THE RANFURLY SHIELD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21859, 23 July 1934, Page 8

THE RANFURLY SHIELD

After successfully defending the Ranfurly Shield in 15 matches since 1931, the Canterbury Rugby representatives have been defeated by the Hawke's Bay team, and all contenders will be promised a battle royal at Napier. Hawke's Bay is second only to Auckland in the matter of the length of the period of' possession of this trophy, which has provided such keen rivalry among the provinces since 1904. That district, in the heyday of its Rugby strength, held the shield from 1922

to 1927. In that period it -\\;as challenged 25 times, and each match was a local victory mostly of a very decisive character. Between 1905 and 1913, Auckland's term of possession, the shield was defended 26 times, two of the matches being draw?. Apart from Hawke's Bay's long retention of it, the trophy since then has travelled frequently. It has been won by Taranaki, by Wellington on three occasions, by Southland twice, Wairarapa twice, Manawhenua and Canterbury twice. The best that can be hoped for it is that it will never remain long in one district. Its purpose is to stimulate competition, and, judging by the standard of Rugby to-day as revealed by the two teams from which the All Blacks were selected, there will be no lack of formidable challengers. Although at the moment the game may lack its little galaxy of outstanding genius, the average standard of play is definitely rising, with youth strongly represented. The- prospect, therefore, is that Hawke's Bay will soon see eager invaders. As the home team, the holders always have the advantage of taking the field with the full strength that is not always possible for the challengers, but that advantage is a right that is won with the capture of the trophy. But, in any event, the game flourishes by reason of these contests, which have now been carried on over so long a period of years that the shield confers a particular honour upon its holders. Well has it fulfilled its function.