Ranfurly Shield Challenge

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 211, 7 September 1938, Page 16

Ranfurly Shield Challenge

MAUAWATU FOREGOES MATCH THIS SEASON Tho Manawatu Rugby Union does not intend to go ahead with its challenge for the Ranfurly Shield this season. Several months ago Southland, the then-holders of the trophy, accepted a challenge from Mauawatu, and the match was set down for decision on August 13. However, before tAo game could be played, Southland lost the j shield to Otago, and the latter union, because of representative arrangements , previously entered into, transferred - Manawatu’s challenge to September 24, a date which was not favourably received by the Mauawatu union. Last night the union’s managemen: committee had before it a telegram from Otago inquiring whether September 24 should still bo reserved fox Manawatu, and asking for a prompt reply, as other uuions were seeking a match on September 24. Mr. A. M. Ongley, the president, sai«J 1 that Manawatu had made arrangements with Hawke’s Bay for a match at Palmerston North on September 24, , and to go ahead with the Ranfurly Shield challenge would mean that th« Hawke’s Bay game would have to be cancelled, a thing which Manawatu should not do, as Hawke’s Bay was one f of the unions which had always given i Manawatu a Saturday game. If South-

land recovered the shield from Otago Manawatu ; s challenge did not carry on. In view of those circumstances and the fact that it was so late in the season, it would perhaps bo best tc leave a southern tour over till ncxi season. Mr. F. E. Sherwood said it seemed obvious that Manawatu should go ot with its match with Hawke's Bay mid forego the challenge for the shield. After further brief comment, it was decided to forego the challenge and advise Otago of the position.