WESTERN v. SHAMBOCK

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28347, 5 August 1957, Page 14

WESTERN v. SHAMBOCK

Fielding a much stronger attack, Western had a comfortable win over Shamrock. Although the surface of Burwood Park is not as level as it might .be, the turf was in splendid condition, in marked contrast to that of English Park in the last few weeks. Western made full use of the firm ground and attacked with well-combined movements, players positioning themselves well and passing with accuracy. Shamrock seldom attacked as a unit, its approaches to the Western goal generally resulting from a long kick from the backs, tactics which were easily countered by the Western defence.

H. Langley played his first game for Western’s first division team this year, after an operation on the shoulder, and in his few brushes with the Shamrock forwards, demonstrated that he has lost none of his ability for quick thinking, and his kicking is still of outstanding length.

Shamrock was strongest on the left, but J. White at right full-back had its measure, and M. Shardlow, on the left, was always in control. D. Mackie substituted well for A. Laffey at centre half, and the regular flank halves, J. Longmuir and G. McLaren, provided good cover defence. W. Shannon and P. Saunderson both had good games as wings, and C. Whitehead had another good day at centre forward* His speed off the mark and persistence earned him three of Western’s goals. R. Durant returned to the team after his injury in the first Chinese test, and he was given a run at inside left. His Constructive play was valuable. C. Steel was the other inside forward, and he did some useful work also, but was inclined to be slow at times. J. Callaghan was beaten five times in the Shamrock goal, but they were all short-range shots, his anticipation and safe handling keeping out all attempts from further out. K. O’Flaherty and P. Daly worked hard as full-backs, but they left the Western wings too much room to move. P. Fletcher, first as right half, when his cover defence was first class, and later at centre-half when B. O’Brien went off injured, played a solid game. J. Cuniffe, who started the season so promisingly, kicked too hard and too often. Provided with good passes, the forwards ahead of him could have been more formidable. B. Newsome and J. Price, who made the most of their limited opportunities, were the best of the forwards.

Western opened the scoring early, Whitehead goaling from Saunderson’s centre which was well directed to the goalmouth. Shortly after. Steel crossed for Saunderson to score. A good combined movement, with McLaren, Durant, and Saunderson taking part, ended with Saunderson goaling again. In the second spell, Shamrock was awarded a penalty and Cuniffe’s shot, aimed at the corner of the net, went outside. Longmuir started a move from the halfway mark. Steel taking his pass and 1 sending on to Whitehead to score: Shearer nearly scored for Shamrock, but Western came back and Whitehead, following up fast, scored nis third goal of the match. The refriree was Mr I. Billcliff.