Canterbury’s Challenge Shields
Each of the three sub-unions have a long history of competition and rivalry that stretches far beyond the happenings on the pitch. However, when the teams do clash, there’s usually some silverware on the line, with the challenge shields a key part of each internal clash. All three have a differing history but have the same result, you always want to hold it.
DCL SHIELD - METRO
Currently held by Linwood following their Round 5 victory against Lincoln University, the DCL (Distillers Company Limited) Shield goes on the line every game of the season, typically resulting in the shield moving around Metro’s grounds.
Originally donated in 1906 as the competition’s trophy, the DCL Shield has become the prize for a number of different competitions over the years, from the plate in the 1960’s and the bottom eight’s prize in the 1980’s.
The introduction of a new competition sponsor following that led to the shield becoming Metro’s challenge shield, with clubs desperate to get their hands on the impressive looking piece of oak.
Last year, the shield visited four different clubs, while this year, it has visited three clubs, with Marist Albion taking the shield away from Linfield in a high scoring 45-52 win over Linwood. The DCL goes straight on the line, with New Brighton heading to spoil Marist Albion’s club day.
DEANS SHIELD - NORTH CANTERBURY
The Deans Shield is competed for in North Canterbury, at stake whenever two North Canterbury sides face each other. With the Deans family having
roots with Glenmark, the shield was named in their honour and introduced in 2006 following the jubilee the previous year.
Since then, the shield has become a highly soughtafter prize, with bragging rights on the line the club holding the shield at the end of the year.
Over the weekend, 2021 holders Saracens coughed up the shield to Ohoka, who won the shield for the first time in the clubs history, winning 21-19. They’ll next defend the shield at the end of June, when they welcome Ashley to Mandeville.
MURRAY COOPER MEMORIAL SHIELD - ELLESMERE
The Murray Cooper Memorial Shield is different to the other two shields in that is only on the line at home, when two Ellesmere clubs take each other on.
Named after Leeston’s Murray Cooper, who was a life member of both his club and the Ellesmere sub-union, the shield was brought in as a memorial to a man who gave his all for club, sub-union and region, as a referee, selector, coach and manager.
Alongside the shield only being played for at home, winners only get their name on it if they hold on to it at the end of the season, making getting your name engraved a coveted prize.
This season, Waihora are the current holders, following their comeback win over Prebbleton in round 2 of the Luisetti Seeds Combined competition. It’s next on the line when the Ellesmere Division 1 restarts in June, giving teams ample motivation following the end of the combined competition.