The Shield Returns

The Seddon Shield, symbol of Rugby supremacy among the northernmost unions of the South Island, has returned to Nelson. But it wasn't quite as easy as that. The West Coast, holders of the trophy, were not keen to see it come north, but Jimmy Wilson and the 14 other members of the Nelson team, through hard slogging on a mud patch, won the day at Greymouth and the shield with it.

The score of 6 points (a field goal and penalty goal) all kicked by Mike Delany, to 3 (a try), was not a large one. Nor does it represent the superiority of the Nelson team. Not only did Nelson hold a territorial advantage but it missed two tries by a touch only.

With the ground conditions greasy and wet, it was obvious that Nelson would need to gain forward supremacy to succeed. That they did so speaks volumes for their play, for not so long ago the West Coast pack bested a star-studded Canterbury eight on the same ground.

The team did not lack for support at Greymouth, The ground rang to the urgings of Nelson supporters who had travelled to Greymouth to see their team win. Nor did it lack a suitable welcome when the shield and team arrived home. Hundreds turned out in bitter weather to do honour to the team and during the closing stages of the drive the boys' bus was given an escort of many cars.

We go to press fully anticipating a victory over Marlborough on August 11. We are sure that if the team plays with the spirit it showed against West Coast, the shield will still be here at the close of the season.

To the team, our congratulations on a really first-class exhibition.

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West Coast captain, Neil McAra hands the shield over to black-eyed Jim Wilson while Ray Bunt, West Coast president, tries to look pleased.

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Home again, where union president Roy Mace and Mayor Stan Russell were on hand to greet the bus