The Shield Returns

The Seddon Shield, symbol of Rugby supremacy in the top and western parts of the South Island, has returned to the Nelson province for the first time since 1964. The Nelson-Bays team wrested the shield from the unwilling clutches of Buller within minutes of the end of their game at Westport earlier this month. The score, 9-6 (a try, a field goal and a penalty goal, to two tries). There was, of course, excitement over the win, but little over the football. Heavy rain began to fall shortly after the game started and for the most part it became a game of kick and chase and of capitalising on the opposition's errors. And there were many of these. The Nelson backs were unable to function. Quick-breaking Buller forwards hammered the half-back and first five-eighths combination and the game developed into a scramble. But, it was a victory, and especially a victory for the proponents of amalgamation.

Beaming smiles from Nelson president, Lloyd Oeder-man, captain John Allan and combined union's executive committee chairman, Peter Wild, as they lovingly fondle the shield.

John raises the shield in victory after the presentation.

Enthusiastic supporters chair Trevor Morris from the field.

It was this final penalty goal by Trevor which brought the shield back.

Nelson Bays lock Terry Julian crashes through the Buller lineout while Buller forwards try to stop the remaining Nelson Bays forwards from supporting him.

Getting under the up-and-unders as quickly as possible sometimes meant collision in mid-air. A typical example when this unidentified Nelson player (looks a bit like Rodney Bowater) collided in mid-air with Buller defenders.

John Chadwick scored Nelson's only try after play took a swift change of direction. There to give the support he didn't need was Simon McIntyre.

The ball has come back to the Buller aide of the lineout, but Nelson-Bays forwards are opposed by a human barricade.

Much of the play took place on the southern touchline. Here, Bruce Smith has been tackled but L. Wasney is there to carry the movement on.

Halfback Mike Neale gets his clearing kick away before being engulfed by the Bulger forwards.

Buller fullback G. Hart is caught in possession over his goal-line by Terry Julian while Terry Smith comes in to lend a hand. No try eventuated.

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The Nelson Photo News

No 107 : September 20, 1969

The Shield Returns