Shield Game #191.
Waikato 14 – 00 Wairarapa | 26 July 1952
A forward game, devoid of any real excitement or interest, apart from the fact that after Grant had registered a try 17 minutes after the start, there was no further score until the middle of the second spell
The challengers did everything possible to make it at least 3-all, but a penalty goal by Brunskill after the second spell had gone 22 minutes followed by a Roberts’ penalty goal from 40 yards out 9-0, spelt the end of their hopes.
For good measure Waikato also gained a converted try per medium of Roberts, with Brunskill adding the extras.
14-0.
Walkato: J. R. Bullick; J. A. Roberts, D. R. Wightman, J. R. O’Hearn; B. A. C. Cowley, G. R. Brunskill; H. D. Cox; I. J. Clarke, D. R. J. McKenzie, D. E. Grant. B. Manners, G. P. Nola, J. T. Graham, E. H.Catley* (capt.), C. C. Vowles.
Wairarapa: I. A. Aitkenhead; C. A. W. Turley, S. C. M. Bannister, A. B. C. Desmond; M. L. Ahipene, M. B. Couch (capt.), J. R. Lett, W.Waaka, J. F. Ryan, E. B. McPhee, R. H. T. Pope, G. S. McPhee, N. L.Humphries, Kingi Matthews, Q. E. Desmond.
During the game, K. Alexander replaced A. B. C. Desmond. G. C. Parker replaced Alexander and H. Cottle replaced Pope.
The referee was Mr S. Whiteford of Canterbury.
