RANFURLY SHIELD

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 238, 5 September 1927, Page 4

RANFURLY SHIELD

COMFORTABLE VICTORY FOR HOLDERS. WANGANUI’S FRUITLESS MISSION NINETEEN POINTS MARGIN. Confident in their strength, the Rugby representatives of Wanganui, together with an optimistio band of supporters, descended upon Palmerston North on Saturday to challenge Manawhenua’s right to possession of the Ranfurly Shield. Conditions presented a distinct contrast to those of Wednesday when Taranaki likewise paid a fruitless mission, the playing area having made a remarkable recovery, while the light breeze which .vas iii evidence was not sufficient to inconvenience the players. The challengers entered upon their mission in attractive manner—sufficiently so to make it appear that the confidence placed in them by their supporters liad not been misplaced, but when faced with danger the shield holders rose supreme and outplayed the challengers completely, their superority becoming more marked the further the game advanced. From a spectacular point of view there was much to be desired, for Manawhenua, confident that their strength lay in their forwards)—and a truly magnificent pack they are—were content to wage their battle per medium of shock tactics and thereby gain the victory. The pace set by the home forwards told its tale and but for the magnificent work of Darby, their custodian, the score against Wanganui might well have been greater.

Both fifteens received a rousing reception as they filed out a few minutes after the appointed hour and, following the exchange of compliments, the teams which took up their respective positions were as under:—

Manawhenua (colours). —Williamson, McDonald, Hunt, Roberts, Mete, Mullins, W. Parata, Jacob (captain), Anderson, Tremewan, Galpin, Parsons, Crawford, Heatley, Miles. Wanganui (blue). —Darby, Hartley, W akeling, Jones, Ball, Vangioni,. Blythe, Beilis Pine, Coulson, Jackson, Leahy, Johnston, Oxley, Ellery. THE GAME DESCRIBED. Jacob, having lost the toss of the coin, set the ball in motion towards the south goal, the initial attack forcing the visitors back on to the defensive, but that other veteran of many a battle, Beilis, cleared the danger which threatened and, an awkward bounce beating Williamson, Mullins ground kicked through to again set the trophy holders on the aggressive. From a scrum down Parata whipped the leather to Mete who cut through prettily, but his hand on to Hunt just short of the line was knocked on. However, in the ensuing melee Leahy came round too quickly and Jacob repeated his performance of Wednesday by securing the initial advantage per medium of a penalty after the teams had been in action the brief space of four minutes. Manawhenua 3, Wanganui 0. It was an auspicious start, but that they were facing no mean foe was evidenced in the succeeding moments when ■'the visitors fought their way into home territory, McDonald being instrumental in transferring play, although his infield pass went astray. A promising movement by the holders’ rearguai'd came to naught when Roberts failed to retain a high pass from Hunt and, play working to midfield, Leahy had a long shot at goal from a penalty without avail, Hunt finding touch inside the centre line. Wanganui were securing the ball from most of the set scrums and this was assisting them to resti’ict the activities of the opposing brigade, but, while their backs showed promise on occasions, the movements invariably expended themselves. McDonald, Galpin and Jacob were associated in a hand to hand passing bout which was followed by a bout between Jacob, Mullins and Roberts, but the breach could not be forced. Wanganui, despite valiant resistance by Parata, fought their way clear and Vangioni cut between the inner defences to kick through. Roberts being tackled in possession, the rallying defenders got offside and Leahy brought the scores even with his shot at goal from good range. Wanganui 3, Manawhenua 3. Twenty-one minutes of play had elapsed and, stung by the reverse, Manawhenua hurled the opposing forces back. Right and left they stormed, but without avail, a di-op-kick at goal by Jacob from a penalty narrowly going astray. The rearguard were also pi-oving more enterprising and finally the ball emerged from an erratic scrum, to McDonald, who dashed down to Darby and although tackled, he was able to make a further plunge to carry him over the chalk line. Jacob’s kick was a good one, but insufficient windage was allowed. Manawhenua 6, Wanganui 3. Following a spectacular effort by Vangioni, McDonald was tackled in possession and his direct throw into touch cost him a penalty, but the range proved too great for Leahy. The ti-ophy holders had another escape when a cross kick by Ball saw Roberts overhaul Hartley when he was under full sail for the line. The home scrummagers came to the rescue and play swept to the opposite end of the field where, from.a line-out, Jacob rushed through with the ball at his toe to score a try which appeared to carry with it an element of luck The scorer goaled and the interval found Manawhenua holding an encouraging advantage. Manawhenua 11, Wanganui 3. Confident in their superiority, Manawhenua went away with a rush on resumption, but Darby brought the crowd to their feet by dancing his way through to the twenty-five line before being halted. Crawford led his fellow scrummagers back, but over-hard kicking enabled Darby to line out. However, from a succeeding scrum, Parata worked the blind side to send McDonald over at the corner. Jacob goaled with an excellent kick. Manawhenua 16, Wanganui 3.

