ball, but he recovered it immediately, and amid great excitement, and deafening cheers, he crossed the line near the posts. Martyn converted. West Coast 16, Nelson 11. Three minutes remained for play, and Nelson backs made a final effort to increase their score, but Taaffe tackled Watson, and Gilbert relieved by lining at half-way. Full time arrived with the play in mid-field. Final score, West Coast 16, Nelson 11.

The Nelson representatives left yesterday for Westport, where they will play a friendly match against the Buller Seddon Shield team to-day. Busch, one of the three-quarters, returned to Nelson yesterday. TAKE BRUNNER SUB-DIVISION. The monthly meeting of the Lake Brunner Sub-Division was held at Moana on Friday. Present.: Mr N. L. Field (Chairman), Messrs M. Molloy. T. Southern, J. Hibbs. P. Heeney. C. Kennedy, H. Southern, F. Klenipel and S. Kinraid. It. was decided to challenge for the Dittman Shield, to he played at Hokitika on the date suggested by the Westland Sub-Union, August 2G. Mr C. Kennedy was appointed manager. It was decided to invite the Inangahua representatives to play a match at Moana on August 27 or September 3 against a Sub-Div-ision senior B. team. A return match with the Cobden third grade team was discussed and the matter was left to the secretary to arrange. All delegates expressed satisfaction with broadcast of last week’s Seddon Shield match and hopes were expressed that the broadcasting would continue. INTER-PROVINCIAL MATCHES. WAIRARAPA v. CANTERBURY. CARTERTON, August 12. Wairarapa and Canterbury met at Carterton to-day in the best of weather, there being a very slight upfield wind. Winning the toss Canterbury, took advantage, and opened brightly with sparkling back movements, which had Wairarapa worried. Within ten minutes of the start, a passing back move saw Bouterey send to Hazelhurst., who cut in beautifully and passed to McPhail, who enabled Hattersley to score close to the posts. Dunshea missed a very easy kick. Canterbury continued to press. The Wairarapa defence improved till the team no longer suffered from stage fright, and they began to play aggressively. Canterbury were forced back inside their half way Fitzgerald picked up a dropped pass that Hazelhurst had sent to McPhail. Fitzgerald streaked for line, where he kicked over the Canterbury fullback, Nolan’s head, and three of the Wairarapa men caught the ball under the posts, Fitzgerald scoring. Tilley goaled. Wairarapa 5; Canterbury 3. Canterbury then instilled more vigour into their game, and they rushed play back to the Wairarapa. half, where Hazelhurst, who was playing a brilliant game, again cut in, and passed to Manchester, who sent to Dunshea to score at the corner. Dunshea failed to convert. Canterbury 6; Wairarapa 5. The first spell then ended.

The second spell opened very much better for Wairarapa, and their forwards, though overweighted more than held their own. They predominated in (lie loose. They forced Canterbury into mistakes, and jammed the play under the poles. From a serum, Nunn sent, to Wise io Stringfellow, who, emulating Hazelhurst, cm in between (lie latter and Hattersley Io score ten yards from the corner. Tilley failed to convert. Wairarapa. 8; Canterbury (i. More vim in the visitors’ pack saw Wairarapa. in difficulties, but. they emerged only to see Hazelhurst receive at half way. and cut in beating three men. when he passed to Manchester, Watkins, Foley and Hattersley, for the last named to score a beautiful try at. the corner. Dunshea failed to iconvert. Canterbury 9; Wairarapa 8.

J Wairarapa again assumed the supre(macy in the Canterbi ry 25, and Nunn J set the back line i.i motion with . Stringfellow, Fitzger .Id, Parker and Tilley handling, and the last named scored at the corner. Tilley failed to convert; Wairarapa ? 1, Canterbury I*. Canterbury made c 'sperate efforts, but sound play by 1 unn and Roach kept, them out. Ro: eh then retired with a broken bone in his arm, sustained when tackling Hat arsley, when the latter scored at the c rner. His place was taken by Parker. There was a very 1 irge attendance, and the game was interesting, and brilliant in spasms. Hr W. Grantham was referee. WAIKATO v. KIN !- COUNTRY. TAUMARUN ’I, August 12. Waikato defeated l ing Country today by 6 points to 5. Waikato scored in the first five minutas, Leeson going ove'r in the corner during a forward rush. In the second spell Storey scored under the posts f< r Waikato, after a passing rush. The i Gilbert scored for King Country, ; fter a brilliant opening by Galbraith, McLeod converting. SOUTHLAND v. OTAGO. DUNEDI V, August 12. Southland defeated Otago to-day by 13 points to 12, after a hard fought game. Territorially Otago had the advantage of the game, but with the score at 9 —9, Otago, after adding a further penalty had to submit to a potted goal, which made the scores 13 to 12, in favoui- of Southland. PRINCE OF WALES CUP. MAORIS’ KEEN MATCH. NEW PLYMOUTH, August 12. The Prince of Wales Cup and the Te Mori Rose Bowl were retained by the holders, Taihauaurau Maoris, in a bright match against Tokerau Maoris (North Auckland) before a crowd of five thousand to-day, the score being 19 points to 14. Taihauaurau team were drawn from Taranaki, King Country, Waikato, Horowhenua, Wairarapa and Wanganui. Considering the wide area from which Ihe team were drawn, remarkably fine combination was achieved, more especially amongst the Taihauaurau men, which was the deciding factor. Many excellent back movement were witnessed, with rapid changes of fortune. These typical Maori football teams contained some exceedingly good material for the Maori All Blacks, and no one man stood out as a weak link. It was just superior combination in the holders’ backs, together with good work by the forwards, that turned the scales. Physically, the 30 players were magnificent, and the great speed attained by the very big men was remarkable.

For Taihauaurau tries were scored by Wilson (2), Kawe, Broughton and Jackson. The last-named converted two. The scorers for Tokerau were Davis, Graham and Whin, White converting a try and kicking a penalty goal. Frequently the ball would be passed along the whole line of backs with excellent handling, and spectacular changes in direction were frequently caused by long passes to unexpected places. IN OTHER CENTRES. CHRISTCHURCH, August 12. The last club games of the season were played to-day in perfect weather. In the final of the knock-out competition for the challenge shield, Merivalo 11 beat Christchurch 9, Sydenham 12 beat. Athletic G in a. friendly game. WELLINGTON. August 12. First Division: Old Boys 19, Marist 3; Petone 17, Poneke 11; Hutt 17, Wellington 7; Athletic 23, Oriental 3; Eastbourne 19, St. PatriOls 9. Second Division: University 45, Hutt 0. AUCKLAND, August 14. Ponsonby 3, Grammar 3; Marist 19, Grafton I); University 14, Technical 0.8. 0. Championship points: Ponsonby and University 22, Marist 2(1 and Grammar 19. TEMUKA, August 12. Star (Timaru) 3; Temuka 0. TIMARU, August 12. Old Boys 14, Celtic 11; Star 3, Temuka 0; Pleasant Point 6, Zingari 3. S. AFRICANS WIN. FORWARDS’ WEIGHT TELLS. CAPETOWN, August 12. A crowd of thirty thousand people saw the South Africans defeat the Australians in the third test match to-day at Johannesburg. The Springboks won by 12 to 3. The sides were as follow: —

Wallabies: Steggall, Kelaher, Sturtridge, McLean, Cowper, Billman, Bennett, M. White, Bonis, Cerutti, Loudon, Cook, AV. White, Bridle, and Hodson.

Springboks: Brand. Venter, Waring, White, Turner, Craven, Osler, Boy Louw, Kippling. Fanie Louw, Smollan, Nel (captain), Geere, Clark and Bergh.

There was no score in the first spell, though Billman nearly succeeded in scoring for the Wallabies in a difficult attempt to drop-kick a goal from nearly half-way. In the second spell the Springboks’ giant forwards wore down the visitors defences, though the Australians struggled along gamely. Boy Louw and Turner each scored tries for South Africa, Brand converting tho latter's try. while Osler dropkicked a field goal.

Cowper scored Australia’s only try. AUSTRALIAN RULES. SYDNEY, August 13. The football carnival ended yesterday with a trial of strength between Victoria, and South Australia for the Australian Rifles Championship. A strenuous game saw Victoria retain the title by a margin of 44 points. There has been much discussion on the proposal to amalgamate the Rugby and Rugby League and Australian Rules codes. There was a trial game staged for (ho officials to study, and a, conference' considered the matter fully, but so far no definite decision has been reached.