Shield Match #83
Hawke’s Bay 11 – 15 Wairarapa | 3 June 1927

Although beaten a year earlier by the record score for a match in New Zealand, Wairarapa were back at McLean Park on King’s Birthday,Friday, 3 June, eager to retrieve their reputation. The Bay supporters had come to regard their representatives as invincible and believed that even the gaps left could be filled by selector Norman McKenzie. But it was only the remnants of the famous sides of the past that was left, for six were making their first shield appearance. On the other hand, brother Ted McKenzie, Wairarapa selector, had the satisfaction of seeing the genius Bert Cooke, and Bill Lrvine, fall into his net. As it happened Cook‘s dash and brilliance had much to do with the result. Irvine and Quentin Donald, 1924 All Black mates, hooked effectively with fellow 1924 player, Ian Harvey locking them. The weather conditions were perfect and 12,000 spectators were present. The first spell was all Wairarapa, although it was a grim struggle throughout. The challengers attacked at once, but Bert Grenside opened the scoring with a penalty goal. Rewi Cundy soon retaliated in kind, and then two minutes later. Cooke broke away, and passed to Yates who scored in the corner. 3-6. Two penalty goals by Cundy followed. 3-12. This was the halftime score. At halftime M. Brownlie and S. Gemmell changed places, as also did the Grenside brothers.

For a while the Bay seemed to be going much better, Morrie Brownlie leading his pack in great style, but the edge of the attack was gone. From halfway, Grenside kicked past Roach, Campbell picked up the ball and passed to Swain who scored between the posts. B. Grenside converted. 8-12. Then Grenside kicked a penalty.
11-12.

Only one point down!

The excitement was intense as the Bay strove to come back. Then Cundy kicked his fourth penalty.
11-15.

The final stages were hectic with several stoppages for injuries, but Wairarapa held out and so ended Hawke’s Bay’s period of supremacy.

Hawke’s Bay: J. Seal; B.A. Grenside; J.M. Blake, W. Bailey; Gus Carlson, Nuku Grenside; T. G. Corkill; S. W. Gemmell; E. Single,C. Campbell, M. J. Brownlie (capt.), G. Conrad, C.J. Brownlie, J. P.Swain, M.H. Strachan.

Wairarapa: L. Roach; R. Booth, J.C. Stringfellow, W. Yates; A.E. Cooke, R.T Cundy; J. Hiroti; J.G. Donald (capt.); K.H. Reid, Seymour Willoughby, M.Parker, I.H. Harvey, W. Reside, W.R. Irvine, Q. Donald.

The referee was Mr H.J. McKenzie of Carterton.

Of the original Hawke’s Bay Bay selection, Lui Paewai had moved to Auckland, and N. Neal (fullback) was injured.

Some years later Seal changed over to Rugby League.