RANFURLY SHIELD

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 3, Issue 621, 28 August 1933, Page 5

RANFURLY SHIELD

(Press Assn.—

canterbury retains trophy by 3 pqints against qtago

-By Telegraph — Copyright).

Christchurch, Saturday. Eighteen thousand people watched the Ranfurly Shield match between Canterbury and Otago to-day. The weather was beautifully fine, hnd the ground in good order. Canterbury played with the sun in their eyes. A f ew minutes after the start Otago ivere awarded a penalty, but R. McSkimming's kick from the side-line at halfway fell short. Fast passin'g rushes by the Canterbury backs took play well into the Otago territory, and kept the challengers busily defending, till Taylor got his side. out of trouble with a nice kick into touch. Canterbury returned again, their rush ending in a determined attempt by Hart, who was bumped at the corner fiag as he was tackled by Gillies, and rolled into touch. Nolan failed to field a high kick, and fast following up by Smith and H. McSkimming had Canterbury in serious difficulties, but Oliver came round fast to save temporarily. Otago maintained a vigorous attack for some minutes, but bad passing and scrum infringements lost them golden opportunities. A brilliant run by Dunshea, who side-ste.p-ped two men, made an opening for Canterbury. Allen travelled across fast to challenge Dunshea, who passed out to Oliver, who was backing up, but Oliver fumbled the ball, and the movement broke down. A sensational Otago attack f ollowed. Smith snapped up a dropped pass and putting on all pace, outsped the Canterbury men, and passed to H. McSkimming, who scored between the posts. R. McSkimming converted. Otago 5, Canterbury 0. Otago had the ascendancy till a forward rush carried play to their twenty-five. A penalty was awarded

Canterbury, but Nolan's kick missed. A no-charge was awarded, but the second attempt also was fruitless. The Canterbury forwards came through in a fine rush, but Taylor stemmed the attack with a kick, finding touch in Canterbury territory. Service had a kick from a penalty, but the ball did not rise. Otago were now playing a vigorous and fast game. They staved off several hard rushes by the Canterbury forwards. The Otago backs who were very speedy, were always dangerous. At halftime the score was: Otagq 3, Canterbury 0. Within a few minutes of the start of the second spell Oliver made an opening at midfield, and the ball travelled to Hart, who made a brilliant burst of 30 yards, ran round Taylor, and grounded the ball a few yards from the posts. Nolan's kick hit the cross bar. Otago 5, Canterbury 3. Then Canterbury gained possession from a lineout, and Oliver raced downfield, and sent a pass inside as he was tackled by Smith. The ball was kicked over the line, and McSkimming saved by kicking it over the dead hall line. Canterbury were now playing an open game. Hazelhurst secured possession, cut out a man, and passed to Mortlock, who made a fine swerving run through the oppisition, and scored in a handy position. Nolan converted. Canterbury 8, Otago 5. CanteTbury had put on eight points in about ten minutes, and were playing with much more spirit. The play was very hard, and stoppages on account of injuries became frequent. Hart retired with an injured leg, and was replaced by J. Hattersley. 'Then Otago lost H. McSkimming, who injured an arm. Caradus replaced him. Both Hart and McSkimming had played splendid games. Gaining possession of the ball, the Otago backs attacked persistently, but met resolute defenee. Gillies failed in an attempt to pot a goal, and a penalty kick by R. McSkimming fell short. A rush led by Wa.de and Howell compelled Otago to force. The Canterbury backs opened out and the foYw'ards joined in. Andrews lost possession on the Otago line. Otago retaliated, but Mortlock relieved with a kick to halfway. Again the Otago 'backs got under way, but spoiling play by Oliver kept them out. The final score was: — Canterbury 8, Otago 5,