THE RANFURLY SHIELD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19730, 1 September 1927, Page 11

THE RANFURLY SHIELD.

HOLDERS RETAIN TROPHY. TARANAKI BEATEN AGAIN. GAME IN MUD AND RAIN. [BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] TALMEKSTON NORTH, Wednesday. One of the most severe thunderstorms experienced in Palmerston North proceded the Ranfurly Shield match to-day, in which Manawhenua defeated Taranaki by 9 points to 3, thus retaining the shield. Tho crowd, which must have numbered nearly 10,000, was keyed to a high pitch of enthusiasm, and witnessed the match in spite of heavy rain. The game was essentially a forward one. Attempts to pick up the ball by either side invariably met with disaster, and to throw the ball about was almost equally impossible. As far as the forwards were concerned they were fairly evenly matched. From tho commencement Taranaki went on an attacking expedition, and Manawhenua were called upon for strenuous defence for a fairly lengthy period. Tho combined forwards, however, gradually wore down the opposition, and were instrumental in drawing first blood. Under the conditions existing tho game resolved itseif into the survival of the fittest, and '.ho Manawhenua forwards, lasting out better, were able to carry tho day. The half-time score was 3 to 0 in favour of Manawhenua, Jacob sending the sodden ball over the bar from a difficult angle with a long kick. Tho effort was greeted with cheers. Tho combined team dominated the play in the second half. The condition of the ground was now atrocious, it being difficult to distinguish the players amid the sweeping rain. The excitement increased as Taranaki, in a supreme effort, hammered through tho defence, and O'Keefe, securing from the ruck, equalised the scores. The final ten minutes of the game was exciting. Manawhenua added two tries in about five minutes, the last one on the call of time. Tremewan and Anderson were the scorers. Manawhenua defend the shield against Wanganui on Saturday at Palmerston North.