ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CHATHAM CUP

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26812, 18 August 1952, Page 8

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CHATHAM CUP

SOUTH ISLAND FINAL WESTERN easily beats ROSLYN-WAKARI - In the South Island final of the Chatham Cup competition played at English Park on Saturday afternoon Western, of Christchurch, was far too strong all round for Roslyn-Wakari, of Dunedin, and won easily by 6 goals to 2. Western will contest the Dominion final against North Shore (Auckland) at the Basin Reserve, WeHington, on August 30. Western had the measure of its opponents from the start, and kept the initiative throughout. It was once again cohesive football against individualism, and Western for two-thirds of the game gave as good an exhibition of constructive football as has been seen at English Park. In the closing stages the standard fell away, although Western’s sure tackling and greater speed on the ball ensured a surfeit of possession.

Roslyn-Wakari was poorly equipped to counter Western’s cohesiveness. Individually every member worked hard, but as these efforts were almost all confined to defence they never became a matchwinning factor. The forwards never looked better than a good average line, and only occasionally came close enough to cause the Western defence any serious concern.

Western, with a monopoly of mid-field play, once again revealed its strength in the intermediate position. The wing halves, Longmuir and White, and the inside forwards, Davis and Eastham, gave a first-class exhibition of positional play and ball control.

T. Murphy, the Roslyn-Wakari goalkeeper, gave a splendid display. But for his skill Western would easily have doubled its score. Another good performance was given by B. Clinton, the left full-back. A. Robertson, R. Clough, and Clinton were the outstanding players on defence. The only forward to be at all formidable was W. Robertson, at centrefbrward. Western had the better of the opening exchanges, and after a clearance Longmuir snapped the ball up and drove into the penalty area,’ from where his shot gave Murphy no chance. Western kept up the pressure, and with steady feeding of both flanks thoroughly explored the Roslyn goal. Murphy made an excellent save off Davis, and a little later another off Joseph. A surprise counter by Roslyn sent'Burgess and Mason away, but sluggishness by Robertson and Watt spoilt a ne scoring chance. Western returned, and from a penalty J. White scored. Except for brief rallies by Roslyn-Wakari Western held the initiative up to the interval, when the score was still 2-0. Roslyn attacked on the resumption of play, but a free kick by W. Robertson was put outside. Western returned, Davis pl s cil ?s to White - who scored from outside the penalty area. A little later Olley caught A. Robertson with the ball and scored. After a rush that went the length of the field W; Robertson raced between Mackie and Smith to score easily. Roslyn attacked again, but a penalty by W. Robertson was kicked well clear of the goal. Western went further ahead when N. Joseph scored after a good forward movement. Western Kept up the pressure, and soon Longmuir centred, for Olley to head the ball into the net. Just before time Roslyn broke away in a left flank movement, W. Robertson scoring after a good cross-kick by Watt. 1716 final score was: Western 6, RoslynWakari 2. Referee: Mr A. Aspen (Wellington).