A sudden and altogether unexpected response was forthcoming from the visitors, Beilis heading a rush which swept to the home goal front. With his way barred the veteran swung out, a wide pass to Johnston, who was trail-, 1 ing behind, and the forward dashed' straight over midway between the goal and the corner flag. Leahy failed. Wanganui 6, Manawhenua 16. The addition of the three points to the blues’ total encouraged their supporters to call upon their representatives to still further efforts and, while! Wanganui launched spasmodic attacks which carried with them an element of danger, the game was slowly l but surely passing into the definite control of the shield holders. A nice cut-in by Mullins promised a certain score, but faulty handling spoilt the effort, while a bout between Roberts and Jacob likewise passed unrewarded when Heatley came in offside. However, battling away like demons, the forwards swept back and from the ruck

Parsons, together with Anderson and Miles, burst clear to run in practically unopposed. Jacob failed with an easy shot. Manawhenua 19, Wanganui 6. The outcome was now assured, despite the fact that the visitors battled on determinedly, and the crowd lost its ardour. Miles and Crawford both showed up prominently in the ensuing play, but, indeed, every member of the side was doing his full share. It was from the back division the next score came, Mullins sending McDonald off en route for the line, the winger running round behind the posts. Jacob’s kick struck the post and rebounded. Manawhenua 22, Wanganui 6. In the closing moments the pace was as fierce as ever; indeed, the battle between the rival packs had taken on an edge of bitterness and there were several stoppages for injuries, Mete being compelled to go off. T* Parata replacing him. Right on the call of time Jacob led his men to the visitors’ line where, from the throw-in, Trernexvan went over. Again the kick failed, but the margin of victory was a comfortable one. Manawhenua 25, Wanganui 6. Mr E. G. Clark, of Christchurch, employed the whistle very judiciously which tended to make the game fast, even if it were not open.

JUNIOR REPRESENTATIVE. TO OPPOSE WELLINGTON. The following fifteen have been selected to represent Manawatu juniors versus Wellington juniors in a curtainraiser match to the Canterbury-Mana-whenua game on Wednesday:— Full-back.—Bennett (O.B.) Three-quarters. Sutherland (L), Fletcher (H.S.), Morgan K.T.) Five-eighths.—Page (H.S.), Benge (F.) Half.—Waugh (O.B.) Rover.—Sutherland (L.) Hookers.—Flowers (W.U.), Scott (F.) Lock.—Rae (K.T.) Supports.—Powell (B.), Wilson (H.S.) Back row.—Kerrigan (St. P.), Lancaster (O.B.) Emergencies. Backs: McKenzie (St. P.), Gibbs (B’thorpe), Noiris (H.S.); forwards: Hepburn (F.), Clevely (H.S.) Players are requested to attend at the Showgrounds gates at 1 o’clock.

