CELTIC ON TOP.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 142, 18 June 1929, Page 15

CELTIC ON TOP.

The -Torth Store v. Celtic game provided a vigorous encounter, typical of cup tie footbalL After a rousing first spell, in "which. Shore held a slight advantage, Celtic rose to the occasion in the second, and by good team work and position play, combined with plenty of dash, put on two goals, which gave them the victory. The Shore team did not display their usual combination, and the absence of Renshaw was very noticeable, especially in the defensive work. The forwards did not come up to their usual standard and could not strike up an understanding, although there was some good individual play. The halfback line sometimes got out of position, the wing men giving the opposition too much scope. Celtic, on the other hand, gave their best display of team work this season, backing up well, and eveiv man was in position both in attack and defence. McPhee gave a sound display in goal for Celtic. Whowell and Harper were very solid in the fuli-back line. Ihe half-back line was —— very sound and kept a tight hold on the opposing front line. Wright being prominent. J. Grant and W. Grant were also well up to standard. The front line played with dash, and were ably led by Rimmer, whose display was the best he has given this season. His goal was a clever effort. Gavan (right wing) and Watts (inside right) combined well with their colleagues, and brought off some clever play. Simm (left wing) and Hunter inside left) proved a lively pair for the opposing half-back line, and were always to the fore when their side was on the attack. Simm deserves credit for his goal, which was a great shot.

Wise kept goal ably for Shore, and could not be blamed for the two goals scored against him. Gerrard and Colebourne were the mainstay of the Shore defence, their resolute tackling and fine clearing work getting their side out of difficulties time and time again. Jones started at left-half, but moved to the centre after a few minutes. Ha got

through a tremendous amount of work, and played a sound game. Haycock was fair at right half, but gave the opposing wing too much, lattitude. Bush had an off 1 day and gave a lifeless display, his defence being very weak. The forward line could not get going. The half-back line failed to give them the ball, and they had to forage on their own account, with the consequence that individual efforts were mostly in evidence, McDonald, playing his first game this season, was the weak link. Elackie (outside right) played a fair game, but needs to pay more attention to positional play. Whiteley, at centre, played a hard bustling game, but was well covered by the opposing half. Jay played a solid game, but got few opportunities to shine. Bradshaw was progressive and bustling, and put in some good runs down the line, but found the opposing defence a solid proposition.