BEBBINGTON SHIELD.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 202, 16 July 1936, Page 12

BEBBINGTON SHIELD.

BUSH RETAIN TROPHY. DEFEAT OF SOUTHERN HAWKE’S BAY. Fast and even football was seen at Pahiatua, yesterday, when the Bush Rugby Union’s representative team beat the Southern Hawke’s Bay team by G points to nil to retain the Bebbington Shield No score had been made at half-time. The teams were:— Bush (maroon and blue).—Bentley, g Wolland, Riddell, H. Wolland, Mills, McSherry, Lett, Spring, Walters, T. Harvey, Burns, C. Harvey, Failover, Mahoney (capt.). « . Southern Hawke’s Bay (yellow and black).— Fouhy, Ayres, Grant, AVatene, Smith, Poeti, Russell, McKay, Hunt, Rossiter, McNicol, AVren, AA alters, McNeil, North. Bush opened the attack after kicking off and play went to the Dannevirke team’s goal-line, but a five-yard scrum saved the day when the visitors sent the ball well upheld and play was taken to half-wav. AVatene claimed a mark and stopped, a Bush onslaught. Grant received an injury and play was held up. It was found necessary for him to retire. Ho was replaced by Hall. A good piece of play by tlie visitors took place and although the passing was good it was spoilt by a knock-oil by Hall. Bush kicked a high ball and

it came down into Dannevirko’s twentyfive. A good run by Ayres took play into Bush territory, but lie was giounded and the ball was kicked out near the half-way line. S. AVolland stopped a Dannevirke rush by placing a beautiful kick across the field and finding tlie line about half-way. The Bush forwards were packing and rucking well and Mahoney was 80611*10 advantage in an individual effort. A free kick for Dannevirke followed and the ball was placed well upfield. Some very exciting moments ensued, when Dannevirke made a desperate effort to score, but the Bush backs were very safe. Dannevirke secured the ball from most of the scrums and their passing out was very effective. Bailey broke through the ruck and dribbltd the ball down to Danncvirke’s twenty-five, hut overran. Hard play followed, ending in Foully forcing down for Dannevirke. An infringement for offside play gave Bush an opportunity with a free kick at goal. Lett took the kick, but failed. Play was carried upfield again and Bus'll kicked out on Dannevirke’s twenty-five. Half-time was then sounded. Poeti kicked off for Dannevirke and 11. AVolland made a rush for the linn, but was forced out. From the line-out Bush secured possession and in the next few minutes were very unlucky not to score. Bentley stopped a Dannevirke rush by kicking the leather well upfield and so brought play into the visitors’ territory. The play at this stage was very dangerous for Dannevirke. Bush were pressing very hard and the situation was saved by Dannevirke getting a free kick through a Bush player being offside. A long run by Fouliy and a kick for tho line took the play down to the twenty-five line, thus saving Dannevirke from a very dangerous situation. A pretty piece of side-stepping by A. Mills opened the game up again and resulted in a well-earned try for Bush. G. Harvey was unsuccessful with tho kick.

Hard play followed and Dannevirke were close' to scoring, but the Bush backs held their ground and the ball was taken upfield by Mills and H AVolland. Bentley was caught in a dangerous position, but was able to pass out to MoSherry, who kicked safely upfield. Dannevirke’s full-back gathered in nicely and found touch with a well-judged kick near half-way. Bush were well out of place and Dannevirke made a great dash for what would have been a well-deserved try, but were forced out near the corner flag. The play was taken down to Dannevirke’s territory again and H. AA 7 olland Went over for a beautiful try. C. Harvey again failed to convert. AA’itli two minutes to go, Dannevirk made a desperate effort to score hut time was against them and the match ended with Bush still holders of the shield, the final score being:— Bush 6, Southern Hawke’s Bay 0. Mr A. AVard, of Palmerston North, was the referee.