WIN FOR HAWKE’S BAY. CANTERBURY BEATEN BY DOUBTFUL TRY. Per Press Association. NAPIER, Sept. 3. A splendid exhibition of Rugby was provided here this afternoon by the Canterbury, and Hawke’s Bay representatives, when the latter won by 11 to 8. Notwithstanding the fact that the Bay victory in points was due’to what some considered a doubtful try, they certainly were the best side oji the play, though by only a few degrees. Bay kicked off against a very slight breeze, Smart clearing by the Canterbury inside backs proved effective agamst the home side’s opening attacks, which kept play for the first few minutes in the visitors’ half. Then a long kick sent the ball out at the Bay twenty-five. From a scrum Dailey sent Steel going round the blind side, and he successfully pushed past the defence to score in the corner. Lilburne converted. Canterbury 5, Bay 0. The home side l'eturned to the attack immediately, and found the line at the ivistors’ twenty-five. A couple of scrums and an exchange of kicks took play into the Bay half. Steel got away again, but M. Brownlie stopped him. A free lack let the visitors dangerously close. Dailey secured from a scrum and handed to Scrimshaw, who was brought down near the line. Bay cleared from the scrum, and a good passing bout by the backs changed defence into attack. Exciting play on the line made Canterbury supporters nervous, ■but relief was gained by. a timely force-down. Edwards worked the blind side for Grenside to make a good run and then transferred to Corltill, who finished a fine movement with a try in the corner. Grenside missed the kick. Canterbury 5, Bay 3. Play continued for quite a time in neutral territory. Onco or twice Harris electrified the crowd with wonderful line kicks when most needed. C. Brownlie dribbled from the scrum, beat two red backs, and Huxtable rushed into score well out. Grenside missed the kick. Bay 6, Canterbury 5. From a 6crum midway Dailey sent the backs away, and Robilliard’s. speed let him over in the corner. Lilburne missed the kick. Caxiterbury 8, Bay 6. Twice M. Brownlie put in great runs, and as a result the visitors’ line was in danger. Huxtable lost a good chance by short kickling when he might have run in. Then the reds sought relief by a force. M. Brownlie had a shot from a penalty., but missed. A mark by Dailey saved the situation when Bay was again attacking strongly. Canterbury’s rear'guard was very reticent about going up to meet the ball, otherwise the defence might have been more formidable. Half-time came with play in midfield. Canterbury 8, Bay 6. Corkill was replaced by Rolls in the ’second spell. Soon after the start Clark went off with ankle trouble and was replaced by Gray. Canterbury did the attacking at the opening, but Bay’s forwards soon took command and Conrad dribbled away.. Harris fell over the ball, and certainly appeared to force down, but the referee gave a try to Conrad, who touched after Hai-ris had rolled away. Grenside converted. Bay 11, Canterbury 8. Both sides were now opening up play, and the ball travelled rapidly up and down, making the game interesting to watch. Dailey gave his inside backs plenty of chances, but they in turn’ did not do as much, for the -wings’ movements generally broke down before getting that far. Canterbury’s forwards, however, were doing better in the loose than in the first half, and frequently had Bay on defence. Barclay, at wing-forward, was mainly responsible for smothoring the red inside backs. Lilburne here had to retire with an old knee tiouble. Payne came on. A breakway from Bay’s twenty-five saw the ball travel right to the Canterbury line, where Payne forced down. Time sounded with the scores: Hawke’s Bay 11, Canterbury 8. FINE GAME IN AUCKLAND. HOME PLAYERS BEAT WAIRARAPA. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Sept. 3. The Auckland Rugby representatives (had their eighth successive win of the (season by defeating Wairarapa at Eden Park this afternoon by 12 points to 3. The weather was fine and the ground in good order. The match was witnessed by 25,000 spectators. It was easily Auckland’s hardest tussle to Idate. The visitors tackled determinedly, and their sound defnee held the Auckland backs in check for the best part of the game. The match was marked by fine, fast forward play, | ;intermingled with spectacular back dashes. 1 There was no score at half-

