SOUTH ISLAND TEAM

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28343, 31 July 1957, Page 16

SOUTH ISLAND TEAM

Match With School Eleven Several young Soccer players from Christchurch Boys’ High. School had their dreams realised yesterday when they played in a match against the South Island Soccer team which will meet the touring Austrians today. Included in the side which the boys played were several New Zealand representatives. The match, played at the Straven road ground, was a workout for the South Island team, and it won by 8 goals to 0. E. Charlton scored four of his side’s goals, and D. Charlton, C. Steele, and P. Saunderson also scored. One member of the school side also generously, but accidentally, scored one goal for his opponents. The schoolboys found their opponents too experienced for them, but the match provided a rare opportunity for the young school team to gain valuable experience against some of the best players in New Zealand. The school side played exceptionally well, and was not restricted to defence for the whole of the game, but often sent play into South Island territory with good movements A large number of boys from the school provided keen support for the* Boys’ High School side, and there was no word of dissent with the refereeing—the referee (Mr Gordon Smith) is . the coach of both teams. The South Island players combined well on a heavy ground, similar to that which will probably be encountered today. Before the match, the South Island players underwent a series of physical exercises and practised with the ball. Mr Smith was satisfied with the training. “I’m quite pleased with them, ’ he said. “The side should balance itself out fairly well for the match tomorrow. We are a bit fortunate that down the left side are all Otago players. The left-back, left-half and inside left are all from Otago,’’ Mr Smith said. Mr Smith also expressed his satisfaction at the performance of the Christchurch Boys’ High School eleven.

“I am also very pleased with .the boys. They put up a very good showing,’’ he said.