ONEHUNGA OUTPLAYED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 122, 26 May 1930, Page 14

ONEHUNGA OUTPLAYED.

The promise of better combination "which Onehunga had given in their matches against Manurewa and, Tramways was not fulfilled on Saturday, when Thistle beat them on their own ground by the decisive margin of four goals to one. The home side showed plenty of dash, and the defence stood up boldly against heavy pressure, but Onehuhga's attacks were nearly always the outcome of individual dashes, and cohesive play was very much at a discount. The fact must be faced that the Manukau team needs a centrehalf. Rutherford is a great worker, and lacks nothing as regards pluck and tackling ability, but his

position is clearly that of a wing half more than a pivot. Another weakness evident on Saturday was at outside-left, Scaridle being obviously unsuited to the flank position. A rearrangement of the line saw Wilson introduced at inside-left, but neither he nor Scandie could make much headway against Kennedy and Hibbert. Onehunga were minus the services of their captain, Zill being absent owing to a leg injury. Be made way for Mays, who played in goal two seasons ago. Mays gave an excellent display, and could not be blamed for any of the shots which beat him. Good- work for the Manukau siders was also done by Marr and Woodhall in defence, and by Waimster and Clark in attack. Thistle struck form with a vengeance, showing effective . combination and strong finishing powers. A notably good display was given by McLeay, late of Clachnacuddeh, Inverness, who showed characteristically Scottish footwork, controlling the ball cleverly and passing accurately. He scored two of the four goals, the others coming from Wylie and Hislop, who were always dangerous when within shooting range. Onehunga's solitary goal came from Clark, a few minutes after the interval, the ex-Navy forward turning a centre from Whimster past Gerrard. Play was fast and exciting during the second half, and there was a lively interlude when a free kick was given in the jaws of Thistle's goal. A thrilling tussle ensued, but Gerrard's charge had a lucky escape, the final shot from Rutherford going a few inches the wrong side of the post. The resolute defensive work of Marr was a feature of the closing stages during which Thistle pressed hotly. The ex-Navy defender has done much to strengthen Onehunga's defence.