time. Early in the second spell a mild sensation was caused through the referee awarding an obstruction try to the visitors. Cooke intercepted in a passing rush and, running to Paewai, short punted. Paewai held him and the reforee awarded a try. The incident took play a few yards from the Auckland line. Fifteen minutes before time Auckland rattled on nine points in quick succession. Berridge had previously kicked a penalty goal, equalising the scores, and then brilliant play by the Auckland backs saw Hook, Woods and McWilliams touch down. Berridge failed with easy kicks, two being in front of the posts. Auckland was the superior team on the day, especially in the second spell. WIN FOR WELLINGTON FIFTEEN. WELLINGTON, Sopt. 4. Wellington defeated Otago on Saturday at Athletic Park in the presence of a very lprgs attendance of spectators by 24 points to 16, after a very fact, sometimes spectacular and always interesting game. Wellington won because they were better able to last the great pace that was set. MANAWATU JUNIORS BEAT WANGANUI. Per Press Association. WANGANUI,Sept. 4. In a junior Rugby match, Wanganui v. Manawatu, on Saturday, played in ideal weather, the visitors won by 6 points to 5. RESULTS IN OTHER CENTRES. Blenheim. —Wellington B 22 v. Marlborough 6. Oamaru—North Otago 20 v. Eastern Districts 3. Timaru.—South Canterbury 24 v. Ashburton 9. Christchurch. —Canterbury second fifteen 33 v. Golden Bay-Motueka 5. New Plymouth.—Star 8 v. Tukapa 7; Tukapa juniors 6 v. Star juniors 0. Carterton (Brough Cup match). — North Wairarapa 12 v. South Wairarapa 8. Hawera (Taranaki first grade Rugby championship). —Stratford 10 v. Okaiawa 8. MANAWHENUA UNION. MEETING ON SATURDAY. A meeting of the Manawhenua Rugby Union was held in Palmerston North on Saturday evening-, Mr A. M. Ongley presiding. Also present were Messrs H. Crawford, J. A. Colquhoun, J. R. Hardie, J. Ryan, T. Collins, K. W. Eglinton (Manawatu and M. Winiata, F. Robinson and J. J. O’Connor (Horowlienua). Apologies for absence were received from Messrs Anderson, Casey and Austin (Horowhenua). Advice was received from the Foxton Club that it was endeavouring to change from the territory of the Horowhenua District Council to that of Manawatu. —The information was received without comment.

It was decided to forward on to the New Zealand Union a protest by the Hui Mai Club (Te Kawau) against a decision of the Manawatu District Council upholding a protest by the Central Club over a game played at Rongotea on June 25. < Notice of his intention to move at a special meeting of delegates that there be no alteration of the rules unless by a two-thirds majority of delegates was given by the chairman, who also intimated that he would .bring up for discussion the matter of the suggested amendment to rule B.—The meeting was fixed for September 19 at Levin. Regarding the game next Wednesday between Manawhenua and Canterbury, it was decided, at the request of the latter union, to make it a Ranfurly Shield fixture. The match, it was resolved, should start at 2.30 o’clock, and the cliarges for admission were fixed similarly to those of last Saturday, with the exception that all children will be admitted for 6d. Successful representations, the chairman reported, had been made to the Railway Department to grant excursion fares for the Canterbury game. On the motion of Mr O’Connor, it was decided that the union pay delegates’ travelling expenses between Palmerston North and Levin when attending meetings, the total liability per trip not to exceed £4 for each council. Mr Robinson, manager of the Manawhenua touring team, reported that, at the various places visited, the combination had been hospitably entertained, the King Country Auckland, Waikato and Wellington Unions leaving no stone unturned to make their trip an enjoyable one. The conduct of the players had been excellent, and there had never been a word of discontent. As far as their conduct had been concerned, one could be proud of the team; at every hotel they had stayed at they had been exceedingly well spoken of. At present the team was getting fitter every day, and in his opinion, had a good chance of retaining the shield this season. Thanks were due to the various unions for their hospitality, to the Marton Jockey Club, whose ctugsLs the team held been on Fnday, and to the De Luxe Theatre for free passes. , T For the game against Otago at Devin Mr Robinson was appointed manager of the team, and the assembling was left in his and Mr Winiata’s hands . The chairman and Mr Hardie were deputed to attend to the entertainment of the Canterbury team, while Mesars Winiata and O’Connor were instructed to attend to Otago at Levin. The three southern delegates at the meeting were given authority to display the shield in Shannon, Foxton and Levin till Wednesday. Congratulations it was decided should be sent to Messrs Sutherland (Auckland) and Clark (Canterbury) on their refereeing in the two shield games already played. NOT FOR AFRICA. Three of the 1924-25 All Blades have announced that they are not available for the trip to South Africa. The players are: — A. E. Cooke, the brilliant fiveeighths; Quentin Donald and W. Irvine, the “crack” hookers of the victorious side that toured England. Business reasons will stop the Wairarapa trio from going to Africa.