SEDDON SHIELD

Grey River Argus, 7 August 1937, Page 10

SEDDON SHIELD

TO-DAY’S GAME Buller’s Strong Challenge To-day West Coast will defend the Seddon Shield won 'at Blenheim a fortnight ago, against Buller’s challenge and the prospects are that the visiting team will put up one of the strongest challenges in the history of the trophy. To-day’s teams will be: — Buller (Cardinal and Blue) Full-back: A. Dunn. Three-quarters: J. Hill, A. Strachan, R. Butterfield. Five-eighths: S. Neighbours, S. Stew-art. Half-back: H. Finlayson. Forwards: R. Pratt, G. Orman, J. Lake; G. Mason, G. Wilson, K. Corrie, J. Brown; T. Phipps. Emergencies: Backs —J. Gonley, D. Strachan, K. Brown; Forwards, D. Hudson, Caldwell. West Coast. (Red>and White) Full-back: N. Collins. Three-quarters: R. Roberts, G. Gilbert, B, Agnew/ - TT , Fi ve -eighths: W. Mann, S. Hendry.

Half-back: M. Davidson. Forwards: A. King, B. Thorpe, P. Pascoe; R. Wciblitz, R. R. King (captain), B. Stuart, P. Garden; M. Scandrett. „ , ~ ... Emergencies: Backs, J. Costello, W. Vincent, J. Logie; forwards, A. Tainui, J. Hammond. R. Kirkwood, owing to a family bereavement, is not available to-day, and his place will be taken by A. King. A. Scandrett, who is indisposed, will be replaced'by P. Pascoe, and R.’weiblitz is the additional forward. J. Gardiner, one of the emergencies, is indisposed, and J. Hammond replaces him. The West Coast backs are, on an average, nearly 1 lb. heavier than the visitors, whilst the forwards are no less than 11 lb. heavier per man. 'Phe match is to be played at Rugby Park at 2.45 p.m. and Mr R. W. Blazey, of Christchurch, will be the referee. Owing to the heavy nature of Rugby Park following rain during the past 48 hours, the curtain-raiser between Rovers (Granity) and Blaketown has been cancelled. The Buller team arrived at 5.30 o’clock last evening, and are staying at the Albion Hotel. The manager, Mr H. Casey, reported that the team members W'ere all lit and well. Indicating the thoroughness of the Union’s preparation for the game, every member of the Coast team yesterday received telegraphic advice to be present for a team talk and scrum practice last evening. As a result, there was a full attendance at the Cobden Gymnasium. Successful Season: West Coast have a particularly strong team this season, and their record so far is wins in representative games as follows: — v. Canterbury: Won 23—14. v. Buller (Rundle Cup): Won 18—0. v. Buller: Won, 9—5. v. Marlborough: Won, 15/8. The Buller team will be joined by the West Coast players at dinner after to-day’s game. They will later attend a dance and leave to-morrow on return to Westport. Buller-Coast Matches: West Coast and Buller have played only five matches for the Seddon Shield, each team being successful twice. West Coast have yet to be beaten for the trophy by Buller at Greymouth. The results of previous matches are: — 1914—Buller 25, West Coast 3. 1923 —West Coast 3, Buller 3. 1931 — Buller 11, West Coast 6. 1932 — West Coast 9, Buller 3. 1933 — West Coast 7, Buller *3.

Buller’s Record: In 39 games played to date, Buller have won 17 games, including three challenges, lost 18 games, including three' when defending the Shield, and have drawn four games. Buller first won the Shield from Marlborough by. 3 to nil in 1913, and retained possession until defeated by the same team 21 to 13, in 1920. Iheir next win was not until 1930 when the trophy was lifted from Golden BayMotueka, 6 to nil. In 1935 Buller beat Marlborough by 9 to 3, and lost the shield in the following year to Marlborough 9to 3. . * *

Seddon Shield Gate: The gross receipts from the Seddon Shield match at Bleheim amounted to £282 (says the “Express). Amusement tax £29, and referee’s expenses £7 reduced this to £246, leaving the Marlborough Union with £123, after paying out a half-share to the West Coast Union.