Ranfurly Shield Nearly Lost By Otago

Chronicle (Levin), 1 August 1949, Page 2

Ranfurly Shield Nearly Lost By Otago

PTJNEDIN, Julv 31. Tn the first Ranftirly Shield matcli of the season played at Carisbrook on Saturday in flne weather and on a heavy ground, Otago and Buller drew 6-all in a thrilling match which seriously threatenecl the home team's possession of the shield. An attendance ofticially estimated at between 24,000 and 25.000 saw a game with plentv of incident. The Bniler backs made etfective nse of the kiek through in the Otago 25 and the forwards liunted relentlessly. lt was only lack of finish that robbed the visitors of victory. The game opened at a fast pace with Buller launehing two dangerous attacks in quick succession. In the first of .these G. Smallholme made a clean breakaway from the ruck and ran almost to the Olago line before sending out'a rather hesitant pass which went astray. A moment later the Buller backs were awav in a passing rush and O. Smallholme again used the technique of lcicking through, Moore, who was Otago 's outstanding player at fullback, just reaehing the ball in tjme to force. After some exciting exchanges the Otago backs went into action. J. Fitzgerald and C. J. ilcDonald broke through in turn and when the latter was caught from behind by II. P. Hawes, N. McKenzie kicked over the line near the corner and scored. Bei! failed to convert. Fitzgerald was injured and was replaced by W. I. Perriam." Ten minutes later the Buller half was penalised for putting the ball unfairly in the scrum and Bell goaled from 44 vards out. Otago was under pressure for some time, especially when Hawes threw the ball to F. .T. Neihbours and the Buller fullback make a brilliant run down the line till taelcled by Moore. Buller were rewarded after 30 minutes when, from a loose rush, W. Cunniffe forced his way aeross. F. J. Neighbour's kiclc missed. A short kiek through again had Ota go in trouble and passing initiated by G. Smallholme reaclied Hawes who went over for a good try which was uncou verted by F. Hawes, making the scoiv 6-all at half time. Hard forward plav marked the opeuing stages of the second spell, Ryan showing up for the visitors on lineouts, but' play remained in Buller territory. For Otago Perriam Js cover defence was brilliant and the fullback, Moore, was the outstanding player on the home side. K. J. O'Connor and W. A. Lunn led a strong Otago rush and when Perriam potted Buller forced. A well judged kiek by Dickson put Buller on the attaek and the lively Coast paek in which W. J. Munn, Cnnliffe, M. Ryan and G. Anderson were prominent, severelv tested the Otago defence. Clever line lcicking by the Buller backs kept the visitors on the attack and Otago had several narrow escapes. At the same time, more enterprising taetics by the Buller backs tnight have paid dividends at this stage. In the closing stages excitement raii high as Otago at last set up a hot attack but the Buller defence held, the" game ending Otago 6, Buller 6, Mr J, Walsh, Christchurch, was referee, '