FOOTBALL.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XLIV, Issue 14705, 4 June 1920, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

THE KANWRLY SHIELD. WELJjINGTON BI'iATS CANTERBURY. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Juno 3. The first interprovineial Rugby fixture for the .season was decided this afternoon, when Wellington .defeated Canterbury by 15 points to 3. Tho afternoon was brilliantly fine, and fully 9000 spectators were present. General Sir Win. Birdwood arrived on the scene shortly after the change of ends, and his arrival was heralded' by a spontaneous outburst of cheering, which was loud and sustained. The game Was well up to interprovineial standard. There was an entire absence of wind, but the turf was heavy, and inclined to be greasy. Tho difference between tho respect! vo scores does not convey the true estimate of the relative merits of the teams oil the afternoon's play. Wellington, on account of superior combination in the backs, must lie acclaimed the superior team, but theirs wns-by no means an easy win. At half-titne-the score was 10 —3, although Wellington subsequently added another five points to their tally, . they were badly beaten in all departments throughout the last 30 minutes' piny. Canterbury lacked power, and only their lack* of finish militated against their chance of converting' defeat into victory. Canterbury's first and only score 'came fairly early in tlie' game, from a penalty kick by Hasell. Wellington evened the position almost immediately, Algar scoring a try, which Roberts "converted, and Shearer-scored' Wellington's second try, Roberts converting. In the second spoil GiJchnHt added another trv for Wellington, lto-' berts again converting. There was« no scoring in the last half-hour-of tho game, during which Canterbury had' Wellington penned up in • they own, twenty-five. Tho home team more than once sought sanctuary in a. force down, and the visitors repeatedly attacked/ with great dash. They lacked" finish, however, otherwise the score •b6rtt*d would have told a different tale. Tlio weak point about the home team was tho wing forward, Carnegie (the Canterbury wing) repeatedly "putting it all over." the local man. Evans,, Canterbury full-back. was particularly safe, nnd did some excellent work. He-re-fused to get .bustled, and coolly repelled 1 manv an onslaught, not once failing to get. 'his kick in. Ford, MnCorinack. Carnegie, Parker, •(and Cummings were also bright and particular stars in'the Canterbury . firmament. -