RANFURLY SHIELD

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 18, 14 September 1931, Page 4

RANFURLY SHIELD

CANTERBURY WlN CHALLENGE FROM OTAGO SUSTAINED 17—6 "A GREAT GAME" CHRISTCHURCH, Saturday. fiefore a crowd of 12,000, Canterj fcury withstood a Ranfurly Shield chailenge frcim Otago, to win con- | vineingly 17-6. Canterbury drew first blood, An- ! drews making a great opening for I Day to cut in between W. Allen and j Smith. He passed to Brown, who I rtreaked over the line as Nicholson ; dived for his legs. Roberts' kick was j v/ide. Canterbury 3, Otago 0. j So far the heavy Otago forwards ! had been too much for the Canterbury pack, and were the main reason why the Canterbury backs were called on for so much defensive play. Williams came to light with a brilliant dash rourid the scrum on the inside,. and flew part several Otago men. There Was a scramble and the ball went back to Mullan, Andrews, and Hazelhurst, who bolted over for a good try. Roberts failed to convert. Great Riin A minute later another great run by Williams was the making of a third try. He passed in to Sweeney, who dived over well out. Roberts convei'ted. Canterbury 11, Otago 0. The Otago backs were then seen in some fast rushes, in the face of whieh Canterbury retreated to their twentyfive. Williams brought relief with a long kick into touch. Canterbury were in cesperata straits as Otago hammered away on. their line, but finally cleared. Canterbury next swung into action in their tweny-five. They swept right through the Otago team for Innes to score in the corner. Roberts failed to goal. Canterbury 14, Otago o. ! Second Spell r A pitched battle between the forwards in midfield opened proceedings in the final session. Mullan was penalised for handling in the scrum, and Souter sent over a beautiful kick to open Otago'3 score. Canterbury 14, Otago 3. Otago forwards kept up the attack, and a loose raking rush again drove Canterbury back. The battle among the forwards was being fought at a terrific . pace, with Otago, by virtue of tb/air greater weight, always dangerous. The scene of action was still in Ganterbury's quarter, and a great bout of passing between W. Allen and Robilliard saw the lastnamed score in the corner. Souter's kick miss'ed. Canterbury 14, Otago 6. A bunch led by Hore and Souter drove through the Canterbury defence like a battering ram, and actually crossed the line. Souter touched down, but a scrum was ruled five yards out. Otago were two feet from the Canterbury line when Manchester broke through in sensational fashion. Otago were take completely by surprise. Andrews, Hazelhurst and Dun^hea all fell into line, and swept through to the other end of the field, leaving Dunshaa a clear run home. Roberts again missed. Canterbury 17, Otago 6. Both sides were now tossing the ball about freely, and play surged up and down the field, amicst great excitement. Otago could not sustain the pace in the open, and again closed in with tight forward play. The play returned to half-way and a great' game enced, Canterbury 17, Otago 6.