Shield Match #180
Canterbury 0 – 3 Wairarapa | September 1950

The first challenge went to Wairarapa, who were scheduled to meet Otago on 23 August and Canterbury on the above date. Wairarapa lost to Otago 0-16, to Southland 6-17, and drew with South Canterbury 3-all, before reaching Christchurch.

Lancaster Park was hard and fast, and the 19,000 present could hardly have expected to see the shield-holders so hustled and outplayed as to lose to insignificant Wairarapa. The lighter green forwards were far too mobile for their opponents, and were very quickly through to break up any attempt by the red-and-black backs to get going. Right throughout the visiting forwards were more aggressive and livey, and when Canterbury did manage to launch attacks an impregnable defence held them at bay.

The only score in the game was a magnificent dropped goal by the 13-stone Wairarapa fullback, Mahupuku, when, towards the end of the first spell, he fielded a clearing kick on the halfway line. and sent over a perfect goal.

The general and architect of the back play was Ben Couch, whilst Alan Blake was a fine captain, who unfortunately had to retire at the interval.

Canterbury: Several changes in the backs, D.L. Hickey, D.E.A. Reeves and J P. Kennedy replacing K.C. Stuart, Lynch and Simpson.

Wairarapa: A.A. Mahupuku; B.C.Patrick, A.B.C. Desmond, J.A. Geary; G.C. Parker, B.M. Couch ; S.J. Walsh; W. Waaka, A.W. Blake (capt.), D.H. Matheson,  E.B. McPhee,  J.F. Ryan,  L. Sciascia, K.Matthews, N.L. Humphries.

N.F. Desmond took Blake’s Place
(Selector Mr Keith H. Reid)

The referee was Mr W. B. Broadhead of Wanganui