Shield Match #91
Canterbury 7 – 8 Wairarapa | 18 July 1928

Four days later, after defeating South Canterbury 29-9 on the Wednesday, Canterbury were somewhat unexpectedly defeated by Wairarapa.

Ben Cooke, who captained the challengers, had withdrawn from the New Zealand touring side after selection, Ian Harvey being the only Wairarapa representative with the New Zealand tourists.

It was not Wairarapa who took the shield – it was Cooke!

Without doubt “Cookie” that day showed himself the player of the century. What a thrill it all was for the record mid-week crowd of 20,000! With Canterbury leading 7-3 and time running out, Cooke seemed to divine Cundy’s purpose, for he sped up and gathered the short punt almost olf Cundy’s toes, beat his opponents in a twinkly run to the line, and then raced around eluding three others to touch down midway between the uprights. Not trusting anyone else he sent a low kick over the bar to win the match and the shield.

The only score in the first half was a cry by Riki Jury in the corner, following a green forward rush, Fairbrother picking up to hand on to the winger. Canterbury’s points came from a penalty by Chesley, and a dropped goal by Oliver. In addition to Cooke’s individual brilliance, the green pack played an inspired game in the second half and, lasting better, were the only team in it at the end.

Canterbury: The same XV as in the previous challenge. N. A. Doreen, who was selected having to withdraw in favour of Hart.

Wairarapa : L. Roach; W. Yates, J.C. Stringfellow, R. Jury; A.E. Cooke (capt.), R. T. Cundy; I. A. Hart; M. Parker; Seymour Willoughby, K.H. Reid. N. McGregor, Stanley “M.” Willoughby, K. Fairbrother, Q. Donald, W.R. Irvine.
(Selector E. “Ted” McKenzie.)

The referee was Mr R. Herd of Dunedin.

Following the capture of the shield, Wairarapa continued their southern tour, losing to Southland, 23-24, and beating Otago 11-8, and South Canterbury 14-l3, to arrive back home on 30 July. Auckland were scheduled to play at Masterton on Wednesday, 1 August, but it was decided there was insufiicient time for the Shield-Holders to organise a match. Auckland were promised a date for the following year. As it happened Wairarapa beat Auckland 14-13. Five of Wairarapa’s leading players, including Cooke and two other All Blacks had returned home after the shield capture.

Bill Irvine was making his 102nd appearance in first-class Rugby.