THE RANFURLY SHIELD.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 90, 20 August 1913, Page 4

THE RANFURLY SHIELD.

Vi ellington took keen interest in last Saturday’s Rugby match and Taranaki’s victory. The Post refers to it as follows:—At last the Ranfnrly Enbby Shield lias been wrenched from Auckland’s mighty grasp, after many hard battles, by warriors from Taranaki, a province famous in football annals. Invaders from the dairy district had the rare joy of conquering the, champions on an Auckland ground

some years ago, but as the visitors had not put in a challenge for the shield, the trophy remained in the Queen City. On tour the Aucklanders have-suffered reverses, but tasted defeat only once, on their own territory,since they wrested the ishiekl from Wellington eight years ago. This -is a remarkable record, of which the province can be fairly proud. It is a formidable answer to any suggestion that Auckland has an enervating climate. That long valiant defence of the premiership token deserves more than praise from the footballers of Xew Zealand and the supporting public. That wonderful “lease” of the shield should have some recognition by the unions outside Auckland. Between them they should be able fo easily raise a few pounds for a gift to the j Xorthern Rugby Union in commemoration of the honourable achievement. Well may one sympathise with the losers, but even they will admit that tli© shifting of the shield will do good by stimulating other provinces. Taranaki will not have to wait long for a challenger. The Wellington team, which boat Taranaki a few weeks ago, will be eager for another fight, and Canterbury’s representatives may sally northward for that special purpose. The probability if that the shield will do much travelling during the next few years.