ASSOCIATION CODE

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25834, 20 June 1949, Page 9

ASSOCIATION CODE

WESTERN BEATS SHAMROCK RANGERS AND WIGRAM DRAW The eighth series of matches in the qualifying round for the Hurley shield competition was played by the Canterbury Football Association on Saturday after- . noon. Both Nomads and Shamrock, which surprised last Saturday, were beaten comfortably, by Technical A and Western, in the main games played at English Park. The only surprise of the day was Rangers' one-all draw with Wigram. With only one series of games to be played, Western, Thistle, Wigram, Technical A, and Nomads have qualified for the second round. The winner of the Shamrock v. Rangers game to be played next Saturday will get the sixth place. Results on Saturday were:— Technical A S, Nomads 0. Western 3, Shamrock 1. Wigram 1, Rangers 1. Celtic 1, Technical B 0. Thistle 2, Watersiders 0. Championship points are:—Western 14, Thistle 13, Wigram 11, Technical A 11, Nomads 8, Shamrock 7, Rangers 7, Watersiders 4, Celtic 4, Technical B 1. TECHNICAL A V. NOMADS After its convincing win over the competition leader, Thistle, the previous week, Nomads’ display against Technical A in the main game at English Park was an anti-climax. The scores did not represent the superiority of the Technical forwards over the Nomads defence; it did show the winner's efficiency in combined play. This was the deciding factor in the game. Technical was only one goal up at the interval, but consistent retention of possession gradually wore down Nomads’ stubborn defence. Nomads’ youthful goalkeeper showed his lack of experience and anticipation, being beaten by shots which would normally be saved by the average senior player. Still, he has his career before him and should improve with more confidence. Although the Nomads centre forward was seldom impressive, the main fault, and this resulted in the breakdown of cohesive movement, was in the play of the inside forwards, who too often lost touch with the wing halves. This was markedly shown in the second spell when the gap between them was a happi' hunting ground for the Technical halves. Nomads must the accuracy of its passing or concertina its position play. Technical gave a good combined display, but still requires more snap in the finish of the forwards to make full use of the ball. Bailey must bring the ball to his feet more and subject bis yearning to head the ball when poorly placed outside scoring range. C. Bailey (3), J. McLennan, K. Lucas, and E. Harris scored for Technical A. The referee was Mu T. Mathie. WESTERN V. SHAMROCK Shamrock, against early looked likely to repeat its previous week’s Win. Shamrock led 1-0 at the interval and had only to play safe football, but poor strategy led to Its undoing. To match Western in open football, Shamrock would need a higher degree of skill and combined play than the present eleven possesses, and on Saturday it did little except make the way open fox- Western’s winning goals. Too often the wing halves and inside forwards were left stranded upfield through a fast reversal of ends. Because of the stress laid on footwork by some of the Shamrock forwards, the attack will never be. dangerous except through opportunism. The Western forwards had a more haphazard service of the ball than usual, but good subsidiary play by R. Smith saw that the brilliant triumvirate, G. Smith Dowker, and Quickenden, had sufficient to make a win certain. Speed, accurate passing, and a complete understanding of the future movements of the other, as exemplified by Western's forwards, are qualities that Shamrock’s forwards might profit by. R. Dowker (2) and R. Smith scored for Western, and W. King for Shamrock. The referee was Mr L. Tointon. WIGRAM v. RANGERS Linwood Pane invariably treats Rangers kinuiy and on Saturday against Vvigxam tne side unexpectedly managed to snare the pointe in a 1-ail draw. The point came at a most opportune tune lor Hangers, as it piacea the side on equal terms witn SnamrocK for next Saturday’s deciding match as to which team will remain in tne senior A grade lor the remainder or the reason. Against Wigram, tne derence, well anenorea by R. Wilson in goal, worked tirelessly to keep the attentions ox Gordon, Wright, and Codling at a safe distance. Ine halves were not as solid as Wigrain's but tackled ettectively and maue good use of intercepted passes. Hassan, N. Smith, and Furlong were the best of the forwards, who generally had little room to work because of close attention from Henderson and Calhoun. S. Codling scored for Wigram and R. Smith from a penalty for Rangers. The referee was Mr J. Davidson. CELTIC v. TECHNICAL B In a scrambling display at Spreydon Domain, a snap goal by Celtic carried the day against xecimicai B axier an even game. Neither side impressed in combined play, passes being too lofted or inaccurately steered for much hope of this, but both sets of piayers offset these requirements by being fast on the ball. Technical B, alter some good displays in recent matches, was tne early favourite and good play by Sieeman, Gourley, Codd, and Thomas looked likely, but possession could not be retained for a sufficiently long time. On the other hand Nelson, Druker, B. O'Rawe, and J. O'Rawe were at equal pains in promoting Celtic counters and in the mam these players were the more impressive. J. O’Rawe scored for Celtic. The referee was Mr W. Dick. THISTLE v. WATERSIDERS At Barington Park two scratch elevens, Thistle ano Wate. steers, had an interesting and at times an exciting match. Thistle’s win was largely the result of better passing and positional play, which served to hoid possession in movement. In this respect the value of A. McAnulty, Sutherland, and White behind attacking thrusts paved the way for the side’s ultimate success. Watersiders have had several changes in recent games and this has been reflected in the side’s combination, which has iad little chance to settie down. Young in goal has given good service and agtfinst Thistle made some spectacular saves. Shearer, Cullinane, Cahill, Ormsby and Crowe were others to take the eye, and, given more support, may yet bring the side back to the senior A ranks. T. McGuigan and N. Joseph scored for Thistle. The referee was Mr C. Sweeney. LOWER GRADES Senior Reserve.—Y.M.C.A. 3, Nomads 1; Hinemoa 2, Technical 0; Rangers 4, Watersiders 1; University 4, Ashburton 1. JUNIOR GRADE Canterbury Agricultural College 3, Training College B 1; Training College A 5, Western 1; Rangers 6, University 0; St. Vincents 2, Technical A 2. THIRD GRADE Canterbury Agricultural College 3, Oriental 1; St. Vincents 1, Nomads 0; Nomads 4, Thistle 0. FOURTH GRADE Rangers 2, Nomads 1; Technical 5, Celtic 4 FIFTH GRADE Watersiders 4, Shamrock 0; Nomads 4, Technical B 3; Technical A 4, Western 1; Thistle beat Technical C by default. SIXTH GRADE Nomads 1, Shamrock 1; Rangers 7, Celtic 0; Western 5, Technical 1. SEVENTH GRADE Shamrock R 5. Thistle 2; Nomads 3, Thistle A 0; Western 2, Shamrock 1. EIGHTH GRADE I Nomads A 4, Western 0; Nomads B 2, Shamrock 1. EIGHTH GRADE II Celtic 8, Shamrock R. B. 0; Shamrock O, Shamrock R. A. 0.