TRAMS HARD PRESSED,

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 110, 12 May 1930, Page 15

TRAMS HARD PRESSED,

The game between Tramways and Thistle was rather a surprise to the followers of the code who witnessed the encounter, as Thistle easily held last season's champions, and were rather unlucky not to have gained the decision after a very strenuously fought game. Tramways ran out winners by the odd goal in three, and had to put all they knew into the game to avert defeat, lhe game was rather spoiled on account of the ground being very lumpy, the ball bouncing in all directions and being very hard to control. In the first half, .Thistle had slightly the better of the exchanges, but after the interval Trams put more vim into their play and had a fair share of the game, although Thistle failed to make the most of their chances. For Tramways, Batty, in goal, played his usual safe game, and had plenty of work to do to keep his end up. The fullbacks, McElligott and Simpson, played solidly throughout, with the latter the more prominent of the pair. In the half line, each player put all he knew into the game, and they were always up with the play in attack as well as defending well. Fyfie, at left half, played well, putting plenty of dash into his play. In the centre ot the line, Christie played his usual solid game sending his forwards away repeatedly with well-placed passes. On the right, Stretton was well up to form and kept a firm grip on tlie opposing wing. Lewis, at outside right, and Davis, at inside, combined well, the former having several strong drives. Spencer, at centre-forward, did not find the rough ground to his liking, and the ball beat him on several occasions. Nevertheless, he made amends by scoring both goals for his side. The inside-left, Williams, put in any amount of hard work, but did not seem able to strike up much combination with nis partner Mill, who did not get much to do, but always put the ball well into the goalmouth when it came his way. Gerrard in goal for Thistle was a safe custodian, and no blame could be attached to him for either of the goals registered. The full-backs, Johnson- and Hibbert, defended stubbornly, the latter especially being at the top of his form, repelling numerous attacks and putting the baUl well up the field when clearing. In the half-back line, Wright at centre-half, was always prominent, with Dick on his right also playing a solid game. On the left flank, _ Hopkins played a fair game, but the opposition was rather strong for him. It was his first appearance this season. Combining well. 11 the Thistle forward line showed much improvement, with McLeay, at centre, and Hislop, at inside-left, being most outstanding. Cummings, on the right wing performed creditably, putting the ball across the goal with good judgment. The insideright, Kennedy, showed improvement and combined well with his colleagues. On the le"t wing Foster played a good game, and knew.what to do with the ball when it came his way.