RANFURLY SHIELD

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10663, 9 August 1920, Page 7

RANFURLY SHIELD

RETAINED BY WELLINGTON AUCKLAND'S GREAT BID FOR VICTOEY. A SPIRITED CONTEST. By Telegraph—Special to "Times." AUCKLAND, August 7. There was an attendance of upwards of twelve thousand at tho Domain this afternoon, when the chosen of Auckland did battle against tho visiting Wellington team in an endeavour to wrest the Banfurly Shield from the holders, Ihe heavy rain on Friday had made the ground slightly on the toft side,.tout otherwise the conditions excellent. The teams were:— , -vr- i_ i Auckland: Backs." Kingston, Nioholson, Badeley, Murray, Grierson. ***<>*< and Earlly; forwards, Singe, Taylor, Lamas, HaywaTd, Alexander. Hamilton, Arnold, and Greville. ."•"■. ~„.„ Wellington: Backs, Malm, McCabe, Tilyard, Barker, Corner , M. Nicholls, and H. Nicholls; forwards, Fitzgerald. Shearer, Hughes, Price. Harkness, Wilson, Calcanai, and Pearce. AUCKLAND START WELL. The visitors won the toss, and Auckland had tho disadvantage of the sun. From the start the local forwards became aggressive. Wilson was responsible for stopping a dangerous rush, but tlie attack was only delayed. Along came the Auckland-forwards with splendid dash, and Wellington was hard pressed, fhe play of Greville and Singe being particularly conspicuous. An infringement kick gave Wellington temporary relief, then Earlly set his backs in motion, and Murray missed a pass and also an opportunity to score. . Tho Wellington forwards were playing without combination. With the exception of Price there was no vim in their play and the scrum work was w-eak When the Wellington backs got the ball progress was made, hut the Cham oi passing -was not up to ' standard, the weakest spot being Tilyard. After defending for ten minutes Wellington backs got away and a hard kick by Tilyard forced Auckland down. Tho game gradually became fast and a pretty piece of passing between H. and M. Nicholls anaCorner opened matters up, and caused the enthusiasm to grow. Barker missed a pass and a possible opportunity to register a score. . . The Auckland forwards came through from their own lino in great style, the play of Singe being superb. Midheld was reached before the effort was stopped, where Price started a dribbling rush, but was unsupported. Grierson stepped in, gathered tho ball and Wellington was in trouble. Grierson almost reached the line when he passed infieid to Alexander, and Singe, who kicked across and scored. Laxon goaled. Auckland ■ ™ Wellington •—• ° . It looked as if Auckland were going to nave an easy victory. They wero playing tho better game and beating Wellington badly forward. - Singe was a tower of strength, hut lhe Wellington backs were slightly superior. A nice opening was made by H. Nicholls. The ball went to Corner, to M. Nicholls, and on to Barker, but a had pass lost a certain try. A ew.eeping rush by the Auckland forwards and bad handling by the opposition hacks enabled IJarlly to 6coro. Laxon missed with the kick. Auckland s Wellington ° Another exhiliarating rush by Auckland forwards menaced the goal lino, Malin being tho stumbling block. The overeagemess of the Auckland backs lost an easy try. Wellington's play was extremely disappointing, but a chango came over the scene. Tho forwards suddenly welded themselves into a united body and secured the ball in tho scrums. The backs displayed ability, and after Barker had overhauled Singe and prevented a score the forwards charged with ball at toe, and a passing bout, in which the* majority of the backs took pari,, ended in Barker being collared a yard from the line. Open and fast play followed, both sides playing interesting r.nd bright Rugby. Each attacked in turn. A forward rally by Wellington "suited in Calcanai racing over. M. Nicholla sent the ball over the bar, hut an opposing forward touched it during its flight. Auckland * Wellington " WELLINGTON IMPROVE. Wellington was confident of .doing better in the socond half. The opening was not promising. Auckland attacked with plenty of "ginger," and Singe made a fine effort to kick a goal. A combined forward dash by Wellington culminated in Harkness scoring. .M. Nicholla added the major points. .Auckland • 8 Wellington. ■' 8 Wellington were having the better of tho argument. M. Nicholls kicked at goal from a penalty. The ball hit the bar. and Calcanai got over. Nicholls goaled. Wellington -9 Auckland 8 The spectators cheered when Barley. Badley, and Nicholson were associated in a passing rush. McCabe stopped the movement, and from a lino-put the ball was tossed to Kingston, who potted a magnificent goal. Wellington -3 Auckland * l" Tb was recognised one of tho best games seen in Auckland for a long time. Tho teams wore so evenly matched that tho balance of tho scales might bo turned anyside by tho team receiving most of tho lusk. A determined attack by Wellington was saved by Murray and Kingston. This extracted Auckland from difficult position repeatedly. A sporting spirit was shown through tho contest, but tho Auckland backs showed too great, a tendency to kick rather than pass, thus giving their forward? too much running. Auckland attacked by a kick

by Nicholson, and a counter movement by Wellington saw Hughes over from a forward . tcramble. M.. Nicholls was again successful with the kick. Wellington 18 Auckland 12 Shortly afterwards Barker picked the ball up and using his. speed, raced down behind the goal. M. Nicholls was successful. Wellington 83 Auokland .. 12 It was nearing the time for tho final whistle when Auckland pub up a great effort, gaining a free-kick. Nicholson placed a beautiful goal. Wellington .'. 33 Auckland 15 A few minutes afterwards a rush of the Auckland forwards, which was well supported by the backs, resulted in Hamilton beating Malin for the ball. Laxon made no mistake with the kick, and the gamo ended:—" Wellington .". 23 Auckland 20 Mr C. Atkinson was the referee.