ASSOCIATION CODE

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26220, 18 September 1950, Page 9

ASSOCIATION CODE

ENGLISH CUP FINAL WIGRAM AND WESTERN DRAW The final of the English Cup knock-out competition was played at English Park on Saturday, Wigram and Western drawing, 1-all. Both teams have had some thrilling matches this year and all but one of the four matches they have played have been drawn. Wigram’s win, 3-1, in the Chatham Cup competition, came after extra time had been played. Saturday’s game held its usual interest up to the last 10 minutes, when Western was first to score. From then on the pace was on in earnest, and Wigram soon had equalised. In the last few minutes both goals came under determined attack, but the defence held.

The goalkeepers - were outstanding. Neither made any serious errors, and both showed fine anticipation and sound handling. Although Laing has gained representative honours this season, Carrol has proved himself equally worthy. Both teams gave as good an exhibition of the third back game as has been seen at English Park this year. Quickenden was playing his first game for Western for some time and was as sound as more experienced players. Many of the Western team are reaching the veteran stage, and the club might well persevere with Quickenden. He has many of the qualities that made P. O’Malley a New Zealand full-back.

Wigram, without H. Lloyd in command, did equally well. E. Jones, at centre half, was outstanding. For flank halves both Wigram and Western had players who gave a grand display. The inside forwards, too, had to work hard. Outstanding here Was A. Davis, the Wigram former professional. Whenever he got the ball the attack developed quickly, and to hold him Western was forced to give less proficient Wigram forwards latitude. Neither line of forwards had much rooni to work in. Clever switching of the attack allowed thrusts down the middle, but these scoring chances were lost by poor finish. F. Bradley scored for Western, and J. Crowley for Wigram. The referee was Mr H. Royce. LOWER GRADES Senior Reserve.—Y.M.C.A. 2, Rangers 2. Junior Grade.—Western 4, Training College 2; Atlantis 1, St. Vincent’s 0; Nomads 3, Rangers 0.