Otago Retain Ranfurly Shield

Chronicle (Levin), 15 August 1949, Page 6

Otago Retain Ranfurly Shield

DUNEDIN, August 14. Otago warded off the third Ranfurly Shield ehallenge on Saturday when rt lefeated Southland 6—3 after oue. of Dhe most rugged games seen at Carisbrook for a long time. In a memorable linish, L. 8. Woodhouse, Otago haLtback, kicked a snap field goal after sustained Otago attaeks. . The game was witnessed by a crowi ofticially estimated -at 34,000.^ It was. marked by the sportmg tradition characteristic of the rivairy between' the two neighbouring provxnces and was a classic exhibition of forward play between two well matched PaclcsOtago backs showed more speed and penetration than the challengers but their- best efforts were nullified by determined tackling and even when they tried the short kick, Southland 's cover defence stood firm. The game was played . m drizzlmg rain and although the ground was in excellent order, the ball soon became greasy and difificult to handle. Scoring opened when R. H.- Bell kicked a goal from 40 yards out after four mj.nutes of play. A Southland forward rush immediately afterwards took play to the Otago 25 where Otago were penalised for offside play and T. R. Webster kicked a neat goal. Otago backs started passing at every opportunity but the defence was im penetrable and although under piessure, Southland gave nothing away. Possession from the scrums. and rucks was fairly even but the lineout play favoured Otago. After an attack by the Otago backs, Southland took '> the offensive early ^ in the second spell blit 'Lunn took pmy over the Southland line only to lose the ball and miss a certain try. J, Graham, first five-eightlis was prominent in ail Otao-o 's passing niovements but Southland forwards were tirei'ess and only Jack of finish prevented them from capitalising their dash. A sweeping rush by Southland forwards endangered the, Otago line till IV. I. Perriam cleaied but the challengers were not to be denied and thrust and counter-thrust followed in quick succession with little be tween the teams. Otago still had tlie territorial advantage but continued to lose- scoring opportunities by hairbreadth margins. Torrid forward play continued with Otago holding a slighi edge but 'they were still unable to finish off though launching attack after attack. It was a seoreless spell of grand football with Otago ceaselessly attacking, until in the last minute of the game Woodhouse decided the issue with a left foot pot iroai tke ruck